Asking a beauty professional—whether it’s a celebrity hairstylist, makeup artist, or Instagram influencer (hi, 2018)—for advice is always a safe bet. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find there are plenty of other women out there who are legitimate authorities in their own right. In our column, Unlikely Experts, they give real reviews and recommendations. Whether it’s surfers on the best conditioners, bikers on the best cleansers, or ballerinas on the best foot creams, it’s fair to say these women know best.
Plenty of things come to mind when you think of New York City during the holidays: Christmas lights, packed department stores, and of course, the Radio City Rockettes. Every year, the Rockettes team up to sing, dance, and kick line in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular—and each season, despite the altered hairstyles and new costumes, one detail of their look remains the same: their bright red lipstick.
The catch? Their makeup, including their red lip, needs to last through an entire performance, which includes eight costume changes and one sweaty Santa-inspired beard. Oh, and here’s another thing: each Rockette is in charge of her own hair and makeup. The only rules they need to follow are wearing their uniform hairstyle, false eyelashes, and the very best red for their complexion.
So with plenty of trial and error, it’s no surprise that these women have landed on the best shades and formulas in the game. Which is why they’re sharing them, here. And just in case you’re so inclined to see these shades in action for yourself, they’ll be performing at Radio City Music Hall through January 6.
It’s the beginning of November, and you know what that means: This holiday season is upon us. We’ve reached that transitional time when Halloween decorations are replaced by winter ones overnight—and when gift sets start appearing on shelves. Among the holiday products that have come out so far, I already found the one holiday-themed lipstick I’ll be wearing until spring. It smells like a chef’s kiss blend of gourmet fragrance chemicals, and I love it so much.
Like the brand’s Gingerbread Man ruddy, red-orange lipstick from last year, Gingerbread Girl smells warm and buttery. The color is slightly warmer than the original, which makes it a gorgeous toasted red hue. One layer reads pinky-brown, while a second takes it into brick-red territory. On the dry-down, it’s neither overtly moisturizing nor drying. I can feel it on my lips, but not in an uncomfortable way, and it usually lasts a few hours.
But, oh my God, the smell. I’m addicted to huffing this lipstick. To me, it smells like a cross between warm butterscotch chips, melted butter, and popcorn-flavor jelly beans. Whoever came up with it is an artisan of chemicals and fragrance. It’s a work of art. You don’t smell it once applied, but in the tube, it’s a bouquet of amazing.
A fair disclaimer: It’s not for everyone. You’ll either love it or you’ll hate it. While I was walking around the Glamour office raving about its scent, a couple of editors were repulsed by the buttery smell. But this winter I’ll be a gingerbread-girl-dancing around those (wrong) opinions, getting toasty warm, sniffing this lipstick, and looking good to boot.
Since she first began attending official royal outings with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle has proved time and again that she’s of the “if it ain’t broke” mindset when it comes to her beauty choices. When she finds what looks good—her glowy, natural makeup, that controversy-causing messy bun—she sticks with it. In a new interview with People, Daniel Martin, the Duchess of Sussex’s close friend and mastermind behind her gorgeous wedding day glam, broke down Meghan’s low-key approach to makeup and explained why you’ll never see her straying too far from her favorite peachy-nude lip color.
“The one time she did a red lip, she just didn’t feel comfortable in it,” Martin explained. “She likes to talk and she’s not a fussy person, so she doesn’t want to have to worry about anything.” Makes sense: Who wants to worry about a bright red smudge transferring onto your teeth or feathering out when you’ve got a million cameras trained on you at any minute. And bold colors fade more obviously.
Plus, if your go-to rosy nude was as flattering and versatile as Meghan’s preferred Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution shade of “Very Victoria,” why would you even consider trying something new?
PHOTO: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
PHOTO: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
PHOTO: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Martin also shared that, despite having access to professional makeup artists, Meghan has decided to do her own makeup for her royal engagements. “She’s gotten more comfortable doing her own makeup. She loves makeup and she’s good at it!” he told People. “She’s been doing her makeup herself. She’s not fussy—she’s just trying to get it on and get out the door.”
Her go-to routine? “She likes a stronger eye, her brow is a lot more defined now. But it’s still her,” Martin said. “If anything, she’s going to experiment with different tones, and now that she’s more tan she’ll use warmer colors. But she doesn’t stray too far from her technique, she’s very formulaic with her routine. They have so many engagements, you have to stick with what you know and feel comfortable and confident and just own it.”
