It’s the luscious pop of color or the kissable nude moderator. It’s the wrap-up tie-it-all-together of your face. And, when you get it right, it’s the star of your face and the makeup world.

It’s lipstick, baby.

Fun to play with and experiment with, with all the different types (a cream, a stick, a matte, a gloss!) and colors (classic red, daring black, pretty pink, soft nude), lipstick is such a staple in the makeup world.

And we’ve rounded up 25 of the best lipstick brands for modern women, so you’ll be able to find the lipstick (or 10) for all your lipstick needs.

Mac Lipstick

I mean, you want to talk about a makeup staple, how about Mac’s whole brand?

Since the brand was founded in 1984, they have offered high-quality makeup artist faves for your whole face. They are focused on an offering that is inclusive of every skin tone, type, and need, and focus on initiatives that empower women and girls. So you can feel good about your look, and about the lipstick you’re buying.

But no, focus, we’re talking about lipstick here. And Mac has a lot of lipsticks to choose from.

With a range of shades, formats, and formulas to choose from, this brand is all about options.

Some of the Mac lipstick formats to choose from include:

• Bullet lipsticks
• Liquid lipsticks
• Lip glosses
• Lip liners
• Lip palettes
• Slim lipsticks

As you can see, there’s no shortage of options to choose from, and that’s not even counting all the shades they have available.

Mac Lipstick Type

Wondering what Mac lipstick type is best for you? Is the difference between glossy and matte driving you mad? Don’t worry, we’ve got a breakdown of a wide variety of lipsticks from this brand so you can translate the confusion and get the lip look of your dreams.

There are many different types of lipsticks available from Mac, including matte, cream, glossy and hydrating lipsticks. The main difference between these lipsticks is their finish – the way they make your lips look and feel.

The table below shows some common Mac lipstick types and how they look, feel, and apply.

Type of Lipstick	Description
Mac Matte Lipstick	Matte is a lipstick finish that allows the lips to have an almost flat appearance with no shine (but like, in a good way). Try: Powder Kiss Lipstick in Devoted to Chili
Mac Cream Lipstick	Cream is a lipstick finish that’s not quite as matte but isn’t quite shiny either – it’s creamy, and often the accompanying lipstick will have a creamy feel, too. Try: Amplified Lipstick in shade Do Not Disturb
Mac Shine Lipstick	Shine is a lipstick finish that, as the name suggests, leaves the lips with a shiny finish. Try: Frost Lipstick in shade Bombshell
Mac Metallic Lipstick	Metallic is a lipstick finish that gives the lips a look that isn’t dissimilar to metal. Although it doesn’t have to be in metallic colors, there is typically a metallic tone. Try: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour Metallics Gemz & Roses
Mac Glossy Lipstick	Glossy is a lipstick finish that means the lips will have a lot of gloss, much like you’d get from wearing a lip gloss. Try: Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in shade Frienda
Mac Natural Lipstick	Mac’s natural lipstick finish is essentially used to mask the color of your lips for a more even, opaque application.) Try: Lip Erase in shade Pale
Mac Lipstick Hydrating	Hydrating lipsticks help prevent the lips from getting dehydrated throughout the day. Try: Love Me Lipstick in shade Give Me Fever
Mac Lipstick Lightweight	Lightweight lipstick shouldn’t feel heavy to wear, and lightweight lipsticks are comfortable for all-day wear. Try: Powder Kiss Lipstick in shade Sheer Outrage
Mac Lipstick Waterproof	Waterproof lipstick is … well … waterproof. That means that the lipstick won’t budge all day even if you are exposed to liquids! Try: Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor in shade Fashion Legacy
Mac Lipstick Long-Lasting	Long-lasting lipstick should remain on the lips throughout the day, through eating and drinking, and whatever your day throws your way. Try: Retro Matte Lipstick in shade Relentlessly Red
Mac Lipstick Moisturizing	Moisturizing lipsticks should moisturize the lips, offering them a boost of softening and hydrating power. Try: Love Me Liquid Lipcolor in shade Frenchie

Tom Ford Lipstick

Tom Ford may be the most well-known for his clothing designs, but he (like most luxury brands), also has an extensive makeup collection, including lipsticks.

Tom Ford is a luxury brand founded by Tom Ford in 2006. The brand has since become one of the most popular luxury brands worldwide.

