The Best Everyday Lipsticks Are So Foolproof, I Apply Them in the Back of a Moving Taxi
No mirror necessary.
An everyday lipstick, like any other part of a makeup or beauty routine, is inherently personal and varies from person to person. I’ve gone through practically every phase imaginable. At one point, a bright cherry red was my go-to. At another, I wanted a nude lipstick so subtle I could barely tell it apart from my natural lip color—the versatility is part of what makes playing with makeup so fun. Still, there are a few boxes that your go-to formula should easily check.
“A great everyday lipstick is all about balance,” says celebrity makeup artist Ash K. Holm. “It should be comfortable, long-wearing, and easy to apply without a mirror.” Holm adds that a formula that hydrates the lips is ideal, but it also needs enough pigment to pull a look together. On top of that, it should fade evenly—no harsh lines as it wears off throughout the day.
Sounds like a tall order? It is, but that’s where I come in. Next to blush, lipstick is one of my absolute favorite makeup categories to test, and I’ve come across quite a few that can satisfy even the pickiest beauty lover. Keep reading to find the everyday lipstick that deserves a spot in your collection.
The Best Everyday Lipsticks
- Best Everyday Lipstick Overall: MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Lipstick in Thanks, It's Mac!
- Best Everyday Peach Lipstick: M.A.C. Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mullt It Over
- Best Luxury Everyday Lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in J’adore
- Best Hydrating Everyday Lipstick: Violette FR Lip Nectar
- Best Bold Everyday Lipstick: Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Ma Biche
MAC’s Lustreglass Lipstick, specifically in the shade Thanks It’s MAC, is the closest thing to a truly universal lipstick that I have ever found. It’s a taupey pink with a silver pearl, but don’t let that scare you—the shimmer is virtually nonexistent in this formula once you swipe it onto your lips. One of my favorite things about this shade is that it can be worn with or without a lip liner, and it layers beautifully.
Finish: Glossy
Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil, shea butter, squalane (moisturizing)
What I Love: Looks good on the majority of skin tones; Sleek packaging; Barely-there scent
What I Don’t: Due to the emollience of the formula, it wears off quickly
Review for MC: “This is one of my favorite lipsticks of all time, and for good reason. It’s a neutral-toned taupe pink color that doesn’t veer too cool or warm, making it perfectly suitable for a variety of skin tones. It also layers beautifully with other lipstick formulas in my collection, acting almost like a traditional gloss by depositing color without taking over the entire look.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing MAC Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick in Thanks, Its Mac!
MAC’s Powder Kiss line doesn't get nearly enough credit, in my opinion. The formula feels lightweight and cushiony, but still delivers a surprising amount of pigment for something so soft and matte. The shade Mull It Over—a warm, dirty peach with a hint of coral—looks especially stunning on deeper skin tones. Its warmth plays well with golden and red undertones (typically found in dark skin), adding just enough contrast without looking too pastel or washed out. Like the Victoria Beckham stick, this one also pulls double duty as a blush for an easy monochromatic look.
Texture: Cream
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Lightweight; Comfortable on the lips; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: Really soft formula, so be careful not to break it when applying
Review for MC: “This lipstick is perfect for everyday wear and is a classic peachy-nude shade. The matte finish is lightweight and doesn’t dry out the lips, making it super comfortable to wear throughout the day. It also layers wonderfully for when you want to reapply.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing M.A.C. Cosmetics Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over.
While we all know the iconic Dior 999—arguably one of the most perfect red lipsticks ever—I still think the luxury brand doesn’t get enough credit for its lip formulas overall. Case in point? The Rouge Dior lipsticks, especially the shade J’adore, a gorgeous brown. This is one of the everyday lipsticks I keep in regular rotation, thanks not only to the satin-finish formula but also the perfect rosy hue it delivers with each swipe. It's truly a my lips, but better formula as it enhances my lips' natural color and adds just the right amount of zhuzh.
Finish: Satin
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants); Squalane (emollient); Camelina seed oil (soothing)
What I Love: The line offers a neutral shade for every skin tone; Refillable packaging; Long-wearing
What I Don’t: The formula has a bit of a strong scent
Review for MC: “This is one of my holy grail lip colors. Not only is the packaging so chic, but the color is such a stunning nude on me—it’s one of the few shades that I can wear without a lip liner. Not only is on-the-go reapplication super easy, but the color fades beautifully throughout the day.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick.
If you have dry lips, look no further for your everyday lipstick than Violette_FR’s Lip Nectars. The formula is a hybrid between a lip gloss and a stain, leaving behind a gorgeous veil of color the longer it sits on the lips. While there are only four shades to choose from, the brand covers all the essentials—offering pink, plum, berry, and caramel hues. The formulas are also super buildable, so you can customize the opacity depending on the look that you're going for.