You’ve got to stan a relatable, low-maintenance duchess.
Some people swear by red lipstick, but I’ve always been ride-or-die for burgundy. Where bright red lipsticks are bold and loud (whoever named Too Faced’s Melted Matte red lipstick “Lady Balls” nailed it), dark wine shades are shadowy, and don’t demand attention so much as magnetically attract it.
My dream color is how red translated on-screen in black and white movies—the kind of shade that says you’ve been sipping red wine and having sparkling conversation, or biting your lip while concentrating on your reading (think Rory Gilmore season one, or Hermione book five.) It’s vivid against your skin but dull in general, which is part of the plan, because this lipstick is for you and you alone.
I lug around at least four on any given day, but only one has stayed with me from work, to playing pool in a bar’s back room, to hiking (selfies in front of a waterfall, I’m not going to not), and that perfect baby is Rituel de Fille Carnal. Carnal is sexy but bookish, thanks to its muted-wine color, and similar to the shade of dried blood (in a cool way). If you’re not familiar with the brand, it’s perfected the aesthetic of “moody” with non-toxic products that draw on their nature-inspired origins. The entire vibe of the line is earth-y gorgeous, plus a little ethereal. And in the prettiest packaging you’ve ever seen.
The formula, too, equally nails it. It’s matte but not drying, which makes the color super natural-looking. The one negative is sometimes I open the tube to find the bullet disconnected and floating in the cap, but I just shake it back down and continue as usual (and that’s likely just because it goes everywhere that I do).
I hate to say “effortless” as a compliment, because I’m all for making an effort, but Carnal feels like I don’t have to. It’s just easily ideal—and, in my opinion, no other lipstick (especially red) gets it so right.
As far as lipstick goes, we’ve seen—and tried—them all. So when someone asks us the ever-important questions “What’s your favorite?” or “What color will look good on me?” we’re more than equipped to reply. The answers lie in the so-called cult classics; the lipstick shades that crop up regularly in articles and conversation as the best of the best for their ability to look incredible on everyone. They’re so iconic, they’re known alone by sight, number, or name.
To see if their claims truly do hold up, we recruited Glamour staffers to try on five of the most raved-about shades. Get their honest opinions below.
MAC calls this a vivid red with blue undertones and a true matte finish. We call it the most universally flattering red ever—and it’s got the sales to back that up. According to the brand, it’s the number one best-selling shade in the U.S. “Ruby Woo is the ‘Little Black Dress’ of makeup,” Gregory Arlt, director of makeup artistry for MAC, once told Glamour. “It’s an essential red that’s chic, matte, sophisticated, playful, and timeless. I’ve only ever seen it look amazing on every skin tone and every age.” Here’s what our team thought.
Maureen Choi, beauty editor: “I’m now totally convinced this blue-based red looks dope on just about everyone. I didn’t think it would work on my pinkish skin tone, but it was surprisingly flattering and jazzed up my blah face with very little effort. It’s a bit drier than other mattes, so next time, I’d do a lip scrub and balm underneath so it glides on a bit better.”
Ana Colón, digital fashion editor: “This ticks off all the boxes for me when it comes to lip color: It’s red, it’s matte, and it’s bold but not too bright.”
Christina Draper: fashion credits editor: “Good reds are so hard to find and I absolutely love this one. It has that deep crimson red finish that isn’t too orange nor too burgundy. If you like a true red, this is the color to go for. I’d wear it all day but it definitely can register nighttime red. I also noticed I got a strange amount of compliments on my cupid’s bow, that little divit on the top of your top lip. Someone actually asked if I had put on lip liner. So it gave my lips awesome definition. Definitely will be wearing this one a lot more.”
Smriti Sinha, senior social media manager: “I love reds. They best complement my skin tone, make my features more prominent, and get me ton of compliments, and this matte shade is perfect. It’s definitely on the drier side of the scale, so go slow when you put it on and maybe start with a lip balm first.”
Lindsay Schallon, senior beauty editor: “For years I thought I couldn’t pull off red lipstick. Yeah, I don’t know what I was thinking either. The blue undertones look great with my fair, neutral skin tone and the color instantly makes it look like I tried. I keep a tube at my desk for whenever I need a little something extra.”
This deep, blackened violet only looks dark in the tube, because when you glide it on, it leaves behind only the faintest sheer tint. Clinique launched it in the early seventies and it instantly became a best-seller. The brand now ships one tube of Black Honey every three minutes.