Tom Ford lipsticks are available in over 40 different formulas, including cream, satin, and matte lipsticks. The lipsticks come in various finishes, including glossy, shimmery, and matte.

The best part about the Tom Ford lipstick collection is that there are so many shades to choose from! There are plenty of nude shades for those who want something neutral, but there are also bolder reds and vibrant pinks as well if you’re looking for something more eye-catching (or just want to experiment).

Tom Ford Lipstick Set

Tom Ford is the epitome of luxury. The brand is known for its glamorous and expensive products, which include everything from high-end skincare to luxurious clothing. It’s no surprise that their lipsticks are equally as decadent. And if you’ve got an eye-popping $1,800 plus to spend on lipstick, Tom Ford has a beautiful Lip Colors Collectors Set, with 60 different colors, 45 having a cream finish, and 15 with a matte finish.

The set includes nude, red, pink, and berry shades, as well as browns and purples. These lipsticks are housed in a black case with gold lettering that reads “Tom Ford Beauty.”

Don’t worry, there are selections of individual lipsticks, too. But we have to admit, the set of all of them does look awfully nice.

YSL Lipstick

Next on our list of the best lipstick brands is YSL (Yves Saint Laurent), which is, of course, another iconic luxury brand known for its fashion.

Yves Saint Laurent is a French luxury fashion house founded by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. The company was founded in 1962 and is currently owned by L’Oréal.

The brand expanded in 1978 to include cosmetics, and fragrances for men and women into the 1980s and 90s. Today, the brand offers a range of products, including makeup, body care, fragrance, accessories, jewelry, and shoes.

From lipstick to gloss, the brand has everything you need to make your pout look flawless. From classic bullet lipsticks to high-tech custom lip color devices (yes, you can literally craft your perfect pout with an at-home device from this brand).

YSL Lip Stain

YSL has a ton of gorgeous, luxe lip stain shades. They have a variety of formulas and formats, so there’s something for every lip and preference. No matter what shade or color you choose to complement your makeup look, your lips will remain bold and flawless. It goes without saying that these lip stains are going to be on the costlier end of things and are definitely a luxe choice.

Here are a few examples of some of the YSL lip stain shades we enjoy:

• Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream in shade Nude Emblem
• Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream in shade Rouge Rebel
• Vernis À Lèvres Water Stain in shade Peach Plunge

Chanel Lipstick

There’s something that feels so classic about wearing Chanel, whether it’s the clothes or the makeup – including the lipsticks. And these chic additions to your makeup bag can elevate any look, at any time. From sweats to a night out, you can be sure a Chanel lipstick is a bougie choice that will leave your lips looking fab.

Chanel Long Lasting Lipstick

Long-lasting lipsticks are a great invention, for all lipstick brands. Being able to put your lipstick on and leave it (other than touch-ups) for the rest of the day is such a good feeling.

If you’re looking for Chanel long-lasting lipsticks, here are some shades that we think are beautiful:

• The Rouge Coco Bloom in color 124 – Merveille
• The Rouge Coco Bloom in color 134 – Sunlight
• The Rouge Coco Bloom in color 148 – Surprise

Milani Lipstick

Milani is a popular cruelty-free American cosmetics brand with over 3.7 million followers on Instagram, claiming ‘Diversity is in [its] DNA.’ You won’t want to miss out on all this fun brand has to offer, including its Milani matte lipsticks.

They have a plethora of viral lip products you’ve probably seen on TikTok or Instagram – and for good reason. They’re high quality, affordable, and come in a variety of shades and formulas.

Milani Matte Lipstick

You’ve gotta love a good matte lipstick, and Milani has different matte lipsticks in numerous shades. Whether you would prefer to have a traditional bullet lippie on your wishlist or a liquid cream lipstick, there are so many shades and options for you.

Some shades we like in particular from Milani’s lineup include:

• Milani Matte Naked Lipstick in Matte Naked
• Amore Matte Lip Creme in Elegant
• Color Fetish Moisturizing Nourishing & Sheer Lipstick in Crave
• Color Statement Lipstick in Dulce Carmelo

NYX Lipstick

This wonderful, affordable brand that can be found in drug stores is a can’t-miss for makeup lovers on a budget. Their lipsticks are major highlights of the brand and are often seen as all-time favorites by beauty bloggers and everyday people alike.

Some options for NYX lipsticks are laid out in the table below.

