The Best Hollywood Makeup Artist-Approved Lip Colors On Sale for National Lipstick Day
Tasha Reiko Brown, Molly Stern, Mai Quynh and others reveal their go-to shades that stay put on the red carpet and beyond.
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National Lipstick Day is today, but the date has only been an official marketing holiday since 2016, when blogger-turned-entrepreneur Huda Kattan apparently bought the name. Long before the clever calendar addition, beauty buffs have been swiping pigments onto their puckers for thousands of years, and the earliest record of crimson-painted lips dates back to the Sumerian queen Schub-ad, who created her own shade with crushed red rocks and a white lead base.
While most modern-day makeup mavens might stop short of being buried with their favorite lippies (as well-to-do Sumerians once did), many have a go-to shade that’s earned a permanent place in their cosmetics kits. That includes Hollywood makeup artists, many of whom have spent decades testing out the best lipsticks on starry clients in need of colors that won’t budge on set or the red carpet. So in honor of the pucker-powered day of celebration, we’ve asked celebrity makeup artists to share their favorite lipsticks.
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Even better: Many of their picks and more are on sale in honor of the holiday, including NARS, Fenty Beauty and Smashbox for 20 percent off; Pat McGrath Labs for 30 percent off (July 29-Aug. 1), MAC Cosmetics and YSL Beauty for up to 40 percent off, Stila at up to 50 percent off, Armani Lip Power and Lip Maestro products (which are buy one, get one free with code DOUBLELIP), Charlotte Tilbury (get a free gift with purchase) and Kevyn Aucoin Beauty (which is also offering 20 percent off all lip products), to name a few. Other noteworthy blowouts include Nordstrom‘s Anniversary Sale (which promises big beauty discounts through Aug. 7) and sales at Sephora (select lipsticks are 50 percent off) and Ulta (40 percent off through July 29). The holiday also brings 25 percent off at Chantecaille (use code SYLVIE25 through July 31) and 50 percent off at ColourPop and Kaja Beauty through July 30.
From the best long-lasting lipsticks to luxe refillable options, check out Hollywood insiders’ top picks as well as best-sellers from star-owned brands that are on sale this weekend.
The Best Red Lipsticks, According to Hollywood Makeup Artists
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color, #444 Gabrielle
Nordstrom
Chanel makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown, whose clients include Alicia Keys, Lupita N’yongo, Tracee Ellis Ross and Yara Shahidi, explains to The Hollywood Reporter that the luxury fashion house’s Coco Rouge lipstick in #444 Gabrielle is “a timeless universal red. A bold pop on its own with a clean face is classic Parisian chic and my go-to when I need to get clients press-ready in a hurry. It works for both day and night events.”
The nourishing lipstick contains mimosa, jojoba and sunflower vegetable waxes that keep lips hydrated, and the shade delivers a long-lasting shine.
Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Color $45
Armani Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick in #400 The Red
Armani Beauty
“For a red, it’s always Armani Lip Maestro in #400,” Molly Stern tells THR. Available in 38 shades, the cult-favorite liquid lipstick is beloved for its long-lasting color and velvet matte finish that stays put for up to eight hours. (The brand’s Lip Maestro and Lip Power lipsticks are buy one, get one free with code DOUBLELIP.)
Armani Lip Maestro Lipstick $45
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Walkyrie
Amazon
Grace Pae, makeup artist to Skai Jackson, Normani and Jordin Sparks, says she reaches for NARS’ Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Walkyrie, a warm coral red cream shade. “It’s so convenient because it’s like a lipliner and lipstick in one. The texture is also comfortable and hydrating even though it’s matte,” she tells THR. (Shoppers at Nars’ website get 20 percent off all lip products.)
MARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (reg. $27) $22
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso
Amazon
“My all-time favorite lip color is Stila liquid lipstick in Beso,” says Samantha Lau, whose clients include Dua Lipa and Candice Swanepoel. “I’ve had it in my kit for many many years. It’s one of those products I keep buying whenever I’m out. It’s the perfect red, and the perfect matte texture. Also, it’s long-lasting and transfer-proof,” she explains to THR.
stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick, Matte | Long-Lasting Color Wear, No Transfer or Bleed | Hydrating & Lightweight with vitamin E & Avocado Oil for Soft Lips | Beso, .10 Fl. Oz. $25.00 on Amazon.com
Manasi 7 Organic All Over Color in Alizarin
Amazon
Of Stockholm-based beauty brand Manasi 7‘s multi-tasking All Over Color in Alizarin, Lisa Aharon says the deep rouge is “the perfect red stain and has so much versatility. You can easily get a hint of color but also achieve bold full coverage.”
Made in Italy in small batches, the organic and cruelty-free product is made of natural and wild-harvested ingredients and can be used as a cream eye shadow, blush and lip color.
Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in Besos
Smashbox Cosmetics
Lori Taylor Davis, global pro lead artist for Smashbox Cosmetics, says the Hollywood-loved beauty brand’s Always On Cream to Matte Lipstick in Besos is “a modern alternative to red and easier to take the plunge into something bright, it’s a new classic.”
Smashbox Cosmetics Always on Cream to Matte Lipstick $27
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick
Nordstrom
Kristofer Buckle (who works with Blake Lively, Sarah Paulson and Gabrielle Union) frequently looks to YSL Beauty’s Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks, which he regularly swipes on client Jessica Chastain. Shop on the Zoe Kravitz-repped beauty brand’s website and get 40 percent off all Rouge Pur Couture shades.
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick (reg. $45) $27
MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
Mac Cosmetics
Mac Cosmetics’ best-selling Ruby Woo has earned a permanent spot in the cosmetics kits of stars and industry insiders, including costume designer Shay Cunliffe, who recently told THR the vibrant retro shade “lasts all day and has a vintage vibe. I’ll often put a bit of glossier lipstick underneath in a softer shade to soften the overall effect.” Lippie lovers can get 40 percent off all lip colors at MAC’s website.
MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick (reg. $23) $14
Róen Elixir Tinted Lip Oil Balm
Roen
Róen Beauty creative director and makeup artist Kate Synnott (clients include Ashley Graham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley) says of the brand’s Elixir Tinted Lip Oil Balm, “I love these formulas; they are nourishing and full of antioxidants plus have major skincare benefits. They give a glossy glass-like finish without tackiness and leave a long-lasting stain on the lips after the oils have [been] absorbed.”
The Best Nude Lipsticks, According to Hollywood Makeup Artists
Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick in #100 Sand
Armani Beauty
“My favorite nude is the Armani Beauty Lip Maestro in 100,” says Mai Quynh (Scarlett Johannson, Saoirse Ronan and Tessa Thompson are among clients) of this sand lipstick. “I love this shade because it’s the perfect peachy nude that helps neutralize naturally pigmented pink lips. I also love how the formula is matte and long-wearing while leaving the lips feeling soft and hydrated.”
Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick (reg. $45) $36
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick in Dawn
Nordstrom
“I love this hydrating formula,” says Brown of this nude shade from Chanel. “It’s quickly become my favorite. It’s more modern and youthful to do nude shades with shine or satin textures as opposed to matte.”
She continues: “Dawn is a universal nude for every skin tone, so it’s a must-have for my kit. For dramatic eyes that just need the mouth to be accented, Dawn gives a clean slate as a perfect soft high shine nude.”
Chanel Rouge Coco Flash Lipstick $45
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Taupe
Nordstrom
Lau loves MAC Cosmetics’ cult-fave matte lipstick in Taupe, which “works so well on a lot of skin tones. It’s a great color for a natural mid-tone lip shade. A rich lipstick featuring high color payoff and a creamy matte finish.”
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick (reg. $23) $14
Valdé Beauty Ritual Creamy Satin Refillable Lipstick
Valdé
Carissa Ferreri (whose clients include Sophia Bush, Ciera Payton and Suki Waterhouse) and Grace Pae are both fans of Valdé, the luxury beauty brand founded in 2020 by former Sephora chief merchant Margarita Arriagada.
