Here at Page Six, we know what beauty buys are actually worth shopping — and what’s just lip service.
In addition to rounding up celebrities’ favorite pout products, we’ve personally put countless lipsticks to the test over the years (with only a handful scoring a permanent place in our beauty routines).
So with National Lipstick Day here — and major markdowns happening at retailers like Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty — we’re getting ready to hit “add to cart” on some of our holy grail products.
Below, shop staffers’ all-time favorites, from Taylor Swift’s signature red to nude hues that never go out of style.
“MAC’s Ruby Woo is a cult classic for a reason: The bestselling blue-red shade looks fabulous on pretty much everyone. For proof, look no further than the famous women who wear it: Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie and Dita Von Teese are just a few. Paired with the matching MAC lip liner, it also happens to be one of the longest-lasting reds I’ve ever tried; I wore it to my birthday party this year, and it held up against a cheeseburger, cake and (too many) cocktails. Pro tip: Make sure you exfoliate your lips and prep with a good balm before slicking on this super-matte color.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style Editor
“I recommend the Sephora brand lip stains to everyone; they’re not super matte and don’t dry your lips out, but still have incredible pigment and longevity. Marvelous Mauve is the perfect cool-toned purpley pink that goes with every look.” — Alexandra D’Alusio, Page Six Managing Editor
“I’ve gotten so many compliments every time I wear this lipstick (and shared the name with so many friends). While I could write 1,000 words on why MAC should never discontinue this distinctive hue, I’ll keep it brief: This is my favorite lipstick of all time (and as a beauty writer, I’ve tried a lot). The subtle shimmer is just enough for an everyday look, without the stickiness of a gloss.” — Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer/Reporter
“This Pat McGrath replaced my end-all-be-all red lipstick. It’s matte and leaves a powdery finish but it’s long-lasting and doesn’t bleed, even when you don’t use lip liner. It’s also super pigmented so one swipe can even sometimes be too much if you apply it with force. It’s well worth the price tag.” — Sophia Caraballo, Page Six Celebrity News Editor
“While Pillow Talk is a cult classic shade for a reason, somehow Charlotte Tilbury’s equally amazing Gracefully Pink has flown under the radar. I came across this color when I was trying to figure out the lipstick Kate Middleton was wearing at an event last year, and while I’ll probably never know if it’s the same, this pretty berry pink has become one of my go-tos.” — Kristin Contino, Page Six Style Writer/Reporter
“If you’re looking for a lip liner and lipstick in one, this is it. I love lining my lips before applying lipstick but sometimes I’m lazy, and I will sharpen this lipstick, line my lips and then fill in the rest. It’s super smooth when applying and lasts like no other. Oh, and you can use it as blush or eyeshadow if you want.” — Sophia Caraballo, Page Six Celebrity News Editor
“From Kate Moss to Lana Del Rey, plenty of actual icons have worn Charlotte Tilbury’s Icon Baby in the months since its launch. I’m obsessed with the subtle shimmer, and it’s quickly become one of my lipstick go-tos.” — Hannah Southwick, Page Six Commerce Writer/Reporter
“I first got this lipstick as a freebie during National Lipstick Day a few years back and I have to say, it’s an absolutely necessity in my life. I’ve repurchased it multiple times because it is the perfect mauve tone for my lips. I always find myself grabbing it on a daily basis, to the point that I forget I have any other lipsticks. It’s matte but it’s super comfortable to wear all day and it layers nicely under a lip gloss if you want some shine.” — Sophia Caraballo, Page Six Celebrity News Editor
“In my younger days, my go-to lipstick was always the classic MAC Ruby Woo; but as I’ve gotten older (and beauty trends have changed), I started straying from a dry matte formula in favor of one with a little more hydration and a satin finish. This Vermillion color is red enough to make an impact, but it’s buildable and feels comfortable all day long.” — Melissa Minton, Page Six Style Senior Writer/Editor
“As much as I adore my Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson, I tend to reach for this pencil version of the same vivid blue-red shade even more often. Unlike many matte lip pencils I’ve tried, it glides on like a dream and feels lightweight and comfortable. And like any other Pat McGrath product, the color payoff is no joke! My favorite part, however — besides the fact that it’s Taylor Swift’s signature shade — is that the precision tip makes it so easy to draw on the perfect red lip.” — Elana Fishman, Page Six Style Editor
“[Mixed Berries is] the perfect shade and the plumper addition makes my pout feel fuller! Not sticky, easy to apply, and has a long-lasting wear. I can’t wait to buy it in more shades!” — Tori Schneebaum, Page Six Photo Director
“I was turned on to Tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump by watching TikTok a few years ago — and ever since trying it myself, I’ve been obsessed. From the minute you put it on your lips, you can feel the tingling sensation of the plumper working immediately. It glides on smoothly and gives my lips a beautiful shimmer while moisturizing. I notice it stays on for awhile, too, which is great because I don’t want to have to constantly reapply. I am currently using the shade Berry Shimmer Glass.” — Astra, Page Six Anchor
“What could be a more perfect nude shade than one named after supermodel Christy Turlington? Pat McGrath’s formulations are some of the best in the biz in all categories, lipstick being no exception.” — Melissa Minton, Page Six Style Senior Writer/Editor
“This is, IMO, the most flattering shade of red lipstick for almost anyone (especially if you have super fair skin and red hair like me). Plus MAC’s Powder Kiss formula is so smooth and easy to apply!” — Kristin Contino, Page Six Style Writer/Reporter
“I started using the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Balm before it went viral on TikTok and have been a fan ever since. I have this product in almost every color, but hibiscus is my favorite because it’s the perfect everyday glossy nude.” — Alexandra D’Alusio, Page Six Managing Editor
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.