Today I’m sharing a long-requested roundup of my go-to lip colors. For years I hardly wore lipstick — I liked quick makeup routines and hated frequent touch-ups — but a few seasons ago I decided to wear lipstick more often. It turned out to be a small habit with a big confidence boost, and now I reach for color regularly.
I get lots of questions about the bold shades you see on my social accounts, so here are the five lip colors I wear most right now. These are reliable, affordable, and easy to incorporate into everyday looks.
Sephora Cream Lip Stain in #08 Whipped Blush (Above)
This is my most-worn shade. I discovered Sephora’s Cream Lip Stain while researching long-wear lipstick techniques and it quickly became a favorite. It’s budget-friendly, offers excellent staying power, and the Whipped Blush shade is an eye-catching, vibrant pink that brightens any look.
Sephora Cream Lip Stain in #04 Coral Crush (Above)
I wore a coral tone for my wedding and loved the hue, but after finishing that pricier tube I looked for a more affordable alternative. The Coral Crush shade from the same Sephora line matches the vibe perfectly and costs much less — a great dupe for a wedding-worthy coral.
Julep It’s Whipped Matte Lip Mousse in Beso (Above)
Julep’s Lip Mousse impressed me with its lightweight, whipped texture and surprisingly long wear. It feels comfortable on the lips and comes in vibrant shades. Beso is my latest favorite — a bold, punchy orange that’s playful and modern when you want something unexpected.
Nyx Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Respect the Pink (Above)
I picked up this quirky purple-pink on a whim and ended up loving it. As someone with a fair complexion I don’t always go for purple tones, but this shade is surprisingly flattering and fun. The formula wears well and adds a playful edge to simple makeup looks.
Nyx Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary (Above)
Finding the perfect red is a classic quest, and this Nyx matte red is one of the best budget-friendly reds I’ve tried. It’s bold, flattering, and wears well for the price. If you want a dependable red without splurging, this one delivers strong pigment and lasting color.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
That’s the current lineup. I try new shades all the time, so this list could change, but these five are my dependable favorites. One tip for anyone with chronically dry or chapped lips: I use a sugar lip scrub a few times a week to exfoliate and keep lips smooth, which helps color apply evenly and last longer.
Do you have favorite lip colors you swear by? I’d love to hear your recommendations and try something new next time I’m shopping.
p.s. A DIY Lipstick Piñata is a fun project if you’re looking for a creative weekend craft!