A good lipstick possesses the remarkable ability to transform your appearance and instantly elevate your style. With just a simple swipe, it effortlessly enhances your look, leaving you polished and perfectly put together. However, the quest to find the perfect lipstick can often be a daunting task. Whether you’re aiming for a glamorous, head-turning look or seeking a subtle yet captivating pop of color, the right lipstick holds the key to achieving that desired effect. Fortunately, beauty brands have been diligently crafting an array of diverse and innovative options, offering a wide range of choices to cater to every individual’s unique preferences. In this article, we will delve into the world of cosmetics and explore some of the most exceptional lipsticks that have graced the scene in 2023 thus far.Â
From Marilyn Monroe’s captivating cherry red lips in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” to Lupita Nyong’o’s enchanting deep ruby red shade in “Black Panther,” red lipstick has consistently graced the lips of countless stars. Many celebrities have even adopted their own signature shades, reaching for them time and time again. Taylor Swift’s go-to is Mac Cosmetics’ alluring Ruby Woo, while Jennifer Lopez favors the captivating L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss in Rouge Evy. And who could forget Madonna, who sported the unforgettable Mac Cosmetics Russian Red during her iconic ’90s Blonde Ambition tour.
While there are many shades of lipstick that are beautiful and stand out, red lipstick is, in a word, classic. It is a trend that isn’t going anywhere, and Fenty’s Icon Velvet is the hot topic on everyone’s lips—excuse the pun.
Rich Pigment: Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick
During her halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII, Rihanna made a stunning debut of her beauty line’s latest launch, the Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick. She wore the shade MVP, a cool-toned and richly pigmented red that popped against the rest of her minimalistic matte makeup look. The Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick boasts a creamy, whipped texture that effortlessly glides onto the lips, delivering intense color in just one precise swipe. This unique formula leaves lips feeling plush and comfy, ensuring that your lips remain moisturized without any dryness. The Fenty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick offers high-impact color in just one swipe—in a range of shades for every skin tone. Its plush formula delivers a smooth, lightweight texture on the lips, creating a velvety-matte finish that lasts. The included doe-foot applicator allows for easy and precise application, ensuring a flawless and effortless makeup experience.
“To me, there’s nothing more iconic about Rihanna than her soft, matte skin and bold red lips. To finesse Rihanna’s skin”
– Fenty Makeup artist Priscilla Ono
Best Coverage: L’Oreal Paris Makeup’s Colour Riche
L’Oreal Paris Makeup’s Colour Riche Lipstick is lip luxury at its finest. Formulated with nourishing ingredients like Omega-3, Vitamin E, and Argan Oil, this lipstick gives the best coverage and will leave your lips feeling soft, smooth, and ultra-hydrated while delivering a dazzling hue that lasts. And with a range of shades from bold reds to the perfect nude, there’s something for every occasion.
This formula is made with 75 percent nourishing and hydrating ingredients (think argan and sesame seed oils). The colors are rich and saturated, and they stay put without typically bleeding or feathering. Speaking of which, there are 52 shades to choose from, helpfully divided across four color families. Given the low price tag, you can easily try out a whole bunch. This creamy, full coverage with long-lasting wear is quite affordable.
L’Oreal Paris lipsticks offer an array of show-stopping shades with an intensely hydrated finish, from creamy to matte. And for an extra touch of definition, pair this lipstick with their Colour Riche Lip Liner for a perfectly defined pout. And the best part? There’s no need to constantly reapply since this lipstick’s long-lasting hue will stay all day. So go ahead, and treat yourself to some lip luxury with this product.
Best Shiny: Fenty Beauty Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
This lipstick is an excellent choice for those who like the reflective finish you get from a gloss but don’t love the tacky texture. It offers the prettiest wash of subtle color with a shiny finish that looks natural, never garish. A pomegranate butter base locks in plenty of moisture, and we also appreciate that there’s a great lineup of shades to flatter a wide range of skin tones. The high-gloss finish is found in unique shades and is not sticky.
Sculpting: Pure Color Envy – Estee Lauder
The Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy lipstick’s Multi-faceted pigments wrap lips with dimensional color impact and sculpted definition. The revitalizing moisture complex helps soften, smooth, and instantly plump lip surfaces with moisture. This formula also improves the lips’ moisture barrier to help lock in hydration and condition lips over time. It saturates lips with statement-making, wearable colors designed to flatter all skin tones and undertones. Its Comfortable Creme Finish glides on effortlessly to create a luxurious, smooth creme finish. Pure color envy wraps lips evenly with an undeniably comfortable, creamy texture. 8-hour wear. The expertly designed bullet is perfectly shaped to help sculpt the curves of your lips with effortless precision.
The case feels like luxury in your hands. And with one click, case closed.
Best Long-Lasting:
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick may provide up to 16 hours of wear. and it does indeed live up to that impressive claim. Once it sets—about 15 seconds after application—it is set and won’t budge no matter what you eat or drink (or who you smooch). Despite the matte finish, it doesn’t feel drying and comes in a wide array of over 40 hues. But FYI, you will definitely need a dedicated makeup remover when it comes time to take it off.
Best Splurge: Chanel Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour
This Chanel lipstick creates a matte finish on the lips that manages to never look flat or dry, and it feels almost completely weightless once applied. The shade range is also super diverse and fun—we’re taking neutrals, berries, and even electric pinks and oranges. Plus, the packaging is just as weighted and chic as you would expect it to be from the brand. If you’re in the market to splurge, this is a fantastic choice. The coverage level is medium to full, with a soft matte finish, and it is available in 20 shades.
What’s your favorite lipstick and shade? Let us know.
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