We Love These Richly Pigmented Lipsticks That Don’t Smudge Or Settle Into Fine Lines

Simply taking this lipstick out of the box will hint to you that you’re in for a treat — the beautiful rose gold and retro-inspired fluted tube is like jewelry for your makeup bag. And what’s inside is even nicer: A lipstick with a uniquely sculpted tip that makes it easy to define the edges of your lips, especially if you’re not a big fan of lip liners. Plus, the lipstick formula is long-lasting, and if you aren’t sure which shade to choose, you’ll have no trouble with the most iconic hue, Pillow Talk (a fave of Amal Clooney’s).

While the formula is described as matte, we’d call it more of a satin-matte hybrid, which is a good thing in our opinion. Many of today’s mattes are ultra-flat, giving mature lips a dry and crinkly look, but this one feels silky with plenty of depth, thanks to hydrating vitamin E and orchid extracts, along with light-reflecting pigments that create an optical plumpness without showing any sheen or sparkle. This soft texture fills in fine lines without calling attention to them or feathering with wear.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 17｜Key Ingredients: Orchid extract, vitamin E

If you’re balking at the idea of shelling out over $30 for one of Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks, consider this collection from L’Oréal Paris. As an extension of the Color Riche line, Les Nus Intense offers a range of full-coverage neutral lipsticks across the color spectrum, from light peachy pinks to deep orange browns. They feel buttery and hydrating, courtesy of argan oil, making them especially comfy on dry, mature lips, but it may be hard for some to get past the scent, which is a strong floral aroma.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 12｜Key Ingredients: Argan oil

Call this one love at first sight: You’ll be entranced by the lipstick’s packaging before you even get to the formula inside. When you tap the golden CCs at the bottom of the tube, the lipstick pops out (and securely locks back in with a satisfying click). While you might be reluctant to start using it so as not to mess up the bullet — it’s embossed with the Chanel name, another lovely hint of luxury — it’s worth it.

These formulas are extremely lightweight and glide smoothly over lips, coating them with intense pigment and nourishment, courtesy of castor and coconut oils. The expansive collection of sophisticated shades always impresses us, and there are plenty of ultra-wearable neutrals and classic reds to choose from. And if coordination is your thing, most of the colors are also available in the nail varnish range, too.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 24｜Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, castor oil, sappan wood extract

Inspired by the French concept of bouche mordue, or “just bitten lips,” this quartet of matte lipstick shades offer an instant flush to the lips, creating a put-together look that goes with any makeup or outfit with a quick swipe. 

Though it’s matte, the lipstick’s velvety texture doesn’t enhance rough texture, but rather sits on top of the lips to deliver a sheer wash of color as well as light nourishment from rapeseed oil and pau d’arco. Using it is seriously foolproof — instead of creating harsh lines, Bisou Balm offers blurred edges that look effortless, not sloppy, regardless of which color you use. We’re partial to Bêtise, a warm mauve, but all the shades are beautiful. Sadly, there are only four of them right now, and all are on the pink to neutral side of things. We’d love to see a few spunky reds.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 4｜Key Ingredients: Rapeseed oil, pau d’arco

There’s a reason that this is the only liquid lipstick formula to make the cut on this list — this is one of the very, very rare few that doesn’t strip the lips, flake, crack, or feather — and even better, you can snag it at a drugstore price. It features a high-shine finish in a comfortable, flexible texture and a shade range that includes everyday neutrals and “fashion” colors, like neon fuchsia and true orange. 

However, those who just dive into the tube and apply with abandon may not instantly like this product — the key to a successful application starts with wiping excess formula off the wand before applying thin coats and letting it fully set. With this technique, you’ll get up to 16 hours (!) of wear. Otherwise, the product will move and feel tacky on the lips. 

Type: Liquid｜Shades: 20｜Key Ingredients: Black currant seed oil, vitamin E

This lipstick’s elongated, slender, and refillable tube reminds us of the cigarette holders used in Old Hollywood, but more luxe — after all, this one is gold and houses a fabulous and creamy lipstick. The bullet is one of the narrowest we’ve ever seen, which is great not just for aesthetics but for function too — lip contouring requires a controlled application and this makes it a breeze. 

