The 17 Best Lipsticks Of All Time, According To The Grazia Team

Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark says, 'I have adored NARS lipsticks since I first started experimenting with lip colour and the formulas just keep getting better and better - less cracking, more hydrating, longer lasting - thank you lipstick makers! Usually I am a matte girl but when I want something that's a little less 'out there' I reach for this glossier finish. It's more forgiving when I'm in a rush and don't have time to use a lip liner. This is a swipe and go type of lipstick but the best part is that unlike most other sheeny shades this one actually stays put and withstands eating, drinking, and chatting. Call me a shiny lipped convert.'

Shades: 15

Finish: Sheer to medium glossy

Texture: Lightweight

Beauty Assistant Renee Washington says, 'While I'm not typically drawn to lipstick, Anastasia's Liquid Lipstick has earned a coveted spot in my beauty lineup. For those nights when I opt for a glamorous look, it's my go-to choice. My favourite shade, Hudson, boasts impressive pigmentation and long-lasting wear, sparing me the hassle of constant touch-ups. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a gloss or oil earning it bonus points as far as i'm concerned.

Shades: 15

Finish: Matte

Texture: Liquid

Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'For an emollient lipstick meets lip balm hybrid look no further - this newly launched one from Chantecaille is truly beautiful. The shade 'Enthusiasm' is a joy to apply and imparts a gorgeously peachy gloss that's ideal for those who just like a "little something" on their lips - it sits right beside my desk for a colour boosts throughout the day. While I'm currently sporting a slight tan, I would say the pink undertones make this hue particularly flattering for those with pale skin.'

Shades: 3

Texture: Balmy

Finish: Glossy

Head Of Beauty Joely Walker says, ‘It pains me to whittle my beloved lipstick stash down, but if I HAD to choose – right now I’d go for this Giorgio Armani lipstick. The silky formula offers a hint of natural colour that just looks like my lips – only better. Equally, there isn’t a dud in the entire shade range – with a perfect tone for everyone.’

Shades: 10

Finish: High-shine

Texture: Satin

Beauty Editor Rachael says, ‘I won’t apologise - throw all the new launches at me but I’ll always revert back to my beloved Pillow Talk - CT is the best lipstick brand in my opinion as it's just so long-lasting. I could apply it first thing in the morning before work and it's still going strong by lunch. One extra application around this time and I find it lasts until the small hours. The perfect ‘my lips but better,’ shade there’s a reason why Pillow Talk is a best seller. It’s creamy and buttery in texture plus the hue is universally flattering (there’s now several iterations of the shade suited to all skin tones.) Although I did deviate on my wedding day (Wedding Belles is the best lipstick for wedding day) for the day-to-day it doesn’t get any better than this one. It's always in my handbag.'

Shades: 13

Finish: Matte

Texture: Velvet

Rebecca Holman, Digital Director says, ‘Mine is Ruby Woo by Mac because I’m a terrible cliché. I don’t think I even own another lipstick – I can’t get my head around oranges and pinks, and this is the only red I think suits my skin tone/doesn’t make my teeth look totally yellow. I feel a bit like I’m in a play when I’m wearing it, but in a good way.’

Shades: 6

Finish: Matte

Texture: Creamy

A viral sensation for a reason, Clinique's iconic Black Honey is beloved on the Grazia beauty desk thanks to its ability to deliver a soft, silky, sheer wash of colour.

Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I'm a nude girl through and through, but Black Honey is a great way to tap into a darker, more sultry tone (perfect for a date night) that doesn't feel overly dramatic. In my opinion this is one of the best lipsticks for dry lips as it imparts a layer of moisture . The texture is nourishing and soothing and looks, in my opinion, particularly flattering when I'm sporting a slight tan. My only criticism is the packaging looks and feels a little tinny - it dents really easily.'

And did you know there's a pink version too? Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant says: 'I'm all here for a lipstick that feels like a balm, because lipsticks can often feel extremely drying. This lipstick has the complete opposite effect because the creamy formula it is extremely nourishing. The pink honey shade is gorgeous, natural, and universally flattering.'

Shades: 2

Finish: Shiny

Texture: Balm meets gloss

Acting head of beauty Cassie Steer says: 'I love a matte lipstick but not anything that feels uncomfortable on my skin. The Powermatte Lipstick by Nars is the exception - it's ultra-lightweight, and high-intensity. As for the shade Feel My Fire? The perfect orange toned red for summer.

Shades: 21

Finish: Matte

Texture: Velvety

Searching for best lipstick uk? Look no further than this British brand.

Emma Stoddart, former Grazia beauty writer says, 'I cannot leave my house without Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria. It’s just the perfect tawny-nude lipstick that goes with everything – a fresh-faced look, a smoky eye and even blue liner. Plus, the square-shaped tip makes application a total doddle.’

