The 16 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 I discovered this glossy finish earlier in the year when I needed something that veered towards subtle over extreme. One of the standout things for me is the bullet shape, I'd describe it as sharp edged circle - bear with me - so it gives serious definition without the need for lip liner but also hugs the contours of my lips, perfect if - like me - you apply lipstick on the go. It's more forgiving when I'm in a rush and don't have time for uber precise application. This is a swipe and go type of lipstick, my only gripe is that due to its sheeny nature it does need more frequent application than it's matte counterparts. Would I recommend this for every day use or special occasions only? Both! A true one-and-done lipstick, it can be dialled up or down so it's a brilliant option to have in your arsenal. Price point wise, if you are going to use it as office wear and for a party pout then you get real bang for your buck. Call me a shiny lipped convert.'

Customer review: 'One of the nicest lipsticks I've ever bought. A lovely soft dewy coat on your lips that doesn't need a pencil beforehand. Can build up some depth of colour to it to with more applications. Might have to buy some stock for reserves.'

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.'

Customer review: 'Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick boasts a rich, creamy formula that glides effortlessly onto the lips. Its highly pigmented shades offer intense color payoff that lasts throughout the day, perfect for long wear. The matte finish dries down comfortably without feeling overly drying or flaky. The wide range of shades ensures there's something for every skin tone and occasion, from bold and vibrant to subtle and natural. Overall, it's a standout choice for those seeking high-quality, long-lasting liquid lip colour'

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 - since I tried it at their press launch, it's sat reliably on 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. Balmy, subtle and flattering.'

Customer review: 'Great and easy lip balm with a hint of colour. No mirror needed- moisturising and nourishing!  I love it!'

Shades: 3

Texture: Balmy

Finish: Glossy

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.’

Customer review: 'This is just such a lovely colour range and the formula is just perfect, glides right on without leaving a sticky or drying residue. My favourite lipstick is Amberlight, which I essentially wear every day! It's a dark nude that doesn't reveal too much of the lips, unlike some others. The formula is hydrating and mild. In addition, it is quite adaptable, and it suits both pale and brown skin tones well. Strongly advised!'

Shades: 8

Finish: Luminous

Texture: Buttery

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.’

Customer review: 'The color, shade 104, is a beautiful nude with subtle pink undertones that complement my complexion perfectly. It's versatile enough to wear every day and pairs well with various makeup looks, from natural to glam. The pigmentation is rich and opaque with just one swipe, providing full coverage without feeling heavy or cakey on the lips. Texture-wise, the lipstick feels incredibly smooth and creamy during application. It glides effortlessly onto the lips, imparting a satin finish that looks polished and sophisticated. Despite the creamy texture, it has impressive staying power. I found that it lasted several hours without needing frequent touch-ups, even through meals and drinks. What impressed me most is how comfortable it feels on the lips. It's hydrating and doesn't emphasize any dry patches, which is a common concern with matte lipsticks. Instead, my lips feel nourished and moisturized throughout wear. The formula is also fragrance-free, which I appreciate as someone sensitive to scents in cosmetics. It has a faint, pleasant scent that dissipates quickly upon application. Overall, Armani Lip Power in shade 104 is a stellar lipstick that combines luxurious packaging, beautiful color payoff, and comfortable wear. It's a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their makeup collection with a high-quality lipstick that delivers both in performance and style.'

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.'

Customer review: 'I know this is the most well know from CT. Never thought i would be that wowed!!! Got a little sample and was never going to even give it a go as thought the shade was way to dark for me. But boy!!! Was I wrong. This is the most amazing shade that compliments my complexion. Amazing. It has blue undertone, amazing texture, doesn't dry your lips. Tend to top it up with some other lipstick but LOVE it, and will be trying more lipstick from CT, thank you.'

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.’

Customer review: 'Bought this as a treat for myself after seeing someone on fb wearing it. A beautiful bright, flat out fabulous. Although it lasted well on edge of my lips it didn't in the middle. Would team with Lipcote.'

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.

Customer review: 'This is so pretty. Love this lipstick, very long lasting and a beautiful colour and finish.'

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.’

Customer review: 'Beautiful colour and lovely formula. Im very impressed with this product, starting with very lovely high quality packaging which makes it look high quality. The first thing I noticed once opening it is an amazing smell. I've never had a lipstick which smelled this good so that's great!
I really like the texture of the lipstick as it is very easy to apply.'

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 (the packaging just doesn't cut it) I do think it's a great option given the price tag.'

Customer review: 'This has a matte appearance but it applies smoothly and never feels dry. I love the colour (effortless) and the texture. I'm including a picture of how it looks after applying it directly onto my "not young" lips, without any base or lip balm underneath.'

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'm not really a red gal, but I decided to be brave and wear this one recently for a night out. I was worried it would make my teeth look yellow but instead my smile looked white and bright in all photographs which I was thrilled about. Turns out I really surprised myself at how much I love it - and by the fact it was still perfect by the time I got home - I did team with a lipliner and I do think this helped to seal the edges and stop it from feathering. It makes sense that this is thought to be Taylor Swift's favourite red lippie. My only gripe is that it's pretty hard to remove.'

Customer review: 'These Huda liquid lipsticks are amazing - they do NOT budge. Prep is key - I use a lip scrubber then a lip balm or mask depending on time, blot, apply and blot again. Use concealer or liner to tighten up the lipline and don’t expect perfection if you eat a double cheeseburger, but it will stay all day.'

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 applies beautifully- but only if my lips are well hydrated in the first place. For that reason I'll coat them in a hefty layer of lip balm first. And as for the limited-edition white case with black trim? Trés chic!'

Customer review: Beautiful colour and finish, although the payoff isn't quite as opaque as it appears in the ad (more opaque than a tinted lip balm, slightly less so than a typical matte lipstick). However, you get none of the dryness normally associated with matte lipsticks. It actually feels like I'm wearing a tinted lip balm. I like that you can buff it into the lips for a worn-in look, or pair it with a lip liner for a more put together too.'

Shades: 6

Finish: Luminous matte

Texture: Soft and nourishing

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. What I love about it most – bar the covetable colourway and creamy feel – is how much wear I get out of it. Perfect for every day use, whether heading to the office or dinner, it has an effortless "done but not too done" quality which works for any occasion. While I adore the comforting formula, its only downfall is staying power but that comes with the territory of a balm-cum-gloss-cum-lip tint that is defined as "the (cashmere) sweatpants of lipstick," according to Glossier. So, I'm not really complaining.'

Customer review: 'Glossier’s Ultralip High Shine Lipstick combines the nourishing properties of a balm with the vibrant color of a lipstick. The formula is incredibly moisturising, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which keeps lips hydrated throughout the day. It glides on smoothly, delivering a high-shine, glossy finish that feels lightweight and comfortable. The colour payoff is impressive, offering buildable coverage from a sheer tint to a more opaque look. Available in a variety of flattering shades, it’s perfect for any occasion, from everyday wear to special events. Ultralip is a fantastic choice for those seeking a lip product that is both hydrating and visually stunning.'

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.

Customer review: 'Absolutely gorgeous, goes on really smoothly and stays on. Just wish they came as a whole set as well as the singles.'

Shades: 10

Finish: Matte

Texture: Creamy

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. I would recommend for day to day wear and as the best lipstick for older women - the plumping nature of the formula really fills out fine lip lines.'

Customer review: 'This is a beautiful lip product. It feels so hydrating on the lips, without the stickiness you usually get from glosses. This particular shade is gorgeous. Perfect for medium and tan skin tones in particular.' 

Shades: 6

Finish: Glossy

Texture: Balmy