Finish: Glossy
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrates and plumps); Ceramides (supports the skin barrier); Squalane (emollient)
What I Love: Compact but elegant packaging; Buildable color; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: It takes a few layers for the lightest shade to show up on deeper skin tones
Review for MC: “Violette_FR makes my favorite red lipstick on the face of the planet, so when I saw the brand release these lip nectars, I had very high hopes. As per usual, they delivered, creating a glossy lip stain that becomes more opaque the more I layer it on, making for optimal personalization depending on my mood or the occasion. My favorite shade is Dahlia Noir, but there’s a shade that looks good on everyone, so this is a formula that feels virtually fool-proof.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Violette FR Lip Nectar.
For those of you who love bold lipstick, Westman Atelier has you covered with Ma Biche, a deep Spanish red, from its Lip Suede line. The shade has a beautiful balance of yellow and blue tones, which means that it will complement a large variety of skin tones. Combine that with the brand's suede matte formula that feels weightless without settling into lip lines, and you’ll see what all the hype is about.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Kaolin clay (mattifies); Meadowfoam extract (conditioning); Hyaluronic acid (hydration)
What I Love: Comfortable on the lips; 15 shades available in the line; Long-lasting formula
What I Don’t: Most expensive option on this list
Review for MC: “Westman Atelier is one of those makeup brands that I sometimes have a hard time recommending. This lipstick, like all the other products in the line, comes at a heftier price point, but also like the brand’s other offerings, it is such a beautiful formula to experience. One-swipe opacity, a gorgeous depth of tones, and the most gorgeous magnetic packaging combine to create a lipstick that is a full-on experience—one that I look forward to taking part in every single time I wear one of these shades. This is one of those formulas that you’ll have to try to believe, but be warned: once you try the,m you won’t want to stop at just one.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Westman Atelier Lip Suede.
Prefer a sheerer lipstick for everyday wear? Chanel’s Coco Flash line has become a favorite of mine over the years for its natural finish. Not only is this formula hydrating and super comfortable on the lips, but it also doesn’t skimp on the pigment. Each shade is super buildable and offers just the right amount of slip as you layer it on. Still, if you prefer a more sheer, “my lips but better” look, one swipe is all you need to get the desired effect.
Finish: Shiny
Key Ingredients: Squalane, jojoba wax (emollient)
What I Love: Shiny formula that’s easy to reapply on the go; Clear cap to easily see which color you want
What I Don’t: Tied for the most expensive option on this list
Customer Review: “This lipstick is very hydrating and the color is alluring! The formula is wonderful and has no scent - perfect for those with sensitive skin. Highly recommended!” — Bloomingdales
You can never go wrong with a pink lipstick in your everyday makeup bag, and Givenchy’s Rose Perfecto line has us all covered. The line offers an array of pink-toned nude lipsticks that boast an oil-in-stick formula—a unique take on the lip oil trend that has taken the category by storm over the past two years. My personal favorite is N119, which is a warm nude with rosy undertones, but there are eight options to choose from that flatter a variety of skin tones.
Finish: Shine
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (hydrated); Vitamin C (brightens); Squalane (moisturizes)
What I Love: Unique take on a lip oil; Can use in place of gloss
What I Don’t: Even with layering, the color is still pretty sheer
Customer Review: “The Givenchy Shine Serum Lipstick is a luxurious blend of color and care. It delivers a sheer, buildable tint with a high-gloss finish that feels incredibly hydrating on the lips. Infused with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, it smooths and plumps while providing a subtle pop of color. The texture is lightweight and non-sticky, making it perfect for everyday wear. Plus, the sleek packaging adds a touch of elegance to any makeup bag. A perfect choice for anyone who loves effortless beauty with a skincare boost." — Sephora
After much trial and error, I’ve found that I have neutral undertones. If I had a friend in the same boat, Kulfi would be one of the first brands that I recommend when starting them on their hunt for an everyday lipstick. The brand caters extremely well to under-represented skin tones, so I find that the majority of this line looks incredibly seamless on my lips, like an opaque extension of my natural lip color that covers any lines or imperfections with just a smooth wash of color. My favorite shade is Ma's Misra, but there are a variety of other nudes to choose from.
Finish: Satin
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (protects with antioxidants); Candelilla wax blend (conditions lips)
What I Love: Unique undertones that flatter neutral and olive skin
What I Don’t: Some shades can appear darker in person than online, so it’s best to buy in stores
Customer Review: “I have bought about 8 lipsticks in a range of nudes, and this is the first one that is an absolutely perfect nude lip for me. I got a couple of others that are pretty good and that I could use, but this one requires the least effort to make it work. I'm Fitzp. 5 with yellow undertones. Finally, a nude that doesn't even require a lip liner to look finished, a dark brown liner still elevates. Sufficient moisture to not need a gloss on top. Stayed as well as a nude normally does after a day of eating and sipping water throughout. Needed to reapply after dinner before going for a walk. Would have probably added a little more clear lip balm for moisture after dinner if I hadn't been leaving the house at all since my lips were feeling a little dry by then.” — Sephora
Clean-beauty lovers rejoice—Rituel de Fille has made the search for an everyday lipstick exponentially easier with the creation of Enchanted Lip Sheers. A cross between a traditional balm and lipstick formula, this formula lands somewhere in between, providing an opaque color without a heavy texture. Pinks, peaches, and nudes are all available in this line, and there’s even a delicious earthy red for those who prefer a bolder pop of color. Bonus points for its impressively long-lasting formula.