Shades: 13

Finish: Matte

Texture: Velvety

This bargain lipstick is richly pigmented but infused with skincare for a smooth, satin finish - think a nourishing blend of marula oil, squalane and jojoba esters.

Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I have chronically dry lips so it's refreshing to find a budget lipstick that smooths and soothes - no dry skin in sight. As aforementioned I'm a huge Pillow Talk fan, but this particular rosey shade is an excellent budget alternative. While it doesn't feel quite as luxe, I do think it's a great option given the price tag.

Shades: 20

Finish: Satin

Texture: Soft

Over the last month alone there's been a huge increase in the search for red lipsticks - a whopping 169% increase to be exact. While this one is beautifully matte, the infusion of antioxidants and an exclusive moisturising complex ensure it wears beautifully.

Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I wore this once on a night out and believe me when I say it was still perfect by the time I got home. It has to be tried to be believed. And there's a reason why it's said to be Taylor Swift's favourite red lippie.'

Shades: 16

Finish: Matte

Texture: Suede

Infused with jojoba oil derivative and shea butter, this lipstick may be matte but it's also gorgeously nourishing helping to boost the appearance of thin lips.

Beauty editor Rachael says, 'It comes no surprise that a Chanel lipstick would make this list. When samples arrive into the office then you best believe we're all vying to be the first to test them - those little bullets are that good. The formulation is creamy and rich and plays well only if my lips are well hydrated in the first place. For that reason I'll coat them in a hefty And as for the limited-edition white case with black trim? Trés chic!'

Shades: 6

Finish: Luminous matte

Texture: Soft and nourishing

Beauty Assistant Renee Washington says, 'I’m here to admit not a lipstick girl at all. But if I’m going to choose one it’s going to be something subtle and balmy. I find lipsticks to be drying but this one has the complete opposite effect - the formula is buttery and extremely nourishing. And if you’re someone who loves a bit of shine on the lip (like me), you’re be glad to know this can be layered with a gloss or oil. If I'm not wearing with a liner I like to focus the product on my bottom lip for a more natural look. My shade of choice is Wild Rose which is gorgeous and so flattering on my skin tone.’

Shades: 8

Finish: Luminous

Texture: Buttery

Beauty writer, Sameeha Shaikh, says, 'Respectfully, I am not a lipstick lover. My go-to look is a simple swipe of liner and a touch of gloss on top, but on the occasions I do reach for a lipstick, it will always be this. Glossier's Ultralip in Trench is for those of us who prefer a balmy, buttery lipstick that leaves lips hydrated and comforted, with a touch of colour. And the shade? Let's just say if you have a penchant for browny-nude, sheeny lips this will fast-become your new BFF. It's the best lipstick for brown skin, as far as I'm concerned.'

Shades: 11

Finish: Sheer

Texture: Buttery

The latest collaboration between Estée Lauder and one of India's most celebrated designers, Sabyasachi, may have only launched mere days ago, but it's already selling out. Expect a myriad of beautiful shades in Ultra Matte and Satin Matte finishes inspired by India. Our favourite hue? The satisfyingly creamy 'Apricot Silk,' a warm peach that coats lips in a warm wash of colour. As for the fragrance? There's warm, spicy cinnamon notes that amp up the luxury of the whole experience - and that's all before we get started on the case - it's plated with 24 Karat gold, naturally.

Shades: 10

Finish: Matte

Texture: Creamy

For a flashy fuchsia pink look no further. Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'This lipstick is my go-to for creating a blurred out effect. I'll take my finger and press it against my lips and cheeks for a really imperfect flush of colour - it feels comfortable and smooth and lifts my complexion beautifully.'

Shades: 6

Finish: Semi matte

Texture: Smooth

Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I'm just back from a glorious press trip with YSL Beauty in Paris, so have had plenty of time to try out this balm/gloss/lipstick hybrid - and it's fair to say I'm impressed. Beloved by Dua Lipa (she's the brand's new ambassador) I'm hooked on the jelly-like texture that glides over my lips with ease. My go-to shade? Candy glaze in 05! It drenches my lips with a coating of the perfect my-lips-but-better shade of pink. Would recommend for day to day wear and as the best lipstick for older women'

Shades: 6

Finish: Glossy

Texture: Balmy

While not technically a lipstick, these lip pencils from Huda Beauty have been going viral on social media for their ability to create the juiciest pout going. The brand advise 'lining the outer edges of your lip with a darker shade (in this case Lip Contour 2.0 in 'Muted Pink'), then lining the centre part of your lips with the lighter shade (AKA 'Pinky Brown') and connect them together.' The results? A beautiful lipstick base that can be topped with a layer of gloss. Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'This one has gone viral for good reason. Although technically a liner, I'll scribble muted pink all across my lips and pat with my finger tips for a velvety, blurred out finish. It looks exactly like a beautiful pink lipstick and I find it lasts an impressively long time.'

Shades: 2

Finish: Matte

Texture: Velvety