Whenever I’m having a bad day, I swipe on my favorite shade of lipstick or lipgloss, which I embarrassingly admit, tends to change week-to-week. As a beauty editor, I’m required to hoard and test approximately 1,000 lipsticks a year. I’m not complaining; instead, I’m here to tell you that this is a job I don’t take lightly. To help you make an informed decision about your next unavoidable beauty splurge, I’ve tested the good, the bad, and everything in-between. Today’s focus? Luxury lipsticks.
Right now, I’m loving YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm, which comes housed inside of gold packaging that looks and feels luxe. The oil-infused formula applies like lip balm and gives lips an instant hydration boost and high-shine color. I’ve been reaching for the neutral-toned shade named Nude Lavalliere over and over again, which is making it very difficult to test out new lip launches.
As much as I love my YSL balm, there are plenty of more luxe options worth raving out: stay-all-day mattes, date night reds, and environmentally friendly lipstick refillables. With so many options on the market, it can feel impossible to shop for just one, especially when finding the perfect product really comes down to personal preference.
To make your search for the perfect luxe lipstick easier, we’ve curated a list of popular picks loved by stars (and normal people, too). Take note: Tracee Ellis Ross loves Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick and Kaia Gerber loves YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick Balm just as much as I do. Obviously, they have great taste.
Keep scrolling to shop our picks and find the perfect match for you.
If You Want to Forget That You’re Wearing Lipstick…
This formula is so thin and silky that it feels like a balm, but delivers intense, glossy color.
If You Want Pigment That Packs a Punch…
You can always rely on famed makeup artist Pat McGrath’s products for serious color payoff. Celebs sure do. Naomi Campbell, Hailey Baldwin, and Jennifer Lopez are just a few of the stars who wear McGrath’s beloved cosmetics.
If You Want to Look Really Freakin’ Cool…
If you can’t live without Christian Louboutin pumps, then you might as well add this one to your shopping list. This isn’t one that we recommend losing in the bottom of your handbag. It deserves to be shown off as frequently as possible.
If You Need Your Lipstick to Last…
Everyone needs a budge-proof lipstick in their makeup bag, especially for wearing under a protective face mask. This lightweight formula will lock into your lips for eight hours of wear (if not more—just be sure to survey the damage if you eat something greasy or oily).
If You’re Searching for a Celeb-Approved Brand…
British makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has more celebrity clients than we can count and it makes sense! Her products are top of the line. We’re particularly obsessed with this vibrant shade of pink that looks double take-worthy on all skin tones.
If You Want to Personalize Your Lipstick…
Here’s how Guerlain’s Rouge G lipstick collection works: Simply choose a shade of Guerlain lipstick on the brand’s site and then pick a case that best fits your aesthetic. And that’s not even the best part. The packaging features a double-mirror design so you can expertly swipe on lipstick on-the-go.
If Sustainability Is Your Top Priority…
French fashion designer Pierre Hardy is responsible for dreaming up these stylish and sustainable lipsticks cases. When you near the end of your favorite shade, you can easily purchase a refill of a new shade or the one you’ve been loving.
If You Prefer Lip Balm Over Lipstick…
Meet the elevated version of the tinted lip balm you reach for time and time again. This silky formula is as addictive as it is stunning and its weighed gold casing makes it feels extra luxe.
If You’re Always Applying Lipstick On-the-Go…
This lipstick features an innovative petal-shaped tip that’s designed to make it extra easy to apply your favorite shade—no selfie camera or mirror required. Seriously.
If You Want Your Lips to Sparkle…
You can’t go wrong with scooping up any Tom Ford lipstick (or any of the aforementioned options, either, TBH) but this one’s made for the makeup-lover who can never have enough shimmer. Achieving a glitter lip quite literally has never been so easy.
