5 Mood-Boosting Lipsticks For Every Budget and Skin Tone

Lipstick formulas have come a long way since its creation a good few centuries ago – and with so many brands, shades and finishes available, the category is more diverse, inclusive and covetable than ever. And as the true lipstick lovers we are, we’ve (just about) managed to limit our roundup of the best lipsticks to six.
Whether you’re looking for your next best red lipstick, best everyday lipstick or best matte lipstick, fear not – we’ve got you and your lips covered, no matter what your budget and skin tone are.
The Best Lipsticks To Buy In 2023
Byredo
Rouge à lèvres, 40,00 £
Best Luxury Lipstick
Exquisitely presented (who wouldn’t want one of these little luxuries stashed in their clutches?) and rich in colour, Byredo’s lipsticks are, undoubtedly, made for those who are no strangers to a bold statement. The standout shades? Subtropical is a grown-up coral, Divorce is a brilliant red and Reunion is a brown orange that will suit a vast range of skin tones. Luxury packaging and long-lasting pigment combined; you won’t regret investing in a Byredo lipstick.

Nars
Rouge à lèvres Powermatte, 25,00 £
Best Lipstick For Medium & Deep Skin Tones
If you’re looking for the best long lasting lipstick that’s matte and comfortable, you’ve come to the right place. NARS’ Powermatte formula has conquered the hearts and lips of many thanks to its high-impact colour payoff with just one swipe and durability (it can last up to 10 hours). With a total of 15 shades ranging from cool nudes and browns to vibrant reds, believe us when we say there’s something for everyone.

Charlotte Tilbury
Rouge à lèvres Matte Revolution, 15,00 £
Best Lipstick For Fair & Medium Skin Tones
Let’s face it – Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick doesn’t need much of an introduction. We not only love the ultra-comfortable matte formula and cashmere-soft finish, but also can’t get enough of the vast range of wearable shades. A special shoutout must go to the shade of all shades, Pillow Talk – considered by many to be the best pink nude lipstick, it now also comes in Medium to ensure even more inclusivity.

VIEVE
Rouge à lèvres mat moderne, 21,00 £
Best Budget Lipstick
When beauty influencer Jamie Genevieve launched her makeup line, VIEVE in 2020, we were instantly drawn to the brand’s lipsticks. Enriched with a nourishing dose of vitamin E, these lipsticks deliver an equal burst of moisture and colour. In line with Jamie’s signature look, these are some of the best nude lipsticks out there – but if you’re a fan of colour, you’ll likely fall for the berry red Lara. We also love how the brand encourages the wearer to mix and just match its lipsticks and lip liners (try Lara with Rouge Rouge – it’s the best lip liner and lipstick combo).

Anastasia Beverly Hills
Rouge à lèvres liquide, 22,00 £
Best Liquid Lipstick For Fair Skin Tones
Anastasia Beverly Hills may be celebrated for its brow products – but Anastasia’s liquid lipsticks are not to be missed if next-level pigmentation is your mantra. They’ve become an iconic makeup staple for many thanks to the incredible colour payoff, staying power and fuller-lip effect. And with such a huge variety of shades available – for a universally flattering dusty rose, try Dazed – the hardest part is picking just one...

Read More
• The Best Highlighters for Every Skin Tone• The TikTok Makeup Trends to Recreate • Jamie Genevieve's Top 5 Makeup Tips
• How To Enhance Your Natural Lashes • Laura Mercier vs Nars Tinted Moisturiser