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Top 5 Lipsticks: How to Choose the Best Lipstick and Recommendations from Our Experts

Lipstick is the most powerful makeup item you can have. Whether you are wearing a full face of makeup, or no makeup at all, full glam or minimalist makeup, a swipe of lipstick will put the whole look together. If you already love lipsticks, then you know how important it is to find the best formula and best matching shade. It boosts your confidence immediately.

We know how disheartening it can be if you haven’t found your signature lipstick yet. But don’t worry. We will make a mini guide for you about the qualities a good lipstick must have and our top 5 lipsticks that check all the boxes.

The Formula

Lipsticks are generally made of three ingredients in different percentages: the pigment, the wax and the oils. The ratio between wax and oils determines the hydrating properties and intensity of the color.

If the lipstick has a higher oil concentration, the formula will be very moisturizing on the lips, but the finish will be sheer and it won’t pop out. You may need to reapply it often because it doesn’t last long, but it’s a great option if you are looking for a moisturizing lipstick for an everyday look.

If the lipstick has a higher concentration of wax, it has a creamy formula that glides nicely on the lips, a more intense color compared to sheer lipsticks and stays on the lips longer. These lipsticks are very nourishing as well and have a glossy finish.

On the other side of lipstick’s spectrum are matte lipsticks. These lipsticks are formulated with a very high concentration of wax that contributes to the lack of shine and color intensity. But it can leave the lips very dry, so a good lip prep is crucial.

Ingredients to look for:

Cocoa Butter

Jojoba Oil

Castor oil

Aloe Vera

Vitamin E

Waxes like: beeswax, carnauba wax, Candelila wax and tallow wax.

Ingredients to Avoid

Parabens

Lead

Artificial fragrances

Synthetic dyes

The Application

Lipstick application should be an enjoyable experience. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to application. The product should glide smoothly on the lips and distribute an even product layer. It shouldn’t be streaky and you shouldn’t need to apply several layers of lipstick in order to get the color and pigmentation that the brand claims.

The lipstick should last on the lips as long as possible without needing to reapply or retouch it, it should not budge, bleed or feel too sticky.

When it comes to lipstick finishes, they could be glossy, satin or matte. Matte lipsticks tend to be a little drying and enhance lip texture, while glossy lipsticks tend to feel heavy and sticky. Remember, a good lipstick should make you feel good!

Our Top 5 Lipsticks

L’Oréal Balm-in-Lipstick with Pomegranate Extract || Retails for 9.9$

This lipstick is a budget-friendly and hydrating product, making it ideal for those who are fond of a glossy finish. Its formulation comprises 92% ingredients of natural origin like Canola Oil, Squalane, Sunflower Seed Wax, and pomegranate extract.

Exhibiting the comforting texture of a balm paired with the vibrant color of a lipstick, this product smoothly adorns the lips. It not only leaves them moisturized and nourished but also imparts a stunning glossy finish. With a versatile spectrum that includes 10 distinct shades, this lipstick is suitable for various preferences.

In addition to these features, it’s important to note that this lipstick is free from parabens, has been allergy-tested, and is designed to be suitable even for individuals with sensitive lips.

Pros

Cons

Rouge dior forever || Retails for 45$

Matte lipsticks are undeniably sophisticated and timeless, but they can cause lip dryness and often wear off inside the mouth. The Rouge Dior Forever lipstick is a groundbreaking solution to these problems. This matte lipstick provides hydration, long-lasting wear, and is also transfer-proof. Say goodbye to lipstick stains on white shirts!

This lipstick boasts a formulation that includes red peony extract for enhanced lip hydration. The application process is incredibly smooth, to the extent that it feels as if you’re not wearing anything on your lips. For optimal results, it’s recommended to let the lipstick dry for 3 minutes post-application, allowing the color to properly set in.

Additionally, this lipstick is paraben-free and EU allergen-free.

Pros

Cons

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink liquid lipstick || Retails for 9.3$

This product breaks away from the conventional bullet form and instead features a wand for precise application. Offering an array of over 20 vinyl shades, it caters to every skin tone. Its formula provides ample hydration for the lips, ensuring easy and smooth application. Once the lipstick dries, it imparts a subtle shine on the lips.

With its long-lasting formula, this lipstick ensures comfort without budging or bleeding. Given its high level of hydration and glossiness, it might feel slightly tacky on the lips. Maybelline recommends shaking the product well for about 5 seconds before application, ensuring there isn’t an excess amount of product on the wand.

In addition, this lipstick has been allergy-tested and dermatologist-tested. It upholds ethical beauty standards by being cruelty-free and is also free from parabens.

Pros

Cons

Milani Color Fetish Lipstick || Retails for 9.9$

We’re adding another budget-friendly, glossy, and hydrating lipstick to our top 5 favorites – the Milani Color Fetish Lipstick. This product is a must-include, thanks to its broad and vibrant color range. Its nourishing formula includes beneficial ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, and more. Acting as a triple-threat, it moisturizes like a balm, shines like a gloss, and offers color intensity similar to a lipstick. It provides medium coverage, which can be built up as desired.

In addition to these attributes, it’s noteworthy that this lipstick is cruelty-free and vegan. It also contains a blend of nourishing oils, making up 85% of the total ingredients.

Pros

Cons

Charlotte tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick || Retails for 32.9$

Our list would be incomplete without showcasing the ideal matte nude lipstick. Hence, we’ve included Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury in our top 5 lipsticks, albeit being the last, it’s by no means the least in terms of its offerings.

The application process of this lipstick is smooth, leaving your lips feeling moisturized. It contains a rich formula that is enhanced with antioxidants such as Vitamin E and extracts from Tree & Orchid, coupled with emollients, bestowing your lips with a smooth and moisturized sensation. A unique feature of this lipstick is the 3D pigment it contains, making the color appear as though it’s naturally emanating from your lips.

Alongside these qualities, this lipstick is paraben-free, packed with antioxidants, and is cruelty-free, affirming its commitment to ethical beauty practices.

Pros

Cons

Citations

Lee, Yoonhee, et al. “Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer.” Annals of dermatology 23.4 (2011): 455-462.

Bengtsson, Matilde. “All-day hair manageability for textured hair types. A revision of the current anti-frizz technologies and suggestions for the future.” (2016).