22 Best Lipsticks of 2023, According to Editors
The Best Lipsticks of 2023, According to Editors

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Our editors try hundreds of beauty products each year, which means we've swiped on our fair share of lipsticks and can tell a good formula from a bad one with our eyes closed. Quality lipsticks have staying power, high-impact pigment, and a wearable feel that sits comfortably on the lips. If you're on the hunt for a new lipstick, we've got plenty of recommendations to help you narrow down your options. We've tried everything from eye-catching matte lipsticks to products and trends that have gone viral on TikTok, like the double lip-line or the cotton swab lipstick. We rounded up the best lipsticks of 2023 that you'll want to add to your makeup stash ASAP.
The right lipstick or lip combination can make all the difference in pulling your look together for something that's effortless, confident, and beautiful. We curated the ultimate list of top-tier lipsticks that will fit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a long-lasting lipstick formula or one with a matte, creamy, or high-shine finish, we've got a shade for you. You'll also find everything from dark red lipsticks, moody maroons and mauves, and flattering neutrals and browns to the quintessential bold red lipstick, and bright pinks and purples galore. We found a ton of high-quality drugstore lipsticks plus those cult-favorite splurge-worthy finds, so there's something for every budget.
If you're looking for a specific shade or formulation, skip the scrolling and find our top picks here:
Shop best lipsticks to add a few to your collection in 2023.
- The Best Hydrating Lipsticks
- The Best Matte Lipsticks
- The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks
- The Best Drug Store Lipsticks
- The Best Cream Lipsticks
- The Best Red Lipstick
- The Best Nude Lipstick
- The Best Shimmery Lipstick
— Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams
Best Hydrating Lipstick: Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
The Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick ($26) has the pigment of a liquid lipstick, the feel of a lip balm, and the finish of a lip gloss. It has a buildable color payoff with a buttery soft, moisturizing texture, perfect for those who have dry lips. The lipstick has comfortable wear that is lightweight and flexible on the lips. It comes in eight shades ranging from neutrals and browns to pinks, reds, and corals. Read our in-depth review of the Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick. One editor's favorite shades are Tiger, a brick red, 1990, a deep brown, and L'avenue, a berry-brown.
Best Hydrating Lipstick: Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick
This moisturizing Kaja Heart Melter Lip Gloss Stick ($19) will keep your lips quenched and plump for hours. It's one of the best lipsticks for dry lips. You won't need to top up with a gloss with this fun option.
Best Hydrating Lipstick: BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick in Creativity
Keep your lips hydrated with the mineral-infused BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick ($20). It provides full-coverage color with the feel of a lip balm. It's a conditioning formula that's perfect for those with drier lips. It comes in a variety of colors ranging from neutrals to pinks and reds.
Best Hydrating Lipstick: It Cosmetics Pillow Lips Collagen-Infused Lipstick in 11:11
How stunning is this It Cosmetics Pillow Lips Collagen-Infused Lipstick in 11:11 ($24)? All you need is one swipe with this high-pigmented formula. It's hydrating and perfect for giving your lips a conditioned feel and a plump appearance.
Best Hydrating Lipstick: Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Rococco
You don't have to choose between pigment and moisture with the Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Rococco ($28). It's a hydrating formula with a satin finish that will basically replace your tinted lip balm.
Best Matte Lipstick: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick
The Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick ($26) delivers a bold pigment with a weightless feel. It's a matte lipstick that's nondrying and makes the lips feel soft and suede-like. The long-wearing formula has a smooth-matte, soft-focus finish that looks air brushed. It comes in 20 shades, including reds, pinks, and browns. Read our in-depth review of the Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick. One editor's favorite shades are Amanda, a deep plum, Rasa, a midtone rosy pink, and Fanda, a rosy brown.
Best Matte Lipstick: Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire
Selena Gomez's favorite and go-to shade Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick in Inspire ($20) will be your new favorite bold red. It's a weightless matte lipstick that feels velvety soft on your lips. It's nondrying as well, and it comes in a ton of different shades. Read our in-depth review of the Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick. One editor loves the shades Inspire, Fearless, a deep, cool-tone brown, Heroic, a berry magenta shade, and Brave, a muted terracotta.
