Here we are; on the eve of celebrating July 29th, aka National Lipstick Day!
It seemed only timely to coincide with this occasion a best of list. So let’s get straight to it.
I know lipsticks may feel like a thing of the past this year. But there is still nothing like throwing on a little lippy for a quick pick me up, or for that zoom meeting your work announces at the last minute!
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My 25 Top Lipstick Picks for 2020. Try saying that fast!
#25 Kevyn Aucoin The Molten Lip Color Molten Matte Liquid Lipstick.
This is a long-lasting and super pigment filled lip color. The Molten Lip Color has a very creamy consistency on application. It does take a second to dry. And once it is dry, it will no doubt last and last and last! In the past, I have applied a little gloss or balm over the top after wearing it for long periods of time. Otherwise, it can tend to feel dry and a little sticky on the skin. However, I do love the color range and love, love, love the individual lipstick names – odes to some of our most beloved icons – Dolly, Tori, Nicole and Demi to name but a few.
#24 Stila Color Balm Lipstick in Vivienne.
This is a super creamy lipstick. Goes on very smoothly. There is a slightly minty taste and very mild tingly sensation due to the peppermint oils it contains. With ingredients derived from plant oils this lipstick will treat your lips as well as make them look fab!
#23 Urban Decay Cream Lipstick in Manic.
Urban Decay’s Cream Lipstick applies really smoothly, without being too thick or heavy. Stays on well despite feeling silky. The Cream Lipstick feels great on, and yet doesn’t end up all over my face as tends to happen with lipsticks that are on the creamier side.
#22 Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon in Stay Exceptional.
I love a good lip crayon. Maybelline’s Super Stay Ink Crayon is quick to apply and reliable. And while delivering a very adequate amount of matte product on my lips, they don’t feel dry or flaky. This is also the perfect daytime lipstick product. Did I mention that it smells delightful?
#21 NARS Power Matte Lip Tint in Rock With You.
I certainly chose the color for evening wear. I do tend to shy away from such dramatic tones as Rock With You, but every once in awhile I’m up for the task! To apply this cleanly takes a deft hand, so pencil lip lining beforehand is a must. And it does feel a little dry after hours of wear. It also feels a little thick going on, somewhat reminiscent of a coat of paint! Still love the drama of it though!
#20 W3LL People Optimist Semi Matte Lipstick in Soul Mate.
A virtually weightless lipstick that I forget I’m wearing. Love it in Soul Mate for day wear. It’s incredibly light and smooth and full of goodies to nourish and heal extra dry lips. The pop-up packaging may take some getting used to for some.
#19 Tarte Quench Lip Rescue in Cherry.
While not strictly a lipstick per se, this is a great lip stain. And I am fond of the odd lip stain in my arsenal! I find them so handy for day wear when you really want a little color on your lips but without the full commitment of a lipstick.
Sometimes a lip stain can be all that’s required. As it’s name states, this indeed quenches the lips as it’s filled with marine ingredients and other ingredients like jojoba seed oil and coconut. Feels great on, and gives that flushed lip stain look without wearing a full lipstick.
# 18 Physician’s Formula Healthy Lip Velvet Finish in Berry Healthy.
The Physician’s Formula Lip Velvet is a little reminiscent of Kevyn Aucoin’s Molten Lip Color. And this formula feels a little lighter on the lips once it’s dried. Long lasting and matt, I quite happily wear this day or night.
#17 L’Oreal Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick in Divine Wine.
Feels and smells of that classic lipstick scent we have all come to know over the years. Glides on with ease and is a go-to evening lipstick for me. Feels great on, full of healing ingredients like Argan Oil and Vitamin E. Plenty of coverage as well as feeling light and smooth.
#16 Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate.
This Lip Butter could not have been named more aptly. It truly goes on like butter and feels just as rich and creamy. Made with shea butter and other nourishing extracts, this should be your go-to if you’re having a dry lip moment yet still want a pop of colour on your lips. It is worth noting that Korres mentions this product may contain trace elements of wheat and/or nuts.
# 15 Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Telluride.
Made with beeswax, this Bobbi Brown lipstick goes on slightly on the sheer side. However, it is buildable, so if you are looking for a little more oomph, it’s certainly there when you need it. Glides on with a velvety, semi-matte finish.
#14 E.L.F. Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx.
I love this pretty, pink lipstick. With such an economical price point, it’s very hard to go wrong. Applies lavishly and feels far more exquisite than the economy of its price tag would lead you to believe. Take the Pepsi challenge with this one!!
#13 Bite Beauty Power Move Creamy Matte Crayon.
Bite Beauty Creamy Matte Crayon is made with pomegranate oil extract and African mango. It’s like a lip treatment and lipstick all in one! And don’t be fooled by the nature of this product as a crayon. It will still give you creamy, matte results. This may be a fairly new product on the market, but I certainly think it’s here for a while!
