Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
I love lipstick so much my collection could probably land me a starring role on Hoarders. The "problem" started young: I used to take Crayola markers and slather them all over my Barbie dolls' plastic pouts. When I was nine I wore lipstick for the first time—a frosty pink inspired by Baby Spice. My obsession is no surprise. As someone who changes her lipstick color up to three times a day, I've estimated 150 tubes are in my regular rotation (that's not including the ones sitting pretty in my beauty stash, untouched). So, trust me when I say I know the best lipsticks out there. Ahead, see how 15 of my top picks look on and find out what makes each of them stand out.
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Lip Stain in 400 The Red
$38; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
This is the most perfect, highly pigmented red there is. Most liquid lipsticks tend to get really dry, but this satin formula stays creamy and feels comfortable on the lips all day.
Burberry Lip Velvet Crush Sheer Matte Stain in Cranberry Red
$30; nordstrom.com
True story: This lip stain lasted through a makeout and messy tacos (you know, the essentials). That alone should sell it, but I am also a fan because of its unique felt tip applicator which feels lovely on the lips and dispenses color as sheer or opaque as you'd like.
Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Fatale
$28; sephora.com
This is one of the best matte lipsticks on the market because it's extremely moisturizing and easy to apply with its twist-up packaging and rounded tip pencil. The pigment is so powerful you only need to go over lips once. This shade in particular is my moody Fall go-to.
Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 91 Indian Summer
$14; sephora.com
I've waxed poetic about Sephora's in-house, affordable makeup collection and I'll do it again. As far as long-lasting lip color goes, nothing beats SC's cream lip stain. I love all the colors, but this vibrant hot pink in particular elicits a happy mood (and earned me dozens of compliments in my DMs when I posed in it on Instagram).
NYX Licorice Lane Matte Lipstick in Vine Vibes
$18 (set of 4); ulta.com
NYX has long been a drugstore favorite of mine for lipsticks (hello, cult-favorite Soft Matte Lip Creams!). This new launch took me by surprise, however, because it has that same beautiful finish and color payoff in a solid form. It's a really tiny, convenient skinny tube that's as easy to apply as lip balm. Putting on this red felt like love at first sight.
Tom Ford Boys & Girls Lip Color in Letitia
$36; sephora.com
Tom Ford lipstick is the kind of thing I whip out when I want to feel fancy. The Boys & Girls lipstick collection in particular is genius because it ventures into crazy-color territory (see: Cardi B-inspired blue), but somehow doesn't make the wearer look Halloween-y. I love this orchid shade because it goes on really sheer but can layer and become more intense depending on how bold you're feeling.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Riot
$45 (set of 4); narscosmetics.com
Can a girl have too many reds? Nope. I love the blue-ish tinge to this matte lip pencil from NARS, which wins for its precision in application (just make sure you have a jumbo crayon sharpener!).
Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in She Said
$6; colourpopcosmetics.com
There's a reason every beauty blogger and makeup enthusiast on Instagram adores Colourpop. The products are not only crazy affordable, but really work. Its liquid lipsticks are famous for being one of the most long-lasting formulas—this hue I'm wearing didn't budge one bit despite me eating a salad with liberal amounts of greasy dressing.
M.A.C Powder Kiss Lipstick in Fall in Love
$19; ulta.com
Chances are, you already have a M.A.C lipstick. This brand new launch from the brand, however, stands out for its lightweight, no-drag formula. The color on the tube looks intense, but goes on semi-sheer and with blotted, blurred edges so you can layer as you wish. It feels amazing on the lips, which will be more kissable than ever.
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita
$20; sephora.com
Kat Von D's "Lolita" color has its very own fanbase with good reason. The '90s-ish brown-pink shade is a favorite. It goes on very liquidy and dries the second it hits your lips. Once it's on, it's impossible to take off, so save this for a big event. I suggest using a lip liner (of course there's a matching "Lolita" liner).
BeautyCounter Color Intense Lipstick in Little Black Dress
$34; beautycounter.com
This may be the most delicious lipstick ever. It sounds weird, but flavor matters—and this one has a fresh peppermint taste that makes its nourishing, creamy formula all the more addicting.
Mented Lipstick in Pretty in Pink
$17; mentedcosmetics.com
I've finally found my perfect nude! It unsurprisingly comes from Mented, a beauty brand founded by women of color who wanted to create products that cater to other women of color (because nude is not the same for everyone). I love the slip of this formula and the way color melts into your natural lip color to really pull off that no-makeup makeup thing.
Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Lip Balm in Flesh 3
$38; sephora.com
Pat McGrath can do no wrong—somehow, she made tinted lip balms feel utterly chic. I'm head over heels for her Lip Fetish balms, which add a thin veil of color and a surge of moisture so lips look crazy plump (like you just got injections, but less painful).
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncuffed
$24; sephora.com
If Rihanna is selling it, I'm buying it. I was stoked for this recent launch because I'm a fan of the original bright red Stunna lip paint but wanted something a little more low-key sexy. Thankfully she dropped more hues—all with insane staying power.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Legendary Queen
$34; charlottetilbury.com
I love this tube partially because of its Old Hollywood-inspired, rose gold tube, but also because of the pillowy feel of its matte formula. Legendary Queen, a brick red, makes me feel sophisticated whenever I put it on.
Seeing Infrared
Scar Creams That Work Better Than Concealer
The 10 Best Korean Eye Creams for a Youthful Glow
The Toner Pads That Cleared My Hyperpigmentation