“I’ve recently discovered Valdé lipsticks, which are incredible,” Ferreri tells THR. “They come in a very unique holster and are creamy and super hydrating on the lips, not to mention the color range is perfection and they are refillable.”
The cruelty-free label lets you customize its Ritual creamy satin lip color and lip balm, which come in a feather-adorned black or gold metal refillable metal case (dubbed “Armor” by the label) with built-in magnifying mirror. The set includes a suede pouch, a stunning display box and a custom mantra card. You can also opt for monogram engraving.
Pae favors Resilience, a toasted mauve nude lip color: “This shade is beautiful on pretty much every skin tone and comes in the most beautiful packaging. Every client always compliments it when they see it in my kit.”
Valdé Armor and Refillable Lip Set $150 and up
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick in Spice
Violet Grey
Róen’s Synnott says of Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Posh Lipstick, “these lipsticks are so buttery with a great pigment. You can dab a little on or really build it up for a full glam effect.” Among her favorite shades is Spice, a mauve-ish nude.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Lipstick $38
The Best Pink Lipsticks, According to Hollywood Makeup Artists
Rouge Dior Ultra Rouge Lipstick in Ultra Lively
Dior
“The formula is long-lasting without the dry feel of your typical long-wear lipstick,” says Lisa Aharon (makeup artist to Zosia Mamet and Rachel Brosnahan) of Dior’s Rouge Lipstick. Though her original salmon-pink shade is discontinued, the luxury label offers oer 65 colors to choose from. Coral, Aharaon says, “can so easily brighten a complexion.”
Dior Rouge Lipstick $45
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick in Rosewater
Sephora
Carissa Ferreri says clean beauty brand Kosas’ Weightless Lip Color Lipstick in Rosewater is one of her “favorite go-to lipsticks for myself and my kit, it looks great on everyone.” (Shop on Kosas’ website and get a free full-sized lipstick with orders of $70 and up.)
Kosas Weightless Lip Color Lipstick $26
Nars Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Schiap and Funny Face
Nordstrom
For an eye-popping statement, Lau says she loves Nars Cosmetics’ matte lipstick in Schiap. “It is such an iconic shade,” she notes of the vivid pink hue (left) inspired by iconic surrealist fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli.
“However, my other favorite [which] I think it deserves a mention Funny Face. While Schiap is more hot pink, I find Funny Face, a cool fuchsia easier to wear and works on more skin tones,” adds Lau.
Nars Cosmetics Matte Lipstick $26
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Tinted Lip Balm in Warm
Nordstrom
Kindra Mann, whose clients include Jordana Brewster, Mandy Moore and Busy Phillips, tells THR that Chanel’s Les Beiges tinted lip balm in Warm is one of “my favorite g-to lip colors for myself and my kit. This is a great throw-on color I keep in my purse that offers a little bit of color and a whole lot of moisturizer for days I want more of a tinted lip balm texture.”
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Tinted Lip Balm $30
Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Lip Cream in Divine
Saint Jane Beauty
CBD-infused skincare brand Saint Jane’s Luxury Lip Cream in Divine is also a must-have for Mann, who says “it’s the perfect go-to color that is universally flattering on everyone since it’s a perfect blend of rose and mauve. Its vitamin-rich formula is super hydrating on the lips and won’t dry them out.”
Saint Jane Luxury Lip Cream in Divine $28
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dolce Vita
Sephora
Another favorite of Pae’s is this Nars Matte Lipstick Pencil in Dolce Vita, a dusty rose shade. The jumbo lip pencil contains vitamin E that gives it an easy-to-wear creamy texture. (Save 20 percent on all lip products on the brand’s website.)
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil $27
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme Intense Matte Lip Colour in Muted Fuschia
Nordstrom
“The drama!” says Tasha Reiko Brown of Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme lipstick in Muted Fuschia. “This high pigment matte is bold. It’s a modern twist on a classic red lip, it’s youthful and fun. For my kit, it’s also the perfect mixing shade. I use it to brighten a pink, to give life to a safe red or on its own to command attention.”
Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Extreme Lip Colour $45
Armani Lip Power Lipstick in #108
Armani Beauty
“For a perfect peachy nude, I am obsessed with the new Armani Lip Power in 108, In Love,” Molly Stern says. The velvet-finish, long-wear lipstick comes in 25 shades.
Armani Lip Power Lipstick $45
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in M.I. Kiss
Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood makeup artist-turned-beauty entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in M.I. Kiss (previously known as Bond Girl) is a personal favorite of Lau. “It is my everyday natural shade for the last few years. It’s hard for me to find a natural lip color because of the pigment in my lips. The matte formulation is so comfortable I feel that the brand has changed the game for matte lipsticks,” she adds.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick $35
Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick in Elson 2
Pat McGrath Labs
Of the Pat McGrath Labs’ Mattetrance shade inspired by model and musician Karen Elson, Arahon says, “I’ve always been a sucker for a matte red-orange lip (hello Nars Pop Life and Mac Lady Danger!) and this one is perfection, lightweight, opaque and bright.” (The brand is offering up to 30 percent off Lip Legends lipsticks for a limited time.)
Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick $39
L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain
Amazon
L’Oréal Paris celebrity makeup artist Sir John once revealed that for his client Beyoncé, the drugstore brand’s long-lasting Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain “is my jam,” specifically the brand’s pink-brown I Create hue. “I know when it hits the carpet, I know if she eats, I know it’s not going to dry, it’s not going to get crusty, and she’s going to feel good,” he has said.
L’Oréal Paris Makeup Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain, I Create $14.50 on Amazon.com
Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick in Enigma
Nordstrom
Nick Lujan (who has worked with Beyoncé and Lizzo), global director of artistry and education for Kevyn Aucoin, says the brand’s Unforgettable Lipstick in Enigma “is the perfect pink for every skin tone. I have yet to find someone it doesn’t work for. Because the formula has a sheer quality and doesn’t have a lot of white pigment, it works on a wider range of skin tones and lip colors. You can apply just a dab or layer it up for color payoff. Plus, it feels super hydrating. Anytime I want to encourage my clients to play in color, I encourage them to try [this].”
Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick $30
More of the Best Long-Wear Lipsticks to Shop Online
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Long-Wear Fluid Lip Color
Courtesy of Sephora
Rihanna’s cruelty-free beauty brand Fenty includes the Stunna Lip Paint long-wear fluid lip color that features a soft matte finish and a liquid formula that lasts all day. (Save 20 percent off through July 30.)
Fenty Stunna Lip Paint Long-Wear Fluid Lip Color $22
About Face Fractal Glitter Lip Color
Halsey’s vegan beauty line About Face offers a range of highly-pigmented cosmetics, including this shimmering long-wear liquid lipstick that has light-reflecting sparkles and a waterproof, cruelty-free and full-coverage formula.
About Face Fractal Glitter Lip Color $14
Haus Laboratories Le Monster Matte Crayon
Amazon
Lady Gaga-founded brand Haus Laboratories’ Rip Lip Liner is a favorite among makeup-loving Little Monsters for its precise, long-wear coverage and vegan formula that’s available in over a dozen shades.
HAUS LABORATORIES by Lady Gaga, RIP LIP LINER, Demi-Matte Water-Resistant Lip Liner Pencil Available in 16 Colors, Precise and Long Lasting Lip Liner or Lipstick Finish, Vegan and Cruelty Free $29.99 on Amazon.com
Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick
Amazon
Makeup artist Daniel Martin is the creative consultant for Honest Beauty, the non-toxic brand founded by Jessica Alba (who’s also a client), and whose products he used to create Meghan Markle’s royal wedding look. Among the label’s best-sellers is its long-wear liquid lipstick, a hydrating and cruelty-free lip color that leaves a matte finish.
Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Longwear Matte Lipstick
Smashbox
Smashbox’s Always On Longwear Matte Lipstick (available in 12 colors), stays put for up to eight hours.
Smashbox Cosmetics Always On Longwear Matte Lipstick $27
This story was originally published July 29, 2021.
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