Lipstick Type	Shade
NYX Matte Lipstick	Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam
NYX Liquid Lipstick	Shine Loud High Shine Lip Colour in Fierce Flirt
NYX Butter Lipstick	Butter Gloss in Strawberry Cheesecake

Dior Lipstick

If you’re looking for a lipstick from an incredible brand with an iconic history…you can’t go wrong with Dior. From lip gloss, to lip plumpers, and simple bullet-style lipsticks, Dior has a huge variety of shades and formats for every lip color seeker.

Dior Lipstick Set

Do you want to own an entire collection of beautiful Dior lipsticks? Maybe you like the idea of having a gorgeous art piece to display, alongside a handful of truly stunning lipsticks. Either way, you can get a whole gorgeous set from Dior.

This one includes six shades and a pretty clutch to put them away in. Plus, these lipsticks are all refillable. Pretty neat!

Dior 999 Lipstick

Everyone loves a red lipstick. And one beautiful shade is the Dior 999 shade of the Rouge Dior lipstick. You could say it’s pretty iconic, with celebs like Natalie Portman, endorsing and sporting the lipstick.

So if you want to add a classic, true red to your collection, this is the perfect one. Plus, it’s also one of their refillable shades, so you can reuse the tube, and buy a refill of just the lipstick. Chic, and eco-friendly!

Maybelline Lipstick

We mean…maybe it’s Maybelline…and if it’s not, maybe it should be! Maybelline has a ton of awesome, highly sought-after lip products that are known to go viral more often than not. And with affordable lipstick options abound, you’re sure to find something you love.

Maybelline Brown Lipstick

Sometimes you just want to rock a brown lipstick. It can be a nude lip or a striking neutral color to add to your face.

Maybelline offers beautiful brown shades of lipstick, particularly in their Color Sensational lineup:

• Maybelline Brown Blush Lipstick: Untainted Spice
• True Brown: Almond Hustle
• Warm Bronze: Double Shot
• Nude: Naked Dare

Nars Lipstick

Nars is a chic French cosmetic company with a beautiful selection of lipsticks. Their lipsticks are made with creamy, moisturizing ingredients and come in various shades and finishes. And as you can probably guess, Nars lipsticks are not cheap – but they are truly worth their price tag for some beauty lovers.

Nars Dolce Vita Lipstick

Nars has an excellent selection of shades that range from neutral nudes to dark reds and deep plums. These shades look great on all skin tones and are flattering for both day looks and nighttime glamour looks.

Nars Dolce Vita Lipstick is so creamy and buttery! It has a slight sheen to it but still stays put all day long without drying out your lips as some other formulas do. Its soft rosy pink color that creates a neutral flush is also not too dark. This makes it great for everyday wear or special occasions!

Nars Audacious Lipstick

Nars Audacious Lipstick comes in a variety of great colors. Its formula delivers bold, high-impact color in one stroke. The creamy texture won’t feather and will last all day long.

Some shades from the Nars Audacious lipstick line-up include:

• Raquel (a warm pink beige)
• Barbara (a tanned rose)
• Mona (mahogany color)
• Brigitte (a nudish rose)
• Anna (a soft smokey rose)
• Anita (an antiqued rose)
• Rita (a bright scarlet red)
• Audrey (a rich red currant)
• Charlotte (a deep oxblood burgundy)
• Bette (a rich bordeaux wine color)

Clinique Lipstick

Clinique is such a well-known brand in the skincare and beauty community, so we’ve had to add them to our list! Having been around since 1968, they have a wide variety of products that many people love, and their lipsticks are no different! Their lipsticks are super creamy, pigmented, and long-lasting.

Clinique Black Honey Lipstick

Accredited as a certified TikTok sensation, this sheer lipstick looks a bit different on anyone. This Clinique classic is a hybrid of lipstick and gloss, perfect for layering, and has a blend of blue, red, and yellow pigments that uniquely flatter each and every person.

Clinique Bamboo Pink Lipstick

Clinique’s bamboo pink-colored lipstick, from the classic Dramatically Different line of lippies, is such a beautiful shade, with a hint of brown and purple in it to make a beautiful almost neutral color.

This formula is seriously nourishing, with a pearl center core that instantly sculpts and contours lips, providing an immediate appearance of a smoother pout that ends up shaping your lips over time. Now that’s a lipstick that does more!

