11 Universally Flattering Lipsticks Every Woman Should Own

Happy National Lipstick Day!

By Danielle Fontana, Senior Digital Editor and Julie Ricevuto · Jul 29, 2019

Finding the perfect lipstick shade to flatter your skin tone, brighten the look of your teeth and feel comfortable on your lips is no easy feat. The “one size fits all” approach usually doesn’t cut it when it comes to lip products—until now, that is.

In celebration of National Lipstick Day (one of our favorite holidays), we found the lip shades that look stunning on everyone, making our endless searches for the perfect lip color officially a thing of the past.

1 / 11

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($18.50)

This true blue-red shade is a staple in virtually every makeup artist’s kit for a reason: it brightens every complexion and helps teeth appear slightly whiter. *adds to cart*

2 / 11

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Penelope Pink ($34)

Part nude, part brown, this celebrity-endorsed shade boasts subtle pink undertones to accentuate lips without looking too overdone.

3 / 11

Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro in 400 ($38)

If you’re looking for a classic red that’ll never go out of style, this liquid lipstick fits the bill: plus, its velvet, not-too-matte texture, keeps lips looking plump, not flaky.

4 / 11

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in London Calling ($26)

A precise applicator makes lip liner unnecessary with this relatively new liquid lipstick. London Calling, the lilac pink shade of Nars’ Powermatte collection, is super saturated and quick-drying while still being comfortable enough to wear every day.

5 / 11

Smith & Cult The Tainted Lip Stained Flatte in Demon Dazed ($24)

Not only is this golden tube absolutely gorgeous by itself, but the smooth-as-butter formula stains lips a brick-red shade that looks good on all skin tones. Plus, the deep shade only gets better the longer you wear it, turning into a muted lip stain after a few hours of wear.

6 / 11

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Liquid Lip Créme in Slow Burn ($28)

As a creamy nude rose, this liquid lipstick gives lips a plumped-up look without allowing them to ever appear flakey or lined. As a bonus, the pink undertones brighten up the face no matter what skin color you are.

7 / 11

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored ($24)

Rihanna’s new cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, was designed to be inclusive of all skin tones, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s new lip paint would truly look good on literally everyone. The matte red lipstick has blue undertones, making your teeth look shades whiter than they actually are, plus the formula is 100 percent budge-proof. Talk about a win-win.

8 / 11

Wet n’ Wild Mega Last Liquid Catsuit in Rebel Rose ($5)

Rebel Rose, the dusty mauve shade of Wet n’ Wild’s catsuit liquid lipstick collection, is a best-seller for a reason. Not only does the formula feel like a second skin when applied, but it’s also the perfect muted pink to amp up anyone’s natural lip color.

9 / 11

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($18)

Deep violet lip shades aren’t typically recommended for everyone, but you can consider this lipstick the one exception. The sheer payoff enhances every user’s natural lip shade, giving everyone their own unique look when worn.

10 / 11

Wander Beauty Beach Balm in Sangria ($22)

Not only is this gel-like lipstick incredibly hydrating, but it’s also the perfect sheer shade to boost both lips and cheeks. That’s right, you can use this shea butter–based, berry-colored lipstick as a cream blush for cheeks as well.

11 / 11

Elizabeth Arden Gelato Plush Up Lip Gelato in Bare Kiss ($26)

Consider this the ultimate “your lips but better” lipstick. The shade is only a tad bit richer than your actual lip color but it’s still dark enough to amp up your look for day or night wear.