Not sure what lip color says you? Start with the best classic lipstick shades—the timeless hues that never go out of style and look effortlessly polished on everyone. While the best shade is ultimately a matter of preference, even the most seasoned makeup artist or beauty editor can’t help but reach for certain picks again and again.
From iconic red shades with just the right undertones to rosy nudes that flatter just so, everyday pink lipsticks, and moody dark colors, these best-selling picks offer something for every personality and mood. Whether you love a creamy satin finish or a bold matte lipstick, these classics have earned their place in discerning beauty bags.
Vogue’s Favorite Long-Lasting Lipsticks
Featured in this article
_0006_image6.jpg)
In This Story
- How to Choose the Best Lipstick Shade for Your Undertone
- What are the Ultimate Classic Lipstick Shades?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 13 enduring favorites of celebrity makeup artists, with tips on how to choose the perfect shade for your skin tone and undertone.
Best Brick Red: Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge
- Why We Love It:For pro makeup artist Tobi Henney, Tom Ford’s creamy Scarlet Rouge is an absolute favorite. “It’s a bold, sophisticated red that instantly elevates any look,” Henney tells Vogue. “The formula is creamy, luxurious, and super pigmented, so it applies beautifully and lasts without drying out the lips.” It’s a favorite of celebrity makeup artist Carolina Dali too. The texture glides on like silk, offering a smooth, cushiony feel that makes lips look plush and hydrated rather than matte or flat. Infused with nourishing oils and conditioning ingredients like soja seed extract and chamomile flower oil, it leaves a soft, comfortable finish that feels as indulgent as it looks.
- Shades: 18
- Finish: Satin
- Coverage: Full
- Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, lanolin oil, candelilla wax, meadowfoam seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, and squalane
Best Semi-Sheer Nude: Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Boy
- Why We Love It: The perfect blend of lipstick and balm can be found in Chanel’s Coco Flash. “I would have to adjust my thought process if I didn’t have Chanel’s Rouge Coco Flash in the shade Boy in my makeup kit,” says pro makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown. “It’s a high-shine, vinyl-coated lipstick with the perfect balance of a satin color, so the overall result isn’t too overwhelming. This is the perfect cool nude that suits so many skin tones. Since it is so sheer, it’s so easy to wear.” (It can have a slightly rebellious quality, depending on the lip liner you pair it with. Brown prefers a light brown or greige for a bit of edge.)
- Editor’s Note: This lipstick is perfect for adding a lightweight flush of color. It glides on creamy smooth and never feels heavy, which is a huge compliment for me, as someone who’s just not all that into lipsticks. —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Shades: 25
- Finish: High shine
- Coverage: Semi-sheer, like a lip balm
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, hydrogenated castor oil, tocopherol, and sunflower seed wax
Best Neutral: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick
- Why We Love It: The easiest way to fake it till you make it with a plumper-looking pout? Find the perfect nude. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick does exactly that—especially when paired with the brand’s lip liners. “Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk is a universal lip-tone color that looks great on almost everyone,” pro makeup artist Valeria Ferreira tells Vogue. The original shade suits fair to olive skin tones, while the medium one works well across medium to rich skin tones. Unlike traditional mattes, light-reflecting mica pigments catch the glow just right, giving lips the illusion of extra fullness.
- Editor’s Note: If I’m going to wear a matte lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury’s pick is a no-brainer. Pillow Talk—you guessed it—makes lips look extra plump and pillowy, especially when paired with its matching lip liner. —C.C.
- Shades: 20
- Finish: Soft matte
- Coverage: Full
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, mica, safflower seed oil, and papaya fruit extract
Best Blue Red: MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo
- Why We Love It: Another staple of Henney’s red lipstick assortment comes from MAC. If you’ve ever perused a MAC lipstick counter, surely you’ve encountered Ruby Woo, a pinup-girl-esque red. “Ruby Woo is the ultimate classic red,” says Henney. “The matte finish gives it that timeless, editorial look, and it works on practically everyone. Any of the Retro Matte shades never fail me. They’re versatile, long wearing, and always make the lips look polished and complete.” Because Ruby Woo is one of the most intensely matte lipsticks on the market, prep is key; ensure your lips are well hydrated and free of dry patches before applying. The ultra-matte texture delivers that velvety, photo-ready finish pros love, but since it grips to the contour of the lips, smooth, moisturized skin makes all the difference.
- Shades: 6
- Finish: True matte
- Coverage: Full
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, isoeicosane, kaolin, paraffin wax, and microcrystalline wax
Best New Classic: Merit Signature Lip in L’avenue
- Why We Love It: While Merit’s lipsticks only launched three years ago, these lightweight lippies have quickly established themselves as a new classic in MUA kits. L’avenue, a satiny berry brown, is another favorite of Ferreira’s (though it was hard to pick just one). “I absolutely love Merit lipsticks,” she says. “They have an amazing spectrum of colors that are so understated.” Not to mention they come in both satin and matte finishes. The formula itself feels featherlight on the lips—so comfortable that you might forget you’re wearing it at all. Despite its airy texture, it delivers rich color payoff and a smooth, even application, making it perfect for all-day wear without any heaviness.