The moisturizing formula comes in a delightful array of shades that won’t feather or smear. While the initial investment may be on the higher side, keep in mind that this tube is refillable, so once you’ve used up the first insert, subsequent purchases of your fave shade will be $24.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 40｜Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil

Urban Decay has been a favorite of ours for years. While we were wary when the brand discontinued its former lipstick formula in favor of this one, we’re big enough to admit when we’re wrong: This comfortable lipstick delivers the hydration of a lip balm in a smooth, silky texture that’s a pleasure to apply. The spread of shades includes some eye-popping brights, like the “punk pink” shade Hollyweird, as well as plenty of mauves, dusty pinks and taupes. Bonus: The mirrored sculpted tube feels great in the hand (and makes it easy to find in a dark purse). 

There are only two detractors, in our opinion: The formula does transfer, so if your date doesn’t like wearing your lipstick, save this one for another time, and the scent is fairly potent. However, we’d rather smell this base odor than a powerful fake fragrance.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 35｜Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, avocado oil

Every time we use this YSL lipstick, we’re surprised by how weightless it feels, yet how moisturizing and intensely pigmented the formula is. There are plenty of wearable neutrals and punchy, poppy shades to choose from. “They have never disappointed me in terms of performance and they always deliver a high concentration of pigment with a luxurious feel,” says Thomas.

We also love that when you order directly from the brand, you get your tube engraved with a custom message or monogram. As chic as the product is, though, we’d love a few skin-loving ingredients to be incorporated into the formula for added nourishment.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 27｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Both Thomas and Lo cited this Dior pick as a favorite of theirs, and it’s one of ours, too. It feels incredibly comfortable, even for all-day wear, while moisturizing jasmine wax and plum oil allow the formula to melt into lips, creating a glaze-like finish. 

As you might imagine, like most shiny formulas, this one doesn’t offer long-wear benefits — you’ll get about four hours at most. However, the tubes are refillable, which does defray some cost overtime, and for an added fee, you can also get a “couture lipstick case” in the brand’s signature packaging (a pink patent leather-like tube with the stitching you’d see on Lady Dior bags) or ‘00s denim.

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 25｜Key Ingredients: Jasmine wax, plum oil

We’ve been hooked on this formula since we first tried it, due to its super soft texture and sheer, lip-enhancing shades. It’s loaded with nourishing oils and fruit extracts that help boost collagen, seal in moisture, and fight signs of aging. The high sheen finish and cream base smooth out fine lines while adding major dimension to lips. 

Be careful with this one in warmer weather, though — the very, very soft bullet gets even softer in high temps and may deposit chunks of pigment or even snap off. We also think that soft texture may contribute to the dysfunctional mechanism responsible for pushing out the product. 

Type: Push-up bullet｜Shades: 8｜Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji berry

When asked for her perfect red for mature lips, this was Thomas’s pick by a landslide. “It wears like a dream, doesn’t feel overly dry, lasts quite a long time, and is a classic red,” she shares, adding that this formula is one of her top picks in the matte category, too. While it’s not massively drying like most other matte formulas we’ve tried, it shouldn’t be confused for a hydrating or moisturizing option; still, it won’t exacerbate fine lines or feather, so if you can handle a little dryness in exchange for a seriously killer red, Forbidden Love is it.

It should come as no surprise that the lipsticks from iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath are seriously pigmented, but for the amount of color payoff, the formulas feel surprisingly light on the lips. Once they’re on, they’re on — you can expect to get a full day of even wear out of this lipstick, so long as you don’t consume overly greasy foods, which can cause the pigment to break down. 

Type: Bullet｜Shades: 34｜Key Ingredients: Squalane

While there are hundreds of red lipsticks to suit a variety of skin tones, it’s not so easy to find a pink that is universally flattering. “It’s all about how soft or bold you want your lip color and knowing which colors play best with your skin tone to achieve that look,” says makeup artist Terri Bryant, who recommends the cream palettes from Danessa Myricks Beauty to customize your perfect shade of pink. While it’s not exactly purse friendly, it’s great for travel — you’ll be packing 12 lipsticks in one easy palette — and they can be used on cheeks too, cutting down makeup bag bulk even further. 

Keep in mind that Danessa Myricks is an artistry brand, meaning pigment payoff is strong, so start with a light application first and layer from there. We recommend practicing using this palette on a day spent at home to really master your shade and application process. 

Type: Palette｜Shades: 12｜Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E