15 Iconic Lipsticks That Give Your Skin A Glow Up Every Time

15 Iconic Lipsticks That Give Your Skin A Glow Up Every Time

Nothing elevates your look or livens up your complexion like the perfect lipstick. The right shade can transform your look and attitude, whether it’s a bold red by night, a soft neutral for everyday elegance, or an adventurous pop of color to switch things up.

The Power Red

A true beauty icon, MAC Ruby Woo, known for its retro matte finish, is a cult-classic red that has been a favorite for decades, gracing red carpets and casual selfies. The bold, blue-based red is universally flattering, instantly boosting confidence no matter the occasion. Whether paired with a little black dress or a laid-back denim look, it never fails to deliver a chic, polished vibe. It’s the go-to lipstick for those who want to feel powerful and glamorous in a single swipe.

As makeup artist Katrina Raftery explains, Ruby Woo’s staying power is just as impressive as its striking color. It resists smudging and stays vibrant for hours, making it a reliable choice for busy days and long nights. The smooth application and luxurious feel ensure it’s as practical as stylish. If you want to add one classic red to your collection, Ruby Woo is an undeniable must-have.

The Perfect Neutral

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk has achieved status as the ultimate nude-pink lipstick. This velvety-smooth shade enhances your natural lip color while offering a polished, effortless look that works for any occasion. Whether heading to brunch with friends or presenting in a high-stakes meeting, this versatile lipstick never feels out of place. Its muted tone flatters a wide range of skin tones, ensuring it’s a staple in countless makeup bags worldwide.

Professional makeup artist Willow Mayor highlights how Pillow Talk subtly elevates your overall appearance without overpowering your face. The creamy texture glides on seamlessly, delivering all-day comfort and just the right amount of shine. It’s the perfect choice when you want to look effortlessly put together without drawing too much attention. No wonder it remains one of Charlotte Tilbury’s best-selling shades year after year.

The Timeless Fashion Classic

The gold standard for timeless red lipsticks, especially among fashionistas, Dior 999 in Rogue is a rich, true red that perfectly balances warm and cool tones, making it universally flattering for all skin tones. Its creamy, satin finish feels luxurious on the lips, delivering intense color payoff with a touch of shine. Whether attending a formal event or running errands in jeans and a tee, this shade adds a polished edge to any look.

What sets Dior 999 apart is its history of elegance and sophistication. The formula feels indulgent yet lightweight, ensuring your lips stay comfortable all day. With roots dating back to Christian Dior’s first collection, this lipstick is as much a piece of beauty history as a makeup essential. If you’re searching for a red that embodies timeless glamour, Dior 999 should be at the top of your list.

The Fiery Favorite

Anything but your average red, NARS Dragon Girl is a vibrant cherry red with a playful twist. This semi-matte formula delivers intense pigment while feeling surprisingly lightweight on the lips. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stand out without looking overdone, making it an excellent choice for day or night. The youthful, fun shade instantly adds energy to your overall look and has been a favorite among beauty insiders for years.

One swipe of Dragon Girl is all it takes to feel bold and unstoppable. Its long-lasting formula ensures you won’t worry about frequent touch-ups, even during a busy day. It’s a red lipstick that makes a statement without screaming for attention, striking the perfect balance between dramatic and wearable. Dragon Girl is a must-try if you’re looking for a red that’s equal parts fun and sophisticated.

The Luxe Mauve

Pat McGrath Labs Matte Trance in Omi is the epitome of understated luxury. This dusty rose-mauve shade is versatile enough for daytime and evening looks, offering the right color to enhance your lips. The creamy matte formula feels hydrating and smooth, gliding on effortlessly with every application. It’s the lipstick you can rely on for a sophisticated, polished look without going over the top.

Omi’s universal charm makes it so appealing—it complements a wide range of skin tones while maintaining its unique character. Whether heading to the office or having a romantic dinner, this shade ensures your makeup looks effortlessly elegant. The packaging alone exudes glamour, making it a joy to use and display. For anyone looking to invest in a luxurious, everyday lipstick, Omi is a standout choice.

The Universal Red

A game-changer in the world of red lipsticks, Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored by Fenty Beauty is, as its name suggests, stunning. This liquid formula delivers an intense, fiery red pigment that looks stunning on every skin tone. Rihanna dubbed it the “universal red,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s bold, vibrant, and undeniably flattering. The lightweight texture feels comfortable on the lips while providing incredible staying power.

Uncensored is a must-have whether you’re a red lipstick enthusiast or just starting to experiment with bold colors. It’s kiss-proof, smudge-proof, and stays put through meals, drinks, and long conversations. The precise applicator makes it easy to achieve a flawless look, even if you’re new to liquid lipsticks. This is if you want a red that lives up to its hype.

The Satiny Red

YSL Rouge Pur Couture No. 1 embodies the effortless elegance of Parisian chic. This rich, satiny red is unapologetically luxurious, delivering intense pigment with a subtle sheen. Its hydrating formula ensures your lips stay comfortable while maintaining a polished, high-fashion finish. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine (or just dreaming of it), this shade transports you to the streets of Paris with every swipe.

With its signature gold case, the packaging feels like a piece of couture for your makeup bag. This timeless red suits various occasions, from office meetings to evening soirées, offering versatility without losing its statement-making power. The creamy texture glides on smoothly, creating a flawless look with minimal effort. For anyone seeking a lipstick that embodies sophistication, Rouge Pur Couture No. 1 is an absolute must-try.

The High-Impact Red

Tom Ford’s Cherry Lush is the ultimate power move in lipstick form. This vibrant, blue-based red is bold, glamorous, and utterly indulgent. Its creamy formula glides on like silk, delivering full coverage and a subtle sheen that catches the light beautifully. The luxurious gold packaging adds a touch of extravagance, making it as much a statement piece as the lipstick itself.