Maureen: “This sheer plum is the perfect entry-level lip shade. It went on like butter and kept my lips juicy and plump, while adding just a hint of color and shine. It doesn’t make a major statement, but that’s the point—nice and subtle.”
Ana: “I liked how moisturizing it is. It feels like a tinted lip balm. When I wear lipstick, though, I like to go full-throttle with color and this one really is super-sheer. You have to apply layers on layers to really get the super-pretty purple hue.”
Christina: “Truth be told, this one did nothing for me. It actually looked like I had nothing on but gloss. It was too similar to my natural lip color but with shine like a lip gloss, which is also not a me thing. It didn’t look bad; it just didn’t pop.”
Smriti: “I liked how this formula is just a dash of color to make you feel like your lips aren’t naked, and yet, it doesn’t scream, ‘I’m wearing lipstick!’ when you enter a meeting. It definitely has the moisture I’m looking for in a lip color too. This is definitely going to become my go-to when I’m not reaching out for my favorite red.”
Lindsay: “New. Favorite. This buildable shade is now at my desk, in my bag, and on my nightstand. Yes, I have three of them.”
This hot pink with cool undertones and a velvety, semi-matte texture is named after iconic fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who was famously known for wearing a bright pink lip. “It’s probably one of the most-loved pink lipsticks,” makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes once told us. “I love it because it has a blue undertone, so it’s very flattering and makes your teeth look super white.”
Maureen: “This is my beauty equivalent of a double shot of espresso: Just one swipe makes me look alive. I like dabbing some on straight from the tube and then using my finger to smudge the color out to the edges; no need to be precious about it. The creamy formula is very forgiving.”
Ana: “This was…pink. I tend to feel comfortable in the red/berry lipstick color family, anything too bright makes me feel too conspicuous. And even though I can objectively see how this shade looks good with my skin tone and hair color, it’s still too pop-y for my taste. I felt like I was cast in a reboot of Saved By the Bell.”
Christina: “I love this shade. I’ve actually been wearing it for about three years now. It’s bright and bold without being clown-y. I can wear it with just about any outfit in any color. It’s as classic as a red. I liked the old more matte formula since it lasted longer, but will definitely keep buying this one.”
Smriti: “I do my fair share of experimentation with lip colors and yet I‘ve not been convinced that a hot pink is for me. It‘s definetely one of those shades that I felt I‘d need to pull off perfectly or I‘d end up giving Barbie vibes. But I was surprised by how encouraging everyone was when I tested it. It made my undertones and blush pop more too. I ended up keeping it on for date night.”
Lindsay: “One of my best friends, who’s pale with jet-black hair, looks like a total babe in this shade, and I’ve never been convinced it’d do me the same justice. But! I wasn’t mad at it, especially with the amount of compliments it got me.”
By far the oldest of the bunch, Revlon first came out with this glossy, orange-red in 1952, which, if nothing else, should tell you about its staying power.
Maureen: “Sleeper statement-lip hit of them all! To me, a zing of coral is what makes this sassy shade werk. It’s amazingly glossy, which makes it easy to swipe on—with or without a mirror. I’ll definitely be adding it into my regular rotation.”
Ana: “This color made me feel like I was in a Revlon add from the nineties, and I loved every second of it. Even though I tend to go for matte, more purply reds, the hint of orange in this lipstick made it feel peppy and summery.”
Christina: “This is one of those reds that’s personally too orange for me. It also went on a bit sheer. It was, however, very moisturizing.”
Smriti: “What’s not to like about an orange-red that pops like a dream and makes you stand out? I loved the price point too because every other red I love is costlier than this. It’s so glossy though I don’t think I’d be able to wear it when I’ve to do anything other than look pretty. It’s got the kind of finish that’ll leave marks behind on everything.”
Lindsay: “I tend to gravitate toward blue-based reds and purples. But holy wow am I reconsidering that now. I loved this orange-red, and after three seasons of wearing matte, it was nice to go back to a creamier formula.”
This warm matte brown was created in—you guessed it—1993 and was inspired by the year chokers, baby tees, and brown lipstick became the things we all needed. It was also the first of Urban Decay’s matte shades to sell out. “1993 is the perfect gateway shade for anyone who is looking to dip their toes into this nineties trend,” Amanda Rodriguez, Urban Decay global artist, says. “The color is a bit muted and has the perfect touch of rose to it so there is never a fear of things going murky.” Consensus says? Agreed.