- Shades: 15
- Finish: 2 (satin and matte)
- Coverage: Natural
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, hydrogenated olive oil, kaolin, candelilla wax, sesame seed extract, vitamin E, and castor seed oil
Best Terra-cotta: Chanel 31 Le Rouge in Talisman
- Why We Love It: The price point is no doubt a splurge, but it’s Brown’s favorite terra-cotta shade. “Le Rouge Matte in Rouge Talisman is just so chic,” she says. “There has never been a more perfect terra-cotta lipstick. Paired with this gorgeous matte texture, it’s the epitome of elegance. I wear this lipstick throughout the fall season.” Plus, the formula is composed of 75% naturally derived ingredients, including meadowfoam seed oil and other nourishing emollients, to keep lips hydrated—never cakey or cracked.
- Shades: 24
- Finish: 2 (matte and satin)
- Coverage: Full coverage
- Key Ingredients: Gardenia oil, maracuja oil, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and sunflower seed wax
Best Long-Lasting Pink: Dior Rouge Refillable Lipstick in Beige Couture
- Why We Love It: Dior’s long-wearing lipstick line is beloved not only for its luxurious color payoff but also for its skin-care-infused formula. Red peony flower extract helps maintain hydration much like a balm, while pomegranate flower extract delivers a subtle plumping effect for a fuller, smoother look. Celebrity makeup artist Michael Anthony praises the range for its extensive selection of shades and (for those seeking more color endurance) up to 12-hour wear time. One standout is the shade Beige Couture, a soft pink with balanced undertones. It’s neutral enough for everyday wear yet polished enough for evening looks. “A fresh pink lip with a bit of sheen is a really lovely way to wake up the complexion,” Anthony previously told Vogue.
- Shades: 74
- Finish: 2 (satin and matte)
- Key Ingredients: Red peony extract and jojoba
- Staying power: 12 hours
Best Vibrant Berry: Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick in Deep Orchid
- Why We Love It: “Pat McGrath lipsticks have colorful, potent shades,” says Ferreira. “You can’t go wrong with any of them.” One go-to is Dame McGrath’s MatteTrance Lipstick in Deep Orchid, a rich plum-berry that strikes the perfect balance between bold and wearable. The ultra-saturated pigment delivers full coverage in a single swipe, while the powder-soft matte finish feels unexpectedly smooth and lightweight on the lips. Despite its intensity, the formula is infused with squalane to keep lips comfortable and non-cakey. It’s the kind of statement shade that instantly elevates any look, in an unmistakably Pat McGrath way.
- Shades: 15
- Finish: Matte
- Coverage: Full coverage
- Key Ingredients: Mica, squalane, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide
Best Buildable Berry: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
- Why We Love It: Equal parts nostalgic and timeless, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is the ultimate ’90s lipstick shade, yet it still feels like the perfect addition to a modern makeup look. Beloved for its sheer coverage, the buildable color looks different on everyone and adapts beautifully to each wearer’s natural lip tone. The formula feels more like a balm than a traditional lipstick, gliding on with a lightweight, silky texture that leaves lips soft and hydrated. Its translucent berry tint delivers just enough depth to enhance the lips without overpowering them.
- Editor’s Note: As a ’90s-era enthusiast, I could never turn my back on this shade from Clinique. The color gives just enough moody angst without being a full-on dark lip look. Plus, the semi-sheer coverage makes it a universally flattering choice for every skin tone and every occasion. —C.C.
- Shades: 1
- Finish: Subtle shine
- Coverage: Semi-sheer
- Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and tocopheryl acetate
Best True Red: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate
- Why We Love It: For pro makeup artist Kate Lee, Chanel’s Rouge Allure lipsticks are the definition of a classic formula, and Brown wholeheartedly agrees. “These lipsticks are highly pigmented and packed with hydrating elements for a wear that feels just as beautiful as the shades look,” says Brown, who calls Pirate the perfect Parisian red lip. “Pirate is the shade that started it all for me. It was my introduction to Chanel lipsticks and the first Chanel Beauty product I ever purchased. It’s the classic red of all classic reds. It’s also not too blue, so it works for a variety of skin tones.” Lee adds that the blend of castor and coconut oils keeps lips supple and ensures comfortable, long-lasting wear. “I do not remember a time when this red did not exist, and I’m sure that, given its status among true-blue reds, it always will,” she says.
