Here at YouBeauty we love spreading the gospel of lipstick and all of its confidence-boosting power. Seriously—few things can instantly make you feel polished, pretty and in control. In honor of our love of all things lipstick, YouBeauty editors are waxing poetic about their favorite shades. Try one out for yourself, or take our Lipstick Quiz to get a personalized pick just for you.
1Laura Kenny, Editor-in-Chief
My favorite: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $15
I’ve tried many lipsticks over the years and I always come back to this one. I’ve got pretty thin lips, and the glossy finish is forgiving; its subtle sheen helps them look a bit plumper. The shade, Black Honey, is a magical hue that looks amazing on just about everyone (I call it the normcore of lipstick shades). I was an editor at Sephora for years, and whenever we did a special offer on Black Honey, it would literally sell out in hours. Everyone who tries this shade immediately loves it!
2Amy Marturana, Editorial Assistant
My favorite: Rimmel London Lasting Finish Matte by Kate Moss in 109, $5
About two years ago, I decided I was going to start wearing lipstick. I rarely wear eye makeup, so I thought a kick-ass lipstick would help me get away with my bare bones routine and still look (and feel) like I had gotten up and done something. I didn’t want to spend much since I had no idea what would look good, so I went to CVS and bought three very different shades—this being one. The coral works perfectly with my skintone, and I get compliments on it every single time I wear it. When people ask me what it is, I love telling them I got it for $5 at the drugstore.
3Courtney Dunlop, Executive Editor
My favorite: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Shame, $22
I love, love, love mega-dark lipstick—the bolder the better. Since I have a cool skintone, I can’t have any brown or maroon-y undertones or else I look really washed out, so that’s why I love the purple-berry base of this bad boy. Warning: It’s not for the faint of heart. But if you’re willing to go for it, people will go basically apesh*t when you wear it.
4Julie Giusti, Social Media Manager
Her favorite: Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Tawny Pink, $26
I’m addicted to the spectacularly comfortable and silky texture of Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Lip Color. It feels like lip gloss but lasts a lot longer (which, for me, is like wearing four-inch heels that also manage to not kill your feet). Tawny Pink is my shade: A neutral mauve perfect for an everyday no-makeup-makeup look and also easy to layer under bolder, brighter shades when I’m feeling sassy.
5Valerie Fischel, Creative Manager
My favorite: Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope in Brat Pack, $50
I shot this lipstick for a story we did and fell in love with its velvety texture and bright pigment. And ok, mostly its irresistible gold art-deco style tube. I’ve always been hesitant to wear lipstick as my lips aren’t my favorite feature, and never imagined that drawing attention to them with a bright red would be advisable for me. But I wo-manned up and made an exception for a color like this because I wanted this beautiful object to be an accessory in my purse figured what the hell, maybe I’ll live a little. I was surprised by how much attention I got wearing it around the city, and how fancy I felt with it in my possession. Now I wear this lipstick whenever I can. And why not, life is short!
6Amanda Schupak, Science Editor
My favorite: Tarte LipSurgence Hydrating Lip Crème in Admired, $24
I’ve always treated lipstick as a special-occasion kind of thing, for weddings and whatnot, so it makes me feel dressed up—which is awkward when I’ve got no place special to go. Tarte’s LipSurgence in Admired is subtle and natural enough that I can wear it on any old day without feeling like I’m in costume, while boasting enough pigment to actually make a difference. Tarte describes it as a sheer merlot, which is the bold-color suggestion I got when I took the Lipstick Quiz. Totally on the money.
7Itzy Ramirez, Art Assistant
My favorite: Ilia Femme Fatale, $26
For years I tried to find the right red shade. Finally, Valerie suggested I try this one and every time I wear it I get compliments.
8Rachel Grumman Bender, Health Editor
My favorite: Guerlain Maxi Shine Gloss d’Enfer in Browny Clap, $30 (A lip gloss sneaked in here, but it’s too good not to mention!)
I reach for this shiny shade nearly every day—it’s the perfect nude lip. Somedays, a pair of aviators and a swipe of this gloss is all I can muster before running out of the house, but it keeps me looking and feeling pulled-together. Best of all, the gloss is moisturizing, not sticky, works on every skin tone and can be layered over lipstick. What more can you ask for?
