Why These Are My 15 Go-To Lipsticks for National Lipstick Day (And Deserve a Spot on Your Dresser Too)
- Alvira Dsouza
- Jul 29
- 8 min read
Some lipsticks look good on the dresser, some make you feel something when you wear them, and then there are the ones that do both. This National Lipstick Day, I’m rounding up the ones that have survived the chaos of my vanity, the harsh judgment of my mirror, and the unpredictability of real-life wear. These are the lipsticks I reach for, love for different reasons, and recommend with a healthy dose of honesty—because a lipstick can be iconic and imperfect. Here’s the lineup that earned a tight spot in my rotation, and why they’re staying.
Dolce & Gabbana Everkiss Liquid Lip
The Dolce & Gabbana Everkiss Liquid Lip is the kind of lipstick you wear when you want to feel like the main character without worrying about smudges or touch-ups. Its mousse-like texture is such a dream—it’s soft, smooth, and sets into a non-sticky matte that somehow manages to look creamy instead of flat. The applicator is sharp enough for precise lines, and once it sets, it does not budge through meals, drinks, or impromptu dance sessions. The shade Radiant Kiss is a gorgeous muted red that doesn’t overpower, and the best part is how lightweight it feels despite the 16-hour claim. If I had one wish, it would be for a few more bold or quirky shades to break the monotony of classic nudes and reds—but that’s a minor gripe for a formula this solid and reliable.
The Body Shop Peptalk Lipstick
The Body Shop Peptalk Lipstick is that easy-to-love, no-fuss lipstick you keep reaching for without even thinking. The velvet finish gives you the best of both matte and satin worlds—it’s comfortable, non-drying, and gives just enough sheen to make your lips look healthy, not greasy. What I adore is the refillable, snap-click case that’s perfect for tossing in a handbag. It doesn’t dry your lips out, and Cherry Envy in particular is a cosy burgundy shade that flatters without trying too hard. That said, the staying power isn’t phenomenal—you’ll need a touch-up after your oat milk latte—but it’s so smooth and conditioning, I almost look forward to reapplying it. It’s perfect for days when you want a bit of polish without commitment.
Lancôme’s Lip Idôle Squalane-12 ButterGlow™
If there’s ever a time to indulge in a lipstick that does more, Lancôme’s newest addition is it. This isn't your average swipe of colour—it’s skincare-first, glow-loaded, and deeply hydrating thanks to 12% plant-based squalane, ceramides, and biotech rose oil. The finish is plush, balmy, and buildable with 18 flattering shades that feel just as good as they look. Lips feel smoother, softer, and visibly revived in just a week. It’s the kind of lip product that quietly replaces five others—and makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Simply Nam Satin Soft Lip Crème
The Simply Nam Satin Soft Lip Crème feels like the Indian answer to every overhyped Western lipstick. Made for Indian skin tones and real-life wear, this lip crème in Berrylicious brings a gorgeous deep berry hue that’s instantly flattering and doesn’t lean too cool or too warm. It goes on like satin, dries down just enough to not transfer easily, and stays comfortable through coffee, meetings, and hours of non-stop talking. It gives you drama without being loud, and the fact that it wears down evenly is a huge win. If I had to nitpick, the pigment can settle into lines after 5–6 hours, but nothing a quick re-blend can’t fix. It’s one of those underrated formulas that should absolutely be more mainstream.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Love Effect Lipstick is, unsurprisingly, a classic that still hits every time. I get the hype—because few lipsticks make you feel this romantic and put-together at once. The Pillow Talk Medium shade is universally flattering on warm skin tones, and the creamy-matte finish glides on like a dream, never clinging to dry patches. The packaging is so heart-meltingly pretty that I actually display it upright on my dresser like a jewel. The only downside? The price tag and the fact that it sells out ridiculously fast. But honestly, if there’s a lipstick that feels like a love letter to your lips, this is it. Sometimes you don’t want innovation—you want a lipstick that just understands you.
Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick
The Velvet Liquid Lipstick by Armani is pure power in a tube. The texture is unlike anything else—it feels weightless but somehow delivers full pigment in a single swipe. Shade 400 is that cinematic red every lipstick-lover needs: bold but balanced, bright but not clownish. The finish is velvet-matte in the truest sense, and it doesn’t flake or crack, even after hours of wear. It wears down beautifully, too, fading into a soft flush rather than a messy rim. The only real con is the price—it’s undeniably steep—but for a lipstick that works this hard and looks this good, I genuinely don’t mind the splurge.
