The 12 Best Lipsticks That Look and Feel Amazing, Tested and Reviewed by Editors

When you think of Charlotte Tilbury, you probably think of her signature nude-pink lip shade “Pillow Talk.” (It’s so popular that, according to the brand’s website, one Matte Revolution Pillow Talk lipstick is sold every two minutes.) Launched to give everyone what Tilbury calls “the most beautiful lips of your life,” the moisturizing formula smooths and shapes the pout for the appearance of softer, fuller, and smoother lips. But Tilbury’s other hues and finishes in the Matte Revolution category deserve equal praise. Coming in a variety of shades, from flattering nudes (in a handful of hues to flatter all skin tones) to bold reds, berries, and corals‚ there is a Matte Revolution lipstick made for you.  

The formula includes some magic, aka light-reflecting pigments that make the lips appear more fuller and smoother. It also has a handful of ingredients to keep lips hydrated, including vitamin E and botanical extracts, plus emollient waxes to give the texture a softer and silkier feel when wearing. 

Speaking of wearing, the brand says the lipstick can last up to 10 hours — but this is likely only possible when applied the Tilbury way, by prepping lips with a lip liner, applying and blotting, and then applying again. But this is not to say it requires a fussy application, because the angled square tip is purposefully designed to be applied straight from the bullet for ease of use. Plus, the chic and instantly recognizable embossed-gold packaging makes public reapplication impossibly glamorous.

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

Our list wouldn’t be complete without the leader of cult-status lipsticks, Mac Cosmetics, and its iconic Retro Matte Lipsticks. The all-time bestselling lipstick features an intense, opaque color and a completely matte finish. It’s so popular that Mac sells four Ruby Woo lipsticks (their most popular and famous shade) per minute worldwide, according to the brand. The iconic red shade, one of the best red lipsticks, was created in 1999 after an artist tweaked the tone of the brand’s Russian Red formula to make it more universally flattering. 

The potent pigment lipstick also includes fuschia, coral, orange-red, plum, and a taupe brown. It won’t cover all your shade requests, but the foolproof hues are a good staple to have on hand. Promising eight to 12 hours of wear, this formula truly is long-wearing, yet utterly comfortable on the lips — a feat only Mac Cosmetics could accomplish.

Price upon publish date of this article: $23

For those who prefer a foolproof, swipe-and-go lipstick, Generation G is your type of product. Rumor has it the inspiration for the sheer matte finish came from the desire to simplify the lipstick application that requires blotting, re-application, and re-blotting until it’s perfectly diffused and effortless looking. 

With Gen G, a single swipe gives that just-blotted lipstick look, without the effort. But a buildable color coverage isn’t the only benefit, it also packs a hydration punch. The formula is boosted with blue agave leaf extract and safflower seed oil for extra nourishment and hydration (making it ideal for dry lips), leaving lips looking moisturized and flushed with color. Speaking of color, the shades run the gamut, from nudes to peach to blue-toned reds. 

I’ve swiped on Crush, a hot raspberry pink, numerous times — always sans mirror because it gives the slightest dose of color — without any application drama. Don’t just take it from me though. Nearly 4,000 reviewers on Glossier’s website enthusiastically love the subtle color payoff and buttery-soft feel throughout the day. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $18

Lady Gaga’s high-performance liquid lipstick takes the idea of longevity to unheard-of new heights — leave it to Gaga to elevate a perfectly great lipstick to icon status level. This lipstick is going nowhere; it’s water-resistant and budge-proof (almost alarmingly so), yet its glossy and high shine finish also remains all day long (ingeniously so). The long wear is thanks to flexible film-forming polymers that provide a high-gloss, paint-like shine that actually sets. And while that might sound like wearing a stiff lip product, the formula somehow remains breathable, weightless, and nourishing, thanks in part to the marine algae extract. 

The packaging is glamorous, but must be opened with care — you’ll want to unscrew the applicator wand while the tube is upright to prevent spillage. Because only six shades are currently available, the color offerings are less extensive, with most hues landing in the bold red and pink categories (though the versatile shades can likely flatter many skin tones). 

You can easily track down endlessly enthusiastic reviews — almost in disbelief of its longevity, showcasing its transfer-resistance powers with bold tests — on Haus Lab’s website and TikTok. I’ve also had the pleasure of testing Cherry Shine, a true red, and while it takes some trial and error, the trick is to wait for 15 seconds after application before blotting or touching to allow the shine shield to form. The formula lasts a shockingly long time, just as shiny and unmovable hours after the initial application — it’s the best lipstick that stays on. Spickard is a fan of the liquid lip, too, noting that the technology behind the formula is one of the most impressive he’s seen recently. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $26

This breathtaking new launch is packed full of revitalizing and hydrating ingredients in a convenient swipe-on stick, yet the formula still provides a shocking punch of pigment. Consider this lipstick the best of both worlds. “What I love about this formula is not only is it so unique and special, the application is perfection,” says brand founder Rose-Marie Swift in a press release. “It easily applies and leaves no trace of creasing or separation.” The eight vivid colors come in varying shades of red, pink, and plum for a variety of options.