Whether attending a high-stakes meeting or enjoying a romantic night out, Cherry Lush boosts confidence with every application. The color payoff is intense yet sophisticated, striking the perfect balance between daring and wearable. Despite its high-impact hue, the formula feels lightweight and comfortable, ensuring all-day wear without compromise. Cherry Lush is a must-have for anyone seeking a lipstick that exudes confidence and style.

The Edgy Neutral

The perfect blend of bold and neutral, meet Urban Decay Vice in Backtalk. This pink-mauve shade offers a creamy, comfortable formula while delivering rich, opaque color. It’s versatile enough to work for everyday looks and edgier styles, making it a staple for any lipstick lover. Whether paired with a smoky eye or minimal makeup, Backtalk adds just the right amount of attitude.

The formula is long-lasting, ensuring you won’t need constant touch-ups throughout the day. Its smooth application and comfortable wear make it ideal for long coffee dates or late-night adventures. The shade’s muted yet striking tone flatters a range of skin tones, adding a touch of trendy sophistication. If you’re looking for a lipstick that’s equal parts timeless and on-trend, Backtalk deserves a spot in your collection.

The Bold Pink

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Matte in Rose Lancôme is a vibrant, daring pink that stands out. Its lightweight drama matte formula delivers intense pigment with a soft, velvety finish that feels luxurious on the lips. Perfect for days when you want to step outside your comfort zone, this lipstick proves that pink can be as powerful as red. Its striking hue adds a playful yet sophisticated touch to your makeup routine.

The bold color is complemented by a comfortable, long-lasting formula that resists fading throughout the day. Its smooth application makes it easy to achieve flawless lips in seconds, even in a rush. Whether you’re wearing it for a special event or to spice up your everyday look, Rose Lancôme commands attention. This is the one for anyone seeking a fearless shade that embodies femininity and strength.

The Glam Vintage Red/Gold

If you’re looking for a lipstick that feels like a vintage treasure, Goldie Red by Gucci is it. This warm, rich red offers a satin finish that is bold and elegant. The ornate, vintage-inspired packaging is a work of art, making it a keepsake-worthy addition to your makeup collection. Goldie Red delivers a polished, high-impact look that is perfect for any occasion without feeling overdone.

The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, providing hydration and long-lasting color in a single swipe. Its balance of warmth and vibrancy flatters a range of skin tones, ensuring it’s as versatile as striking. Whether you’re channeling old Hollywood glamour or modern chic, this lipstick delivers on every front. Goldie Red is a must-try for anyone who appreciates timeless beauty with a touch of luxury.

The Iconic Pink

If sophistication came in lipstick form, it would be called Chanel Rouge Coco in Mademoiselle. This soft, rosy pink offers a subtle sheen that’s perfect for creating understated elegance. The creamy formula glides effortlessly across the lips, delivering hydration and a luminous finish that feels as luxurious as it looks. Ideal for daytime wear and low-key evening glam, this shade is a go-to for anyone seeking timeless beauty.

Chanel’s reputation for quality shines in every detail, from the smooth application to the long-lasting color. The shade is flattering across various skin tones, offering versatility without losing its signature charm. Whether paired with minimal makeup or a full face, Mademoiselle elevates your look instantly.

The Chic Everyday Shade

Bobbi Brown’s Crushed Lip Color in Babe is the ultimate “your lips but better” shade. This muted pink offers a sheer, buildable finish that creates a polished, natural look. Its balmy texture feels hydrating and comfortable, ensuring your lips stay soft and smooth all day. Ideal for minimal makeup days or a quick touch-up on the go, Babe is a versatile addition to any collection.

What sets this shade apart is its ability to enhance your natural lip color without overpowering it. The lightweight formula feels like a lip balm but delivers the pigment of lipstick, striking the perfect balance. Whether heading to brunch or running errands, Babe ensures you look effortlessly put together. This is the one for anyone seeking an everyday lipstick that’s both chic and easy to wear.

The Budget-Friendly Star

Proof you don’t need to splurge to show off killer lips comes in the form of Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Lover. This mauve-pink shade offers a matte finish that stays put through meals, drinks, and long conversations. Its long-wear formula rivals luxury brands, delivering incredible staying power without breaking the bank. For anyone new to lipstick or looking to expand their collection affordably, Lover is a standout choice.

The precise applicator ensures easy, mess-free application, even for beginners. Despite its matte finish, the formula feels surprisingly comfortable, avoiding the dryness often associated with budget-friendly options. Whether dressing up or keeping things casual, this lipstick delivers on color, comfort, and longevity. If you’re searching for a reliable, affordable lipstick that doesn’t compromise on quality, Lover is a must-try.

The Sultry Rose

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy in Rebellious Rose is a lipstick that exudes sultry sophistication. This rich, rosy shade offers a creamy, luxurious formula that glides effortlessly across the lips. Its intense pigment delivers bold color with a moisturizing finish, ensuring your lips feel as good as they look. Perfect for transitioning from day to night, Rebellious Rose is as versatile as it is stunning.

The shade complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Its smooth, hydrating formula ensures long-lasting wear without sacrificing comfort, even during long days. Rebellious Rose adds depth and elegance to your overall vibe, whether paired with minimal makeup or a full glam look. This shade is an absolute must-have for anyone seeking a classic lipstick with a modern twist.

Natasha is a seasoned lifestyle journalist and editor based in New York City. Originally from Sydney, during a a stellar two-decade career, she has reported on the latest lifestyle news and trends for major media brands including Elle and Grazia. Natasha now writes and directs content for Bolde Media, publishers of Bolde, Star Candy, Style Files, Psych Love and Earth Animals.