Looking for the perfect lipstick? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide to the best lipsticks of 2023 covers everything from matte to shimmer, nude to bold, and everything in between. Discover the top picks from popular brands and find the perfect shade for your skin tone.
Finding the right lipstick can make a huge difference in your look and confidence. A good lipstick can enhance your natural beauty, complement your skin tone, and express your personality and mood. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be hard to choose the best lipstick for your needs and preferences.
That's why we have created this comprehensive guide to the best lipsticks of 2023. We have tested and reviewed hundreds of lipsticks from different brands, categories, and price ranges, and selected the top 10 lipsticks that stand out for their quality, performance, and value. We have also considered the variety of finishes and shades that are trending in 2023, from matte to shimmer, from nude to bold.
In this post, you will find detailed information about each lipstick, such as its ingredients, features, benefits, pros, and cons. You will also find tips and recommendations on how to apply, wear, and remove each lipstick, as well as how to pair it with other makeup products and outfits. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of what lipstick suits you best and how to rock it with style and confidence.
Top Pick: Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipsticks are lipsticks that have a flat, non-shiny finish. They are popular for their long-lasting, high-quality, and sophisticated look. However, not all matte lipsticks are created equal. Some matte lipsticks can be drying, patchy, or uncomfortable to wear. That's why we have selected the best matte lipsticks of 2023, based on their quality, performance, and value. Here are our top picks for matte lipsticks, along with their pros and cons, and swatches or photos to show their glam colour and texture.
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Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
This is our best overall pick for matte lipsticks, as it delivers a true matte finish that lasts for hours without fading, bleeding, or feathering. It also feels comfortable and moisturizing on the lips, thanks to its creamy and lightweight formula that contains vitamin E and avocado oil. It comes in a variety of shades, from nude to red, and has a doe-foot applicator that makes it easy to apply. The only downside is that it may transfer slightly, especially if you eat or drink.
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
This is our best budget pick for matte lipsticks, as it offers great value for money. It has a soft and velvety texture that glides on smoothly and dries to a matte finish. It also has a sweet vanilla scent and a decent colour payoff. It comes in a wide range of shades, from neutral to bright, and has a wand applicator that allows for precise application. The only downside is that it may not be very long-lasting or pigmented, and may require reapplication throughout the day.
Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Matte Lipstick
This is our best splurge pick for matte lipsticks, as it is a luxury product that offers a high-end experience. It has a sleek and elegant packaging that features the signature Gucci logo and a gold-tone cap. It also has a rich and creamy formula that delivers a matte finish with a hint of luminosity. It also has a floral fragrance and a smooth and comfortable feel on the lips. It comes in a curated selection of shades, from classic to trendy, and has a bullet shape that allows for easy application. The only downside is that it is quite expensive and may not be very long-wearing or transfer-proof.
These are some of the best matte go-to lipsticks of 2023 that we recommend. They have different features and benefits that can suit different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a long-lasting, moisturizing, or luxurious matte lipstick, you can find it among these top picks.
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Top Pick: Shimmer Lipsticks
Shimmer lipsticks are perfect for adding some glamour and dimension to your lips, especially for special occasions or festive seasons. However, not all shimmer lipsticks are created equal. Some shimmer lipsticks can be too glittery, gritty, or dry on the lips. That's why we have selected the best shimmer lipsticks of 2023, based on their quality, performance, and value. Here are our top picks for shimmer lipsticks, along with their pros and cons, and swatches or photos to show their colour and sparkle.
Stila Stay All Day Shimmer Liquid Lipstick
This is our best overall pick for shimmer lipsticks, as it combines the long-lasting, pigmented, and comfortable formula of the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick with a subtle and sophisticated shimmer finish. It also has a weightless and creamy texture that glides on smoothly and evenly. It comes in six shades range, from nude to berry, and has a doe-foot applicator that makes it easy to apply. The only downside is that it may be a bit drying for some people, so we recommend using a lip balm underneath or a gloss on top.
NYX Shout Loud Satin Lipstick
This is our best budget pick for shimmer lipsticks, as it offers great value for money. It has a satin finish that is not too matte or too glossy but has a hint of shimmer that catches the light. It also has a rich and creamy formula that delivers a high-impact colour payoff and a moisturizing feel on the lips. It comes in a wide range of shades, from neutral to bright, and has a bullet shape that allows for easy application. The only downside is that it may not be very long-lasting or transfer-proof, and may require reapplication throughout the day.
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Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison Glitter Lipstick
This is our best splurge pick for shimmer lipsticks, as it is a luxury product that offers a high-end experience. It has a stunning packaging that features the signature Gucci logo and a glittery cap. It also has a glittery formula that delivers a dazzling and dramatic effect on the lips. It also has a smooth and comfortable feel on the lips, thanks to its blend of waxes and oils. It comes in three shades, from gold to red, and has a bullet shape that allows for easy application. The only downside is that it is quite expensive and may not be very pigmented or long-wearing.
These are some of the best shimmer lipsticks of 2023 that we recommend. They have different features and benefits that can suit different needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a subtle or a bold shimmer lipstick, you can find it among these top picks.
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Other Notable Lipsticks
While we have selected our top picks for matte and shimmer lipsticks, there are many other lipsticks that deserve a mention. These are some of the other notable lipsticks that didn't quite make the cut but are still worth considering. Here are our brief reviews of each lipstick, along with their pros and cons, and swatches or photos to show their colour and texture.
MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour
This is a liquid lipstick that has a unique powder-soft, matte finish. It has a whipped and mousse-like texture that feels comfortable and hydrating on the lips, thanks to its blend of moisture-coated powder cosmetic pigments. It also has a good colour payoff and long-lasting wear. It comes in 17 shades, from nude to purple, and has a tapered applicator that allows for precise application. The only downside is that it may settle into fine lines or accentuate dryness, so we recommend exfoliating and moisturizing your lips before using it.
NARS Audacious Lipstick
This is a classic lipstick that has a creamy, satin finish. It has a smooth and luxurious formula that delivers coverage and intense colour in one swipe. It also has a nourishing and moisturizing feel on the lips, thanks to its blend of oils and waxes. It comes in 40 shades, from neutral to bold, and has a magnetic cap that snaps securely. The only downside is that it may transfer easily, especially if you eat or drink.
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
This is a lip gloss that has a shiny, shimmery, and plumping finish. It has a non-sticky and lightweight formula that delivers a sheer and glossy colour with a hint of sparkle. It also has a conditioning and soothing feel on the lips, thanks to its blend of shea butter and vitamin E. It comes in six shades, from clear to brown, and has a jumbo applicator that allows for generous application. The only downside is that it may not be very long-lasting or pigmented, and may require reapplication throughout the day.
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Pat McGrath Labs Satin Allure Lipstick
Pat McGrath Labs Satin Allure Lipstick is a lipstick that has a silky-smooth, satin finish and a weightless, moisturizing feel on the lips. It contains botanical collagen and passion fruit oil to create a dewy effect and keep the lips soft and hydrated. It comes in 10 shades, from nude to red, and has a unique infusion of pigments that deliver a rich and long-lasting lip look.
How to Choose the Right Lipstick for Your Skin Tone
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lipstick is your skin tone. Your skin tone can affect how the lipstick color looks on your lips, and whether it enhances or clashes with your natural features. A lipstick that looks stunning on someone else may not look as flattering on you, and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential to know your skin tone and find the right lipstick to complement it.
Your skin tone is the colour of your skin's surface, which can be influenced by your ethnicity, sun exposure, and blood circulation. Your skin tone can be classified into three basic categories: light, medium, and dark. However, within each category, there are variations and nuances that make your skin tone unique. To determine your skin tone, you can look at your skin in natural light and compare it with a colour chart or a foundation shade.
Another factor to consider is your undertone, which is the colour that lies beneath your skin's surface. Your undertone can be warm, cool, or neutral, depending on the hue of your veins, jewellery, and clothing. To determine your undertone, you can look at the veins on your wrist and see if they appear more blue cool, green (warm), or purple (neutral). You can also try on different metals and colours and see which ones suit you best. Generally, silver and blue look better on cool undertones, while gold and orange look better on warm undertones. Neutral undertones can wear both.
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Once you know your skin tone and undertone, you can choose a lipstick and lip liner that matches or contrasts with them. You want to focus on shades similar to your undertone when choosing a lipstick, says Mann. “For yellow undertones, stick to warmer colors and for pink undertones, look for shades with blue or purple tones in them.” And everyone should avoid lipstick colours with a grey, ashy or overly pale feel, Mann says
Here are some general guidelines on how to choose a lipstick based on your skin tone and undertone:
• For light skin with cool undertones, look for rosy pink, coral, peach, or nude shades of lip colour. Avoid brown or orange shades that may wash you out. A good example is Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Perla.
• For light skin with warm undertones, look for beige, caramel, honey, or warm red shades. Avoid blue-based shades that may make you look pale. A good example is NYX Shout Loud Satin Lipstick in Day Club.
• For medium skin with cool undertones, look for mauve, berry, plum, or cherry shades. Avoid yellow-based shades that may make you look dull. A good example is NARS Audacious Lipstick in Anna.
• For medium skin with warm undertones, look for bronze, copper, brick, or orange shades. Avoid pink-based shades that may make you look unnatural. A good example is Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Cheeky.
• For dark skin with cool undertones, look for wine, burgundy, purple, or fuchsia shades. Avoid pale or frosty shades that may make you look ashy. A good example is Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Lunaison Glitter Lipstick in Vantine Fuchsia.
• For dark skin with warm undertones, look for brown, chocolate, gold, or deep red shades. Avoid pastel or neon shades that may make you look harsh. A good example is MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour in Over the Taupe.
These are some of the tips on how to choose the right lipstick for your skin tone. However, these are not strict rules, but rather suggestions. You can always experiment with different shades and finishes, and find what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and feel confident with your lipstick.
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Conclusion
Lipstick is one of the most versatile and expressive makeup products that can transform your look and mood in an instant. However, finding the right lipstick can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as your skin tone, your personal style, and the occasion. That's why we have created this comprehensive guide to the best lipsticks of 2023, to help you choose the best lipstick for your needs and preferences.
We have reviewed the top 10 lipsticks of 2023, based on their quality, performance, and value. We have also considered the variety of finishes and shades that are trending in 2023, from matte to shimmer, from nude to bold. We have provided detailed information about each lipstick, such as its ingredients, features, benefits, pros, and cons. We have also provided tips and recommendations on how to apply, wear, and remove each lipstick, as well as how to pair it with other makeup products and outfits.
We hope you enjoyed this post and learned something new and useful. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to lipstick. You can always experiment with different options and find the perfect lipstick for you. The most important thing is to have fun and feel confident with your lipstick. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out some of the best lipsticks of 2023 and see the difference they can make. You may be surprised by how much lipstick can change your life.