Clinique Pop Lip Colour and Primer

The Clinique Pop Lip Colour and Primer is a primer and lip color in one so that you can have smooth, moisturized lips in a beautiful color.

This lineup of lipsticks comes from a palette that includes shades of neutral lipstick for any skin tone, and the formula contains Vitamin E along with other ingredients to moisturize lips while delivering long-lasting color.

Revlon Lipstick

An affordable brand you can often find available at drugstores, Revlon is a makeup staple. So of course we had to include it on our list with its incredible lipstick colors at great prices. There are so many Revlon lipstick colors to choose from.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Looking for the best of the best at a bargain price? This number-one lipstick brand in America is sure to meet all your lip color needs, offering high-impact shades combined with a super-moisturizing formula – thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil infused into each tube. This incredible lipstick comes in over 70 colors, including this pretty nude.

Revlon Matte Lipstick

Who doesn’t love the clean, sophisticated look of a matte lipstick? Get all the best parts of matte lipstick without the dry, gloopy feeling that often comes with these types of liquid formulas. This lightweight, 100% wax-free gel formula also has a subtle mango and vanilla scent.

Loreal Lipstick

Another drugstore champion, L’Oreal is another affordable and wonderful makeup brand with a variety of wonderful lipsticks. From traditional bullet lippies to lip stains, lip glosses, and lip plumpers, they have a lip product for every occasion.

Loreal Lipstick Colors

Loreal has a variety of lipstick types and colors available. We’ll be showing some off on our list. But, just like with the other companies listed, we won’t be able to catch them all. And lipstick color can be so personal, and preference can vary depending on a variety of factors, including skin tone.

Some of the most popular shades of Loreal lipsticks come from their Color Riche lineup:

• Mauved
• Orange Magique
• Violet Saturne
• Rose Glace
• Nude
• Blush in Plum

Loreal Lip Stain

You’ve got to love a lip stain! We certainly do. This Loreal Lip Stain is a lightweight matte lip stain that gives lips intense color while feeling weightless and comfortable. This liquid matte lip stain provides lasting wear – even through meals!

Loreal Matte Lipstick

This long-lasting, full-coverage lipstick is a great option if you want that truly matte look. It provides 16 hours of comfortable wear and stays in place even through eating and drinking – without flaking or smudging.

Loreal Nude Lipstick

Looking for the perfect nude? Try this lineup of Loreal nude lipsticks. The six nude lipsticks in this collection are specially made to suit every skin tone and give lips a beautiful, radiant finish with a comfy feel.

Estee Lauder Lipstick

How can we create a list of the best lipstick brands and not include Estee Lauder? Puh-lease. Of course, it’s here. The brand has been around for over 70 years, meaning plenty of beauty lovers grew up with Estee Lauder products in their bathroom cabinets. If you’re looking for classic beauty products that are also effective and luxurious, then Estee Lauder is the right choice for you!

Estee Lauder Lipstick Colors

Estee Lauder has a rainbow of colors in their lipstick products, from balms to glosses, matte lipsticks, and liquid lipsticks.

For instance, their most popular lipstick, the Pure Color Envy lineup has over 30 shades, including ones from every color family:

• Reds
• Pinks
• Mauves
• Nudes

Estee Lauder Lip Gloss

There’s nothing like a great lip gloss. We think they can be underrated when compared to lipstick. But there’s nothing like a great lip gloss, especially for a light summer look. And the lip gloss we’re showcasing here is perfect for that.

Lancome Lipstick

Lancome is a wonderful makeup brand owned by L’Oreal. The company has been around since 1935 and today it has a massive following of loyal fans. If you’re looking for a new lipstick, Lancome is a great place to start. There are quite a few different shades, formulas, and finishes to choose from, so it’s easy to find one that suits your skin tone.

Lancome Lipstick Colors

Lancome makes some great long-lasting lipsticks that won’t dry out your lips or make them feel dry and flaky. They also have a great selection of colors, from bright reds to soft pinks and even nude tones.

Some of our favorite Lancome lipstick colors come from their L’Absolu Rouge Cream lineup, including:

• French Touch
• French Tea
• Orange-Confite
• French Bisou
• Rose-Cocktail

Smashbox Lipstick

Smashbox is a cruelty-free makeup brand with lipsticks that come in such fun, photographable colors. That’s largely due to their photo studio roots. Dean and Davis Factor, the great-grandsons of legendary Hollywood make-up artist Max Factor, founded Smashbox Cosmetics in 1996.