Maureen: “I have to admit: I was totally psyched to resurrect the nineties brown lipstick of my youth. I loved it back in the day and still love it now. This one isn’t as intense as the Kate Moss-inspired cocoa shade I used to rock (matching lip liner and all), but that’s a good thing. It’s got a creamy matte consistency and a sharp tip that makes precise application a cinch. Think I’ve found my new go-to nude.”
Ana: “This is perhaps the most accurately-named lipstick shade I’ve ever come across. The brown feels very retro—or maybe I’ve been re-watching Friends too much?—and I liked how it looked on me. But, honestly, seeing my fellow testers try it on, too, I definitely loved the color on them more. It feels like the lipstick I’d see on someone and immediately compliment them on.”
Christina: “This was another miss for me. I do love matte lipsticks but similar to the Clinique it had a skin tone vibe. Browns on brown skin are tricky. You either get a good nude look or something that’s just a bit off. It may be because I have a summer tan. I’d try it again come winter and see if suits me more then.”
Smriti: “I loved this color! I’ve always looked for lipsticks that are a so-called ‘nude’, but when I put this on I realized I’ve been doing it wrong this whole time. This brown makes the perfect nude on me. It’s like a your-lips-but-better situation. Obsessed.”
Lindsay: “I’m a Kylie Jenner stan, and this shade makes a great dupe to her lip kits. A word of warning: I’ve personally found it looks best with full-coverage skin; but that could be because I have a lot of redness.”
Additional reporting by Julianne Carell. Design by Aimee Sy.
I consider myself relatively confident. I’m strong-willed and opinionated. I go on dates without a lingering fear of rejection, and I really only have a few things I’m irrationally afraid of. Fainting during hot yoga is one of them; going through the wrong checkout line at Whole Foods is another (don’t even try to act like that process doesn’t stress you out. Which color am I—green? Am I green?!?). But the biggest thing I haven’t been able to shake is wearing lipstick.
Yep, you read that right: I’m scared of wearing lipstick. In public. In the privacy of my own home. Even in Sephora, where, while I’m trying it on, I immediately develop imposter syndrome and feel as though I need to apologize to the people around me: “No, no—this red isn’t for me, I’m just trying this on for a friend.” The closest you’ll really ever get to me rocking a bold lip in my daily life is when I accidentally buy tinted Burt’s Bees from the drugstore, but by that point I’ve already paid for it and removed the protective wrap, so I’m stuck with it.
My mother, in particular, has never understood this about me. But then again, she’s essentially the unofficial poster child for Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, which I’m pretty sure she’s been buying since the Reagan administration. She won’t even go into the post office without putting some on, because God forbid she mail a letter without wearing a strong coat of Naughty Plum.
“Why don’t you ever wear lipstick?” she’ll ask as she applies the product to her lips in our blue Civic. “It looks so nice on you!” And though I’ve often rolled my eyes at my mom’s line of makeup questioning, I’ve never really understood my aversion either. I’ve always admired women who wear it. There’s a certain uninhibited confidence about them. And it’s not like I haven’t tried to be a lipstick person. I own a small collection of colors I’ve either bought on a whim or picked up from a giveaway pile at work—thinking maybe it’ll be the shade to convert me. But still, every time I think about putting it on while getting ready, I change my mind and end up leaving the house in chapstick.
When I sat down to think about it, I realized my uneasiness actually comes from a very real place. Growing up, I had always been a loud and confident kid, but then suddenly, in high school, that went away. When I was 16, I developed cystic acne, and all the feelings of self-worth I had acquired over the years seemed to melt away overnight. My skin was betraying me, so I started wearing makeup to cover it up. I wanted to hide what I felt most embarrassed by: my face. And because lipstick, by nature, draws attention to your features, I didn’t want it anywhere near me.
But fast-forward 12 years and countless appointments with my dermatologist later, and I’m now undeniably happy in my own skin. So with National Lipstick Day (July 29) around the corner and a little nudging from Glamour‘s beauty team, I decided it was time to give lipstick another try. We dug through drawers upon drawers of different products in the beauty closet, hunting for shades that were both realistically wearable (so no blues, greens, or metallics), but also pushed me out of my comfort zone (so no nudes). I went home with roughly 15 shades to consider for the upcoming work week.
Ahead, here’s what it was like wearing lipstick from morning ’til night—including the highs, the lows, and every smudged application in between.