But what really makes this lipstick sing is the moisturizing formula, which is so chocked full of hydrating nutrients that it almost qualifies as more of a lip balm or lip oil with deep pigmentation than a standard lipstick. The brand says the majority of the water inside the formula has been replaced with organic bitter cherry fruit water, which hydrates and smoothes the lips. The creamy, silky, and lightweight feel also comes courtesy of Kakadu plum extract and the brand’s Trio-Wax Complex (jojoba, mimosa, and sunflower waxes).

This lipstick is for everyone, but it’s especially for those with chronic dry lips — you’ll fall head over heels for this surprising option. Even though the lip is full-coverage in a few swipes, I find the slim bullet so easy to maneuver and control that I don’t need a mirror to apply, and the silky texture applies and feels more like a balm than a lipstick, which is delightful for those of us that despise that matte, dry-lip feeling (et moi!).

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

Spickard is a huge fan of this long-wear liquid lipstick, even using it on one of his most prominent clients. “I love the vibrant bright orange-red in Chili Pepper, I use it constantly on Jenna Lyons,” he says. And if the formula and hue pass fashion icon, beauty entrepreneur, and the buzzy new star on ‘The Real Housewives of New York City,’ then we’re all ears (or, more aptly, lips). What sets this liquid lipstick apart from its competitors is the shade range. From matte forest green to candy pink, nearly every hue under the rainbow is available in all its bold glory. 

Expect the formula to glide on easily and then transform into a potent stain that won’t bleed or fade for hours. The brand notes that the liquid is silky and comfortable to wear, which they contribute to the addition of avocado oil, but some testers said it can feel a tad drying for all-day wear, so hydrate lips with a thick balm after removal.

Price upon publish date of this article: $15

$7.98 $10.99 27% off

$10.99

On a recent flight to Palm Springs from JFK, a handful of flight attendants had the most flattering matte pop of red lipstick, each appearing to be the same hue but equally flattering for their variety of skin tones. I was so hypnotized by the lipstick that I had to know what was on their lips. Turns out it was Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick in the shade “Shot Caller,” a bold, neutral firecracker red, and one of the best matte liquid lipsticks on the market. Beyond the versatility of the hue, they each noted how comfortable and unmovable the formula is, so much so that they don’t have to worry or reapply mid-flight. Unmovable indeed — the brand says the matte liquid lipstick can last up to 16 hours without fading or budging. In fact, the lipstick is so long-lasting that a trending question on Google associated with this product is “How do you remove Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lipstick?”

Nary a product has the staying power and intensity of color as Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink, and Spickard agrees, it’s one of his must-have lipsticks (and definitely the best matte drugstore lipstick) for his celebrity clients. It’s also beloved on social media and the internet — on Amazon, over 111,000 people have reviewed it, with the product receiving an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s also well known for its vast array of super-saturated shades, ranging from a classic red lipstick to nude lipstick and even bold bright hues. 

As a rule of thumb, it’s good to ensure you apply the lipstick carefully, since once it’s on it’s likely not budging. Consider the application method Violette has perfected for long-wear and liquid lipsticks: Apply the formula to the bottom lip first, then create an “X” pattern on your cupid’s bow (aka the top curvature of your lips) and fill in the rest of the lip from there.

Price upon publish date of this article: $7.98

Make Up For Ever has been making professional-grade products for nearly four decades, and this Rouge Artist lipstick is a fabulous example of the brand’s dedication to artistry and creativity. The ultra pigmented, satin-finish lipstick has been lab-tested to deliver 24 hours of hydration and the formula applies with the intensity of a matte but with the glide and comfort of a cream lipstick. This creamy glide is thanks to a blend of amino acids, oils, and waxes that provide comfort and hydration for hours. In clinical studies, 100 percent of individuals agreed it provided all-day-long hydration to lips. (However, some reviewers note it can stick to dry patches, so it might be ideal to exfoliate lips before application with a lip scrub.) 

The bestselling shades are a variety of nude lipsticks, including 100 (a pale beige), 172 (a deep cool-toned rose), and 150 (pale pink). Nudes and roses are a good chunk of the complex color range, so they have a hue for all skin tones, but a vast selection of reds, berries, and browns are available, too. The packaging is particularly clever — remove the cap and attach it to the bottom of the tube for an ultra-precise effect that mimics that of a lip brush.