Best Matte Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick
The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($34) is famous for its cult-favorite Pillow Talk shade, but it also comes in a ton of universally flattering shades. It has a matte finish with a long-wearing, buildable formula. It's hydrating and pigmented, and it's the finishing touch to a glam look. Pillow Talk is a stunning nude pink shade for those with lighter skin tones, however, the shade Pillow Talk Medium is perfect for those with darker skin tones. Read our review of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick.
Best Matte Lipstick: About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color
The About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color ($16) has a formula so light and flexible, you won't even feel it on your lips. It's a long-wearing, non-drying liquid lipstick with a color payoff that doesn't disappoint. It's an editor-favorite as well; read our in-depth review of the About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color.
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip
The Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip ($20) has an incredible staying power that lets you eat, drink, and even wear a face mask without transferring. Don't believe us, one of our editors put it to the test; read our in-depth review of the Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip. The formula is smudge-proof and waterproof, and comes in eight shades.
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick
The Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick ($22) is not just an editor-favorite but also congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's go-to, specifically in the shade Beso. The long-lasting liquid lipstick has a matte finish but won't dry out the lips. It comes in 24 different colors from bright red to rosy pink. Read our in-depth review of the Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick.
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip
Don't mind us as we literally swoon over the Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip ($26). It's one of the most pigmented lipsticks on the market with the most long-lasting wear. It's a weightless feel that has a soft matte finish. We're particularly smitten with this soft matte chocolatey shade, but it comes in other bold shades as well.
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Smashbox Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in Trending
The soft cream to matte formula of the Smashbox Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in Trending ($27) is water resistant and transfer proof. It's perfect for the spring and summertime.
Best Long-Lasting Lipstick: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15) has both moisture and staying power. It's a full-coverage, pigmented formula with a matte finish that will actually stain your lips for a flush of color the next day. It comes in so many different shades, including blues, greens, and more.
Best Drugstore Lipstick: Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
The Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick ($11) glides on smoothly and promises to last eight hours. It is a product that doubles as a lip liner and has a built-in sharpener. It's smudge proof with a long-lasting wear, and it's truly a hidden gem.
Best Drugstore Lipstick: The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick
The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick ($13) in Bawse Lady is one editor's go-to red shade. The formula is smooth and soft delivering a bold and pigmented matte finish without drying out the lips. It has a staying power for up to eight hours. Read our review of The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick.
Best Drugstore Lipstick: Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick
The shades of Maybelline New York Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick ($5-$7) were tested on 50 different skin tones to ensure the hues are flattering on everyone. The shade range is so expansive, it's a go-to for an affordable bold lip. It has a satin finish that's conditioning on the lips.
Best Creamy Lipstick: Nars Audacious Lipstick in Audrey
You can never go wrong with the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Audrey ($34). It's a creamy formula that doesn't compromise on pigment and color. It's perfect for that red-carpet-ready, glamorous bold lip.
Best Creamy Lipstick: MAC Lipstick Cream
You can never go wrong with a MAC lipstick, and the MAC Lipstick Cream ($21) is a classic that will always be our favorite. This lipstick has a satin finish and comes in a ton of different colors. Plus, it's long wearing.
Best Red Lipstick: Guerlain Rouge G Refillable Lipstick
The Guerlain Rouge G Refillable Lipstick ($34) is an editor-favorite for the flattering red shades it offers with different undertones complimenting a range of skin tones and preferences. The formula is creamy and goes on smoothly, leaving the lips feeling hydrated with no smearing or streaks. One editor's favorite red shades are Rouge du Tigre, Rouge Impérial, and Roi des Rouges. Read our in-depth review of the Guerlain Rouge G Refillable Lipstick.
Best Nude Lipstick: Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo
Our editors agree, the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($29) is our new favorite budge-proof lipstick formula. Each super-flattering color will last you from your first sip of coffee in the morning all the way to the end of dinner (and then some). The 25-shade range has the perfect neutral and nude for your skin tone, even taking into account undertones. One side of this dual-ended lipstick is a creamy matte lipstick while the other side is a hydrating lip gloss, so you'll have a go-to nude for any occasion. Read our in-depth review of the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo.
Best Shimmer-Finish Lipstick: Pat McGrath Labs BlitzTrance Lipstick
This iridescent Pat McGrath Labs BlitzTrance Lipstick ($40) will give you a shimmery dose of color that's creamy and shiny. It's a conditioning cream lipstick that comes in four shades. It'll illuminate your lips for a plumper, gloss-like appearance.