- Shades: 11
- Finish: High shine
- Coverage: Full
- Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated coconut oil, squalane, prunus mume flower extract, and vitamin E
Best Orange Red: Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Satin Lipstick Refill in Le Coquelicot
- Why We Love It: Infused with Guerlain’s unique lily oleo extract (created with lily flower paired with sweet almond oil) to smooth, hydrate, and subtly plump the lips, this lipstick has earned a permanent spot in celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty’s kit. “This is such a gorgeous product, and I love that it’s refillable so you can switch out your shades,” she previously told Vogue. The most popular shade, Le Coquelicot, is a vibrant orangey red—a tone that instantly brightens the complexion and flatters a wide range of undertones thanks to its warm, luminous base. And with cases that range from rhinestone studded to sleek fluted gold, “the packaging makes you feel like you’re carrying a piece of jewelry around,” Bhatty adds.
- Type: Balmy cream
- Finish: Satin
- Shade range: 8 -Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, lily oleo extract, and tocopherol
Best Mauve: Nars PowerMatte Lipstick in Modern Love
- Why We Love It: Pro makeup artist Naïma Bremer considers this lipstick a must-have for long-wearing color. “It has great color payoff and does not budge,” she says. “Because this matte formula can be slightly drying, I like to pat a little balm into the center of the lip to make it more comfortable to wear.” A favorite is Be My Girl, the perfect mauve, which balances cool and warm undertones to complement a variety of skin tones. Its rich, velvety matte finish delivers a polished, modern look, while the touch of balm in the center ensures lips stay soft and comfortable without compromising the lipstick’s wear.
- Shades: 24
- Finish: Matte
- Key Ingredients: Lauroyl lysine (fatty- and amino-acid blend)
Best Drugstore: Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink in Unrivaled
- Why We Love It: Pro makeup artist Buster Knight is a fan of Maybelline’s Vinyl Ink liquid lipstick and always keeps the formula in his kit for star clients. “If I want to use lipstick with a little more oomph [on my clients], I go for any of the Super Stay formulas,” Knight tells Vogue. “They don’t budge and give a great color payoff.” One of the standout shades, Unrivaled, is a deep burgundy that’s perfect for experimenting with the soft-goth trend. The long-wearing formula glides on smoothly, locking in rich pigment without feathering, while the lightweight texture keeps lips comfortable throughout the day or night.
- Editor’s Note: The only compliments I ever get on my beauty look are when I’m wearing Maybelline New York’s Vinyl Ink. It’s the best of both worlds. It stays on all day, just like those OG lip kits (no dry, cakey coverage here), and is super glossy and shiny.” —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty and wellness editor
- Shades: 20
- Finish: High Shine
- Coverage: Full-coverage liquid
- Key Ingredients: Dimethicone, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, tocopherol
Everything You Need to Know
How to Choose the Best Lipstick Shade for Your Undertone
For Henney, there’s a science to picking the best lipstick shades for clients. “Warm undertones usually look best with shades that have hints of orange, coral, or warm reds,” he explains. “Cool undertones tend to pop with blue-based pinks, berries, and classic reds.” Those with neutral undertones can get even more experimental, skewing into warm or cool colors.
If you’re still stumped, Ferreira suggests getting hands-on, playing with different shades by swatching on the back of your hand. “Think of it this way,” she says. “There are so many shades of reds, they all look similar. But if you swatch them next to each other, you will realize how they are all so different! The same happens with skin tones. There are millions of tones and hues, so it is about experimenting.”
What Are the Ultimate Classic Lipstick Shades?
The best or most classic shades are totally subjective. “I tend not to think of rules when it comes to choosing lipsticks for clients, as I am more so guided by the intended end result,” says Brown. “Sometimes if a lip clashes, I need that vibrancy to make the lip the focus.”
That said, the experts agree that there are classics that never go out of style—neutrals (from pinks to browns) and, of course, a red lip—and the variety of undertones of shades makes each category more diverse than you might think.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—including celebrity and pro makeup artists—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to classic lipstick shades, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and undertone. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Michael Anthony is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Doja Cat.
- Tasha Reiko Brown is a Chanel makeup artist and groomer whose clients include Gabrielle Union, Michael B. Jordan, and Alicia Keys.
- Naïma Bremer is a London-based makeup artist with over a decade of work in the beauty industry. Bremer’s clients include Saweetie, Willow Smith, Kali Uchis, Iris Law, and many more.
- Carolina Dali is a New York–based professional makeup artist, men’s groomer, and digital content creator. Her work has appeared in V Magazine, Vogue (US, Italia), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Interview, and more.
- Valeria Ferreira is a London-based makeup artist with over 20 years of experience. Her roster includes Cara Delevingne, Kaia Gerber, Victoria Beckham, Jodie Comer, Naomi Scott, Jenna Coleman, Rosamund Pike, Lily James, and Vanessa Kirby
- Tobi Henney is a Sydney-born, bicoastal-based makeup artist. Her roster includes Barbara Palvin, Jessica Alba, Ashley Graham, Lili Reinhart, Emma Roberts, Helena Christensen, and more.
- Buster Knight is a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Millie Bobby Brown, Lauren Sánchez, and Kris Jenner.
- Kate Lee is an LA–based Chanel celebrity makeup artist. Her roster includes Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart, and Jessica Chastain.
