Not only have we found the best lipsticks on the market, we’ve also picked out the perfect nude and hot red shades from each brand, too…
From the perfect drugstore berry shade to the one Kylie Lip Kit color you need to try. Now ubiquitous, shine-free lip color is more than Instagram makeup. Matte lipstick just makes sense. Unlike gloss or sheeny lipsticks, flat pigment stays put the longest–second only to lip stain–which means no mess on cups, clothes, or other people’s faces. On the flip side, matte lipstick longevity means you’ll want to find colors that you can live with all day. Here, ELLE.com editors weigh in on all things matte–from the perfect drugstore berry shade to the one Kylie Lip Kit color you need to try.
If you’re hunting for the best lipstick in the UK then look no further. We’ve round-up the top 10 lipsticks on shop shelves at this very moment, so you can find the perfect hydrating glossy colour or high-pigment matte finish in no time.
To make life even easier, we’ve even picked out the best classic red lipstick shades and barely-there nude lip colours from each of the best lipstick brands. If you’re already set your sights on finding the perfect red lipstick then make sure you also check out our ultimate round-up of the best red lipstick shades available.
From high end glamour with Tom Ford’s gorgeous Lip Colours (£38 each) to beauty bargains like Rimmel London’s The Only 1 Lipstick (£6.99), we’ve discovered the perfect choice for every budget, too. We think a designer lipstick is the perfect item to splurge on; a stylish lip colour is the perfect opportunity to own your own little piece of Chanel or Tom Ford. Both brands feature classy black and gold packaging and will look just as chic in your handbag as they will on your lips.
If you want a precise, contoured, long-lasting finish, you should also think about investing in a matching lip liner for your lip colour. Nearly all brands offer corresponding liner colours, but if you cant find an exact match, invest in a high quality nude lip liner that will stop colour bleeding into the surrounding area.
If you want a professional matte finish, opt for one of MAC’s famous lipsticks. The pro brand has a huge range of colours available; look out for celebrity collaborations if you’re a fan of one-off special editions. The brand have previously teamed up with stars such as Ellie Goulding, and other famous names include Rihanna and Lady Gaga who have both been part of the brands Viva Glam collections.
If you’re hunting for the perfect timeless red lip colour, we’ve found plenty of great options for you. But if you’ve never owned Revlons Fire and Ice shade, now is the time to invest. Launched in 1952 and associated with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, its pin-up perfect.
So what are you waiting for? Browse our edit of the top 10 lipsticks in the UK now, and get shopping…
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture
Best red: Rouge Anonyme
Best nude: Beige Tribute
About: Our favourite brand for dry lips, YSL’s moisturising colours last all day without drying out the delicate lip area. They contain SPF15, too.
Whether you’re looking for a natural nude or a ruby red, YSL provides.
Rimmel London The Only 1 Lipstick
Best red: Revolution Red
Best nude: Naughty Nude
About: Combining long-lasting colour and a dose of moisture for dried-out lips, we love the subtle shine Rimmels lipsticks deliver.
This budget-friendly option doesn’t compromise on pigment, and both the light and dark shades give amazing lip coverage.
Tom Ford Lip Colour
Best red: Scarlett Rouge
Best nude: Blush Nude
About: The ultimate in glamour, these luxurious lip colours by Tom Ford deliver a high pigment and log-lasting colour. The creamy formula is moisturising, too, helping your lips stay in great condition.
If you’re looking for a lip colour that looks as cool as it does flashy, then these are definitely worth the splurge.
MAC Lipstick
Best red: Russian Red
Best nude: Velvet Teddy
About: Beloved by celebrities and beauty buffs the world over, MACs high pigment matte-finish lipsticks are the best choice for high-impact colour.
There’s a reason that MAC lipsticks are loved across the globe, and part of the reason is their ability to produce a long-lasting colour that you soon won’t be able to live without.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Best red: Fire and Ice
Best nude: Blushed
About: Revlons Fire and Ice has been flying off shelves since it launched in 1952. A true red worthy of former fan Marilyn Monroe, the creamy long-wear colour is a must for any beauty maven.
They’re the go-to for anyone looking for a highstreet product that can do the job when it comes to the look of your lip, be that subtle or sultry.