The brothers wanted to create a line of long-lasting products for flawless looks – the type befitting Hollywood stars. The brand is known for its amazing lip products, including lipsticks and glosses.

Smashbox Always on Liquid Lipstick

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipsticks are long-lasting and water-resistant. They come in a range of colors from neutral to bright pink and red, as well as finishes.

The formula is very creamy and glides on easily – it’s not as drying as other matte liquid lipsticks out there. The colors are pigmented enough that one swipe is enough for full coverage.

Huda Beauty Lipstick

Huda Beauty is a great makeup brand created by beauty blogger Huda Kattan. She has a huge following on social media and her products are in demand all over the world. This fun brand was really a shoo-in for our list.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick

The brand offers a wide variety of products, from foundations to eye shadow palettes. Their most popular product is a liquid matte lipstick, which is extremely popular among beauty bloggers and influencers. Huda Beauty liquid matte lipsticks are long-lasting, making them great for special occasions or everyday use.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick

Charlotte Tilbury sells skincare and makeup created by its namesake. Like most on this list, it’s probably a name you’ve heard before, as you should! She is a British makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Kate Moss, and Nicole Kidman.

The brand’s most popular products include eyeshadows, lipsticks, and eyeliners. The makeup line also includes skincare products such as eye creams, face masks, and primer oils for the face.

Pillow Talk Lipstick

Arguably the most talked about lipstick of 2023, Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk is a universally flattering, rich and long-wearing color that feels comfortable on the lips. This color is such a beautiful nude-pink shade. So subtle and so pretty.

Fenty Lipstick

This is Rihanna’s brand. Need we say more? Fashion icon Rihanna. Of course, it’s included on the list of the best lipstick brands.

Here are some of our favorite Fenty lipsticks:

• Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
• Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream
• Slip Shine Sheer Shiny Lipstick
• Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color
• Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

E.l.f Lipstick

E.l.f. is such a classic in affordable, drugstore makeup. And we stan affordable drugstore makeup here just as much as the big, expensive brands.

We love their liquid lipsticks and classic lip bullets alike because they’re so easy to apply and wear. They feel super lightweight on your lips and don’t dry out, plus they’re so affordable. So you won’t mind buying a bunch to try out their different shades and formulas.

E.l.f Sheer Slick Lipstick

Sheer, slick lipstick with a creamy texture and vivid color was inspired by the summer days – and that just-bitten look. It’s hydrating so lips feel nourished while they’re colored up in juicy shades.

Anastasia Lipstick

How are you going to make a list of the best lipstick brands and not include Anastasia Beverly Hills? Spoiler alert, you’re not.

Anastasia Beverly Hills was founded by Anastasia Soare in 1997, after she opened her first salon in Beverly Hills. The brand has grown over the years and now includes a full line of cosmetics and skincare products. The lipsticks from ABH are creamy and pigmented – they glide on easily without dragging or pulling at your lips. They also come in a wide range of shades that fit every skin tone perfectly.

Anastasia Liquid Lipstick

Anastasia Beverly Hills has exceptional liquid lipsticks you don’t want to miss. They’re long-lasting, full coverage, and highly pigmented. There are more than 20 shades available in this line — from classic nudes to deep reds and purples.

Stila Lipstick

Stila is an ‘artistry proven’ and ‘cruelty-free’ makeup brand with great lipsticks. The brand has over 20 years of experience in creating innovative products, and they have built its reputation on the quality of its products.

Stila lipsticks are available in various colors, from nudes to bright pinks, reds, and corals. Each lipstick is enriched with antioxidants like Vitamin E and Rosehip Oil, which help to moisturize your lips while providing long-lasting color.

Stila Liquid Lipstick

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick is a long-wearing liquid lipstick that’s waterproof, transfer-proof, and kiss-proof. The formula glides on smoothly and evenly in one swipe, and it dries down to a matte finish that won’t budge all day or night.

Stila Lipstick Beso is a fan-favorite red shade that looks gorgeous on a variety of skin tones.

And That’s All Folks

That’s our list of the best lipstick brands.

And we’ve given you a lot here to work with. We’ve spoiled you for choice.

But we couldn’t help it. There are just too many incredible lipstick brands, and we wanted to make sure you’d know about as many as possible.