Finish: Soft matte
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract (protects with antioxidants); Beeswax (emollient)
What I Love: Clean formula; Reapplies nicely; No scent
What I Don’t: Hard to track down this brand in person, so you may have to blind buy
Customer Review: “Love this lipstick - it’s the perfect everyday color or day-to-night shade. I love the small applicator (I have thinner, smaller lips!). I bought 3 so I can keep one in each of my most used bags so I’m never without.” — Credo
Mature skin types are prone to lip lines, so when it comes to lipsticks, it's best to focus on formulas with hydrating, balmy textures. Laura Geller’s Jelly Balm nails this combination thanks to its natural-looking plumping ingredients (that don't burn!), lightweight feeling, and hydrating formulation. It also won't feather or bleed, so it makes a great option for all-day wear without highlighting lip lines.
Finish: Satin
Key Ingredients: Squalane, castor seed oil (emollient)
What I Love: Flattering shade range of different neutral tones; Acts like a balm but lasts like a traditional lipstick; Smooths the look of lip lines
What I Don’t: Slight clay-like scent that lingers
Customer Review: “This lip balm is awesome. It has [beautiful] color and lasts a long time. But the smooth, silky feel is the best part. I recommend all Laura Geller products, and this is no exception.” — Amazon
There was a time when the driest matte liquid lipsticks were all I wore, and honestly, I loved it. But nearly a decade later, not only has my taste evolved, the formulas on the market have too. Gone are the rough, crack-prone finishes, and in their place is one of my current favorite lipstick formulas: the Lip Velvets by Anastasia Beverly Hills. The shade Peachy Nude has become one of my all-time favorite everyday lipsticks, but with 14 shades total, there's truly something for everyone.
Finish: Matte
Key Ingredients: Silk powder, dimethicone (smoothing and blurring)
What I Love: Comfortable on the lips; Long-wear formula that blends well
What I Don’t: Certain shades can look a little ashy if it's too light for your undertones
Customer Review: “The color of this product is absolutely stunning! I find myself wanting to wear it every single day. It instantly brightens my mood and adds a pop of excitement to my outfits!” — Sephora
What To Look For in an Everyday Lipstick
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to makeup, it helps to have a few guidelines when shopping for your perfect everyday lipstick. “My advice is to identify the texture, wearability, and shade family that you value and let that guide your shopping,” says MAC makeup artist Chantel Miller. One easy way to find a flattering shade unique to you is to consider your eye color.
“If you want to enhance blue eyes, choose a shade that has a bit of peach or sepia in it,” Miller says. “Orange is complementary to blue, and a lipstick in this shade will make your eyes appear brighter.” This color wheel approach works across all shade families. “For green eyes, choose a shade with a bit of red or rose to it. For brown, oftentimes violet-based shades can bring out the golden flecks in the eye color.”
Once you have an idea of both the shade and the specific need your everyday lipstick is meant to meet, it’s time to play. “This part of the process can be quite personal as we all perceive the weight of lipstick in different ways and we all require a bespoke amount of moisture or mattifying properties,” Miller says. Because of that, she recommends shopping for your perfect formula in person, so you can test a range of options all at once.
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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire Beauty Writer, Ariel Baker, went through a rigorous testing period where she reviewed dozens of lipstick formulas and colors. After determining the top picks based on first-hand experience, customer reviews, and makeup artist recommendations, she tested the final formulas on her lips considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the 11 best everyday lipsticks.
Meet the Experts
Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist, best known for creating glamorous looks and amplifying glowing skin of her star-studded clientele, which includes Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, Khloe Kardashian, Camila Cabello, Lindsay Lohan, Shay Mitchell, Bebe Rexha, Becky G, Candice Swaneopoel, and more.
Chantel Miller is MAC's Senior Makeup Artist, and is East Coast through and through, which is why when faced with the opportunity to attend special effects school in LA, she headed to Miami instead, launching her career as M·A·C Artist. What was initially a part-time job soon spiraled into full-time obsession, as Miller climbed the ranks from Trainer to Regional Director of Artist Training and Development to her current position as M·A·C Senior Artist, New York. Chantel is deeply inspired by old New York, the jazz era of the 1920s and 30s, whose gritty, glamorous imagery has influenced the makeup behind many of her editorials and video shoots. Having worked with some of pop culture’s most iconic figures with publications from Vogue to Elle, celebrities from Cyndi Lauper to Sir Anthony Hopkins, and designers from Alexander McQueen to Rodarte Chantel is a true artistic force.
