Lipsticks: 12 to Buy

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A good lipstick is the fastest way to finish an outfit — one swipe and you look put together even if the rest of your makeup took thirty seconds. Here are 12 worth buying.

My top pick: A creamy, long-wearing lipstick in a versatile nude-pink or rosy mauve, that doesn’t dry out your lips or bleed past the lip line, is the one to own — a your-lips-but-better shade works with everything, and a comfortable formula means you’ll actually reach for it daily.

1. Creamy Satin Lipstick (MLBB Shade)

A my-lips-but-better shade in a comfortable satin finish. Start here. Shop satin lipstick nude pink on Amazon →

2. Matte Lipstick

A true matte that stays put — look for formulas that don’t crack or flake. Shop matte lipstick long lasting on Amazon →

3. Liquid Lipstick

A liquid-to-matte formula for the longest wear — transfer-proof for events and long days. Shop liquid lipstick matte on Amazon →

4. Classic Red Lipstick

The universal statement lip — find your red (blue-based for cool, orange-based for warm). Shop classic red lipstick on Amazon →

A woman in hijab applying lipstick while looking at her reflection

5. Berry / Plum Lipstick

A rich berry or plum for autumn and winter — the seasonal statement shade. Shop berry plum lipstick on Amazon →

6. Nude Lipstick

A true nude that matches your skin tone — the no-makeup-makeup lip. Shop nude lipstick women on Amazon →

7. Sheer / Balm Lipstick

A tinted balm with sheer colour and moisture — the easiest, most forgiving format. Shop sheer lipstick balm tinted on Amazon →

8. Lip Crayon / Pencil Lipstick

A crayon-shaped lipstick for precise, on-the-go application — no mirror needed. Shop lip crayon pencil lipstick on Amazon →

An elegant woman applying lipstick in a Parisian cafe

9. Moisturizing Lipstick (Dry Lips)

Enriched with oils and butters for lips that feel dry in all finishes. Shop moisturizing lipstick dry lips on Amazon →

10. Long-Wear Lipstick (12+ Hours)

A formula that genuinely lasts through meals — check staining vs comfort. Shop long wear lipstick 12 hour on Amazon →

11. Lip Gloss

A high-shine gloss for fullness and light — the wet-look lip. Shop lip gloss high shine on Amazon →

12. Drugstore Lipstick Under $10

A well-reviewed affordable lipstick — shade range and comfort matter more than brand. Shop drugstore lipstick affordable on Amazon →

The bottom line

A creamy satin lipstick in a your-lips-but-better shade is the one to own — it goes with everything and you’ll reach for it every day. A classic red is the second lipstick to buy, and a tinted balm is the no-effort option.

See also  Cream Blush: 10 to Buy