# 12 Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Color in Marzie.
The Expert Lip Color feels very similar to Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color. Made with mango-infused fruit butter this glides beautifully on application. It is a little sheer.
# 11 Benetint by Benefit Rose Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain.
Benetint might be the most realistic and closest to a no lipstick look lip product about. Apply it with the little brush inside the lid and paint it on. It dries very quickly and can be buffed in further for a more natural look. Or layer more product for a more vibrant ‘flush’ on your lips. I love this product!
#10 Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Forever.
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner is their first and you could say, flagship product. This is a delight to treat and nourish your lips with such a strong tinting ability. Using a great deal of plant-derived ingredients, and also beeswax, the lip conditioner feels and smells soft and smooth. It can be applied with ease and looks gorgeous.
#9 Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Ruler.
The Super Stay Matte Ink is creamy and well pigmented. This painterly product goes on with ease, and there it stays. After it has dried, it really isn’t going anywhere! In fact, it requires some dedication and effort to remove it when the time comes! A reliable long-lasting, matte and opaque lip cream. It does feel a tad tacky on the lips, but for the staying power that’s a tackiness that I am happy to live with.
#8 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rose Velvet.
There must be a reason that Revlon is still so strong in the market decade after decade. Their lipsticks are definitely go to’s across the cosmetics demographics fields. And this is a lovely lipstick to apply. It goes on with ease, is a little sheerer than some of its counterparts that we’ve come to be familiar with today, but feels great and is in solid daily rotation in Rose Velvet.
# 7 Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color in Resilient.
Glides on oh so smooth!! The Matte Lip Color has a matte yet velvety quality that is a rare combination in a lipstick. It feels luxurious on. And retains a matte finish without being dry. I chose Resilient for a bit of pop – not usually a pink lipstick wearer, but I love this fun bright colour!
#6 Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk has become something of a modern-day beauty icon worthy of it’s classic cult status. It is creamy and sumptuous. A delight to wear. If you haven’t yet, I suggest you jump on board the Tilbury train and discover just what we are all raving about. Plus every time I read or speak the words Pillow Talk, I can’t help but be reminded of the Doris Day flick of the same name. And that just makes me smile with glee, and then sing along!
#5 NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey.
NARS Audacious Lipstick is a longtime, old faithful stalwart favorite of mine. Feels so classic with a gorgeous, clean application. Ample pigment and velvety lightweight product. I think it’s worth mentioning the design of the container also. Magnetised so it can only close one way, feels logical and well thought out, crafted.
#4 Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in Kisses.
I probably have more tubes of Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in my household than any other lip product, truth be told! It’s just reliable. Goes on great. Stays on even better, I am in love with this color – a subtle cool, pinky raisin tone. Smells great. This is definitely a solid staple for me, day or night.
#3 Besame Classic Lip Color Lipstick in American Beauty.
Besame is a brand I would describe as classic femininity personified. With their unique ‘period correct’ lip colors re-creating lipsticks from decades gone by, you cannot go wrong any product in the Besame line. I have chosen American Beauty because it withholds that timeless 1940’s look. And honestly, this red looks great on absolutely everyone! Rich, flattering and long-lasting. Plus it really is delivered in the cutest packaging! Besame American Beauty is honestly a no-brainer to make the top 25 best lipsticks of 2020 for me.
#2 Pat McGrath Luxetrance in Forever.
This lipstick is luxury by definition. From the sumptuous packaging to the titles given to the different colors in the range. I do indeed feel indulgent as ever, applying this dream. It is incredibly creamy going on. Luxetrance is as matte and velvety as it gets; yet shows not even the slightest hint of dryness that teds to be synonymous with matte lipsticks over the years. Luxetrance has more pigment than most other lipsticks, but without feeling heavy or dry or sticky. Truly something special.
#1 Charlotte Tilbury Bond Girl.
Yes, there she is! I delight in CT’s Bond Girl. In all her shiny gold glory. She goes on like a dream and just magically brings me to life. Her subtle fragrance lifts me and gets me in the glam mood even when I’m not feeling it!!! Seriously, I absolutely adore love this lipstick. I feel like I was born to wear it.
Bond Girl is flattering, and it just has that versatility that allows me to wear it in the day, yet still has enough drama and depth to transform into an evening gown look if needs be. And yes, I know I bent the rules including both Pillow Talk and Bond Girl, but for me, they are both more than worthy and up the pointy end of my top 25 lipsticks for 2020!
So which of these must you rush out and buy immediately? Or what is your favorite lipstick that have I left out? Let me know, I’m always open to more lippies in my cabinet.
Go and get yours, and wear that new lipstick with joy and pride all day on National Lipstick Day!!! Kisses 😉
Featured image by Andriyko Podilnyk via Unsplash