Price upon publish date of this article: $25

What’s better than one lipstick color? Endless lipstick color combinations, courtesy of Westman Atelier’s matte suede lipstick compact featuring four hues that can be endlessly mixed for custom creations. 

Coming in two shade ranges — nude and red — the four hues in each palette are brilliantly diverse, designed to flatter most skin tones. Plus, the mix-and-match shades create a fun, choose-your-own-adventure type of lip scenario. The vegan formulas are not only richly pigmented, but also feature hydrating skincare ingredients that heal and smooth lips, including cold-pressed cherry oil (rich in vitamins A and E), marula oil, and collagen-boosting peptides. And as with all things Westman Atelier, this formula is one of the cleanest on the market, free of silicones, parabens, and phthalates. Also, the captivating gold (for the nude palette) and striking red (for the red palette) compact is endlessly refillable — just pop out the pan and replace it with the new insert. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $85

Rihanna’s beauty brand is synonymous with inclusive and flattering products, particularly their makeup line. The lip offerings are all beautiful, but the Stunna Lip Paint liquid lip is especially beloved by users. Its soft matte formula is designed to offer 12 hours of coverage, drying down to a weightless stain. “I wanted a lipstick that wouldn’t budge, even as you eat, even as you make out,” Rihanna said in a press release.

While the universal rich red hue of Uncensored, which was hand-picked by Rihanna herself, gets all the fame for looking incredible on everyone — the brand’s other hues deserve some love, too. 

A few bold nude hues would be especially show-stopping on darker skin tones, while the opaque fuchsia and burgundy would be a great fit for any tone and occasion. The lipstick has enthusiastic fans, but also a few reviewers who note the formula can be drying. This lipstick, partly because it can be so long-lasting, potentially needs more prep and aftercare (which includes a hydrating balm or mask before and after wear) when applied frequently. 

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

Meet the lipstick shaking the beauty industry to its core — winning some of the most prestigious awards and on the lips of every person in the know. This liquid lipstick is a shortcut to je ne sais quoi. Whenever I wear this lightweight hue, I receive countless compliments and demands to know what’s on my lips — it’s Petal Bouche, mais bien sûr. 

French makeup artist Violette knows a thing or two about lipsticks, having served as Dior Beauty’s international makeup designer, Estée Lauder’s global beauty director, and the current creative director of makeup at Guerlain. On top of all that, the Brooklyn-based artist created her eponymous makeup line in 2021, which includes this instant-classic liquid lipstick. 

The velvety formula is unlike any on the market right now, as it feels soft and comfortable on, is deeply pigmented, and impressively long-wearing. Violette classifies the matte lipstick as “iconically French” and says she perfected the deep red shade of Amour Fou for nearly two years. In the last year, Violette has launched two additional hues of Petal Bouche: Cerise Désir (a sophisticated and flattering burgundy) and Coeur Infidèle (an unexpected magnetic pink). It can be applied in countless ways, from blotting it on for more of a subtle stain look to slightly blurring the edges of a full-coverage lip to give it a more lived-in, just-been-kissed appearance.

Price upon publish date of this article: $28

If the name Lisa Eldridge doesn’t immediately set your heart aflutter, allow us to introduce you to this makeup artist, historian, and New York Times bestselling author. One of the world’s most celebrated celebrity and editorial makeup artists, Eldridge’s clients and friends include Dua Lipa, Kate Winslet, and Keira Knightley, Eldridge is an artist’s artist — known for her thoughtful, education, and trusted POV. You might also recognize her from her wildly popular YouTube channel (which she started in 2010 — the first professional makeup artist to do so) to share industry techniques long before TikTok was a thing. Today, her channel has over 2 million subscribers and 235 million views, with all revenue going to charities that focus on female education and health. Eldridge has also been Lancôme’s creative director of makeup since January 2015.

But we digress, back to the lipstick! Her wildly popular lipstick, available in the UK since 2018, is now finally available in the US. Not only does the lipstick impart a velvet matte (with a slight sheen) finish on the lips, but the texture has a special technology that gives it a trompe l’oeil effect, making both the bullet and lips appear three-dimensional and multifaceted. The lipstick has become synonymous with its intense pigmentation, needing only a single swipe to develop an immediate opaque lip. 

The shade range is complex, with 23 hues, in a wide array of reds, nudes, and pinks designed to have the perfect match for any skin tone. This iteration completely modernizes matte lipsticks, giving the feel of a creamy, hydrating lipstick, but the appearance of a matte finish with a hypnotic slight sheen.

Price upon publish date of this article: $30