The Lipstick Wardrobe: Five shades you NEED in your kit, plus our top recos
Browsing through lipsticks online and in the malls can be an overwhelming experience for a makeup newbie. Which lipstick should I get? What will look good on me? Which formula should I go for? These questions run through our heads like crazy especially since lipsticks these days come in every color imaginable (even white!) and some look very similar to others. So how do you begin choosing the colors for your core lipstick wardrobe? Let’s start with the basics!
The Classic Red
When we think lipstick, these two shades immediately pop into mind – red and pink. Reds are classic lipstick colors, perfect for projecting confidence and statement looks. You can start sheer if you’d prefer or rock that bold red straight out the gate. A few reds we’re loving are the Maybelline Loaded Bolds Lipstick in Smoking Red (P299), the Catrice Matt Lip Artist 6hr Lipstick in Reditorial (P499), and the Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bawse (P1,250).
From left: Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bawse, Maybelline Loaded Bolds Lipstick in Smoking Red , Catrice Matt Lip Artist 6hr Lipstick in Reditorial
A Go-to Pink
Pinks are considered feminine and has an instant skin-brightening effect. We like the Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color in Island Pink (P1,400) and the deeper Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Adoring Love (P399). Brighter pinks like the Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Hollywood (P850) are usually a bit cool-toned and can be that great pop of color. Check out Liz’s tips on three ways to wear that hot pink lip!
From left: Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick in Adoring Love, Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Hollywood, Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color in Island Pink
The My Lips But Better (MLBB) Nude
The next color to consider are the nudes. This can range from the brownish Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon in Love At First Swipe (P399), to the peachy MLBBs like the Lunasol Feathery Stick Lips EX02 (~P2,500). Nudes like the Sleek Makeup Matte Me in Birthday Suit (P450) can easily be matched with more dramatic eye makeup.
From left: Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon in Love At First Swipe, Lunasol Feathery Stick Lips EX02, Sleek Makeup Matte Me in Birthday Suit
The Wearable Mauve
Mauves and berries may seem unfamiliar at first, but both are pretty popular shades to add to your repertoire. Mauves are described as a light violet which come out in lipsticks in varying intensities. Some favorites include the Maybelline Creamy Mattes in Touch of Spice (P299), the Estée Lauder Pure Color Love Edgy Cremes Lipstick in Strapless (P1,275), and the Wet n' Wild Megaslicks Balm Stain in Rico Mauve (P299).
From left: Estée Lauder Pure Color Love Edgy Cremes Lipstick in Strapless, Wet n' Wild Megaslicks Balm Stain in Rico Mauve, Maybelline Creamy Mattes in Touch of Spice
Vivid Berries
Berries can come out in lipsticks as deep red violets and plums like the L’Oreal Rouge Magique Lipstick in Purple Comtesse (P400), the Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love Is True (P499), and the Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon in Redwood Forest (P695). We've also shared tips on how to wear dark lipstick, so check them out if you're a bit wary of trying these darker berry shades.
From left: Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love Is True, L’Oreal Rouge Magique Lipstick in Purple Comtesse, Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon in Redwood Forest
And that's the five colors you can start with in building your lipstick wardrobe! Each has their own charm and use. From these initial five, you can find that perfect shade for wherever you’re heading, whether to the office, to the grocery, or out to party.
Which of these colors do you have in your stash and what’s your favorite?