Hyaluronic Sheer Rouge Lipstick by Terry
Best red: Bang Bang
Best nude: Nudissimo
About: This hyaluronic acid formula boasts anti-ageing benefits, filling fine line and wrinkles while moisturising lips and adding volume.
The colours are gorgeous, and we love the super-glossy finish, too.
Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick
Best red: Dimitri
Best nude: Adrienne
About: Our favourite choice for everyday wear, Chanels Coco Rouge colours not only look great when pulled out of a handbag to touch up, the super-hydrating formulas deliver a gorgeous slick of high pigment colour that fades gradually and evenly making it a great natural-looking product that you can wear all day every day.
This is for anyone who is sick of the dreaded smudgy lip line. We’re absolutely hooked, and you will be, too.
Burberry Lips Burberry Kisses
Best red: Military red
Best nude: Nude 21
About: This gel formula is one of our favourites because the sheer, glossy colours are buildable, meaning you can add just a hint of colour for daytime and layer up for a high-pigment evening look.
They smooth onto the lip with ease, and we adore the finish.
Nars Audacious Lipstick
Best red: Carmen
Best nude: Barbara
About:
Nars Audacious Lipstick’s creamy formula won’t leave you disappointed. It’s soft and feels really nourishing on the lip, and the nude and red shades both suit every complexion.
These lipsticks are a gorgeous balance of delicious colour and delightful texture.
M.A.C Lipstick in Ruby Woo
“I’ve loved this lipstick since 2007 and have never looked back. It lasts through many sips of white wine spritzers, which at the end of the day is all I’m looking for in a lipstick.” – Nikki Ogunnaike, Senior Fashion Editor
Kylie Cosmetics Kylie Lip Kit
I know, it’s a bit basic, but of all the lip products I’ve ever used, this red matte stays on forever. Really, my pillowcase will testify. It’s unfortunately quite drying, too but the longevity and suits-all-red is this product’s selling point. And that’s why I use it most days, and then apply Aquaphor to moisturize my lips in between. —Alyssa Bailey, Assistant Editor
Nars Semi Matte Lipstick
Nars’ Semi-Matte Lipstick in Fire Down Below has been my go-to. I feel a little guilty wearing it, because while I tried it on with a friend who wanted to buy it, I ended up being the one to take it away. It’s doable daily goth in a dark, bruisy shade, and the semi-matte formula helps it go on a little easier. —Estelle Tang, Culture Editor
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain
So I guess this isn’t exactly a lipstick, but potayto, potahto…It does the trick: long-lasting, smooth, matte. I found this lip stain when I was lingering in a Sephora one day and a customer came in asking vaguely for some red lipstick that her friend was wearing. Without even letting her finish, the Sephora saleswoman—excuse me, cast member—whisked her away to the lip stain zone, leaving me to furtively follow. Insider secrets brought to you via eavesdropping. —Chloe Schama, Executive Editor
ColourPop Ultra Matte
My usual color is from Nars, but if I’m looking for something dramatic I reach for a liquid lipstick. For the price of a cheap well drink, you can get insanely matte lips from ColourPop. Don’t be fooled by this tawny tube, though–once the formula dries it’s a shade of ’90s dark brown (perfect for said well drinks). —Justine Carreon, Associate Market Editor
Hard Candy Velvet Mousse Matte Lip Color
This raspberry jam matte pigment is so chaud I could practically spread it on a scone. Best of all, I never get berry-colored kisses on my “but first, coffee” mug. —Gena Kaufman, Social Media Manager
Urban Decay Cosmetics Matte Revolution Lipstick
I keep re-buying this color because it’s the exact right nude shade for my pale skin, with an easy to apply, creamy matte formula that isn’t drying AND isn’t sticky. —Emily Tannenbaum, Social Media Editor
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
My little sister often scoffs at my expensive beauty products and, one day, introduced me to this $6 drugstore buy. I haven’t looked back since. The applicator makes precision easy and the bright color requires no reapplication all day. —Kristina Rodulfo, Associate Editor
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils are great. With any matte lip product I make sure that I’ve been using Aquaphor before putting it on, but honestly these guys aren’t as drying as others because they have vitamin E. I appreciate that their vibrant color doesn’t wind up on my teeth, and the jumbo crayon size makes reapplying simple. —Mariel Tyler, Photo Editor