The power of lipstick and my six favorites

I’m a big lipstick fan. 

I didn’t really start wearing lipstick regularly until I was in college. By the time I was working my first-ever Big Girl Job, I was picking out my lipstick for the next day just like I picked out my outfit. Lipstick wakes up your whole face and gives you a little boost. If you have a color on your lips, you immediately looked pulled together and ready to tackle anything. I own hundreds of lipsticks at this point of my life and, in honor of National Lipstick Day today, I narrowed it down to the six must-haves.

These are my top six lipsticks I can’t live without.

Everyday

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Darling! This buttery-smooth, perfect pinky-nude is a staple in my makeup bag. I wear it to work or to a night out and it gives my lips the exact amount of color to look polished without looking like I *g0t ReaDY~*. It’s just a gorgeous shade and formula in the most luxurious packaging.

Red

MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo

When you hear people talk about the perfect red, MAC’s Ruby Woo is always at the top of the list. I discovered it years ago while in a fashion show in college. The boutique owner thought I needed a red lip to complete the look and whipped Ruby Woo out of her bag. She had gorgeous olive skin and I’m as neutral as Switzerland but it still looked amazing. You need this in your collection.

 

Gloss

Glossier Play Vinylic Lip in Pony

I love a glossy lip but sometimes need a little color in addition to the shine. This shade is a dark taupe with the perfect amount of sheen and pigment. Pair it with shimmery shadow and mauve blush for sexy summery vibes.

Nude

Urban Decay VICE Lipstick Comfort Matte in Backtalk

If you haven’t already noticed, my go-to nudes always lean on the pink side. Something about this warm mauve makes for my perfect nude. Everyone’s “nude” shade is different but this creamy formula is a dream.

Black

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uninvited

Who doesn’t love a moody black lip? A decade ago, it was almost impossible to find a black lipstick outside of theatrical or Halloween makeup. It was also hard finding anything that had staying power and looked chic (i.e. no wearing off in the center after a long night.) Now almost every brand — from Anastasia Beverly Hills to CoverGirl — has a black lipstick. Leave it to Rihanna because my favorite one by far is Fenty Beauty’s — It’s inky, matte and will not budge until you want it to.

Pink

Kat Von D Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lovecraft

Pink lips are so sweet and classic so I love that my go-to for the pretty shade is by Goth Queen Kat Von D. It’s dark enough it doesn’t disappear but never looks too opaque. The formula is serious, too, and lasts through eating and drinking. Kat’s brand is also 100 percent cruelty-free and vegan.