Etude Colour Lasting Glow Stick
The Etude Colour Lasting Glow Stick is what I reach for on no-makeup days when I still want my lips to look alive. This glossy balm-stick hybrid has a melty, high-shine texture that gives your lips that juicy, glassy look without any stickiness. Coral Beam is my go-to—it’s sheer but buildable, and makes me look way more awake than I actually am. It’s not long-lasting by any means, but that’s not the vibe here. It’s the kind of lipstick you reapply mindlessly because it’s comforting and soft and a little addictive. I just wish the packaging felt a bit more elevated because the formula deserves better.
Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Lipstick
Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Lipstick is a lipstick that just gets it. It’s high-performing, dependable, and makes you feel like you’re in a backstage fashion show. The pigment is intense, but the bullet is shaped like a lip brush, so you get insane precision. Wild Grapefruit, a fiery coral, is my hot-weather go-to. It applies easily, wears evenly, and is genuinely transfer-resistant without being drying. There’s not much I’d change about it, except maybe I wish the formula were a little less matte for my chronically dry lips. But for photoshoots, events, or even a 12-hour workday, it’s a staple.
Pixi Naturelle Lipstick
Pixi Naturelle Lipstick is one of those rare ‘clean’ formulas that actually performs. It has a demi-matte finish that makes your lips look softly blurred and elegant, not overdone. Nude Petal is the kind of everyday neutral that pulls your whole face together in seconds. The formula’s infused with oils and vitamin E, so it feels balm-y going on, but it still has enough pigment to qualify as a proper lipstick. I wouldn’t call it longwear—it fades by lunchtime—but the comfortable, hydrating feel makes it worth keeping on hand. It’s one of those rare finds that feels nice and looks nice.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet
The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet is drama with discipline. It’s bold, yes, but it’s also weightless and beautifully blendable. The teardrop applicator makes swiping on shades like Crush or Peach Amber feel foolproof, and the velvety mousse texture hugs the lips in a soft-focus way that feels luxe. It’s the lipstick I reach for when I want something sultry but not drying. If you over-layer, it can start to feel a bit cakey, so a thin application works best. Still, this lipstick elevates even the most boring outfit—and honestly, it’s made for selfies.
KIKO Milano Unlimited Double Touch Liquid Lipstick
KIKO Milano Unlimited Double Touch Liquid Lipstick is an icon in its own right—and for good reason. This dual-ended lipstick gives you rich pigment on one end and a high-shine gloss on the other, and together they deliver a finish that’s both long-lasting and high-impact. Spiced Tea is my shade—it’s a warm nude-brown that doesn’t wash me out and feels fresh even at the end of the day. The gloss doesn’t feather, the base dries quickly, and the colour does not budge. The only downside? Taking it off requires a little effort, but that’s a small price for 12 hours of perfect lips.
LOVETC Pout, Perfect, Etc: Bullet Matte Lipstick
The LOVETC Pout, Perfect, Etc. Bullet Matte Lipstick is such a confident little thing—it’s lightweight, highly pigmented, and wears like a dream. The suede-matte finish is smooth and comfortable, and ingredients like Marula and Hyaluronic Acid make a noticeable difference in hydration. Toffee Fig is a stunning warm brown that feels bold and chic. The lipstick wears evenly, doesn’t smudge, and the formula somehow manages to be matte without ever feeling flat. The packaging is sleek and modern, and I honestly love that this brand came out of nowhere and nailed it. If you want pigment and comfort in one swipe, this one’s a winner.
HYUE HydraMatte Liquid Lipstick
HYUE HydraMatte Liquid Lipstick proves that Indian brands are catching up fast—and in some cases, outpacing. The formula is genuinely impressive: matte, lightweight, and long-lasting, without any flaking or weird fading. Crushed Rose is a stunning deep rose shade that lasts through hours of talking, snacking, and stressing out. The doe-foot applicator is precise, and the finish is transfer-resistant without feeling tight. The only thing I wish was different is the packaging—it’s a bit too minimalist for my liking—but the formula inside is legit.
Kylie Cosmetics Bullet Matte Lipstick
Kylie Cosmetics Bullet Matte Lipstick in Here for It is the red lipstick that shows up with attitude. It’s bold, it’s rich, and it turns heads without needing any help from liner or gloss. The matte finish is soft, not flat, and it glides on evenly without skipping. For days when you need to feel like a boss—or when your outfit is just missing that one punchy element—this one always delivers. The only issue is that it's not the easiest to find in India, and shades go out of stock frequently, which is annoying for a repeat buyer.
Avon Ultra Perfectly Matte Lipstick
This matte lipstick is the best budget-friendly matte you’re probably sleeping on. Wine Dreams is a plummy red that looks ten times more expensive than it is. The formula glides like silk, feels surprisingly balmy for a matte, and the colour payoff is amazing. It wears evenly for hours and doesn’t dry you out. The only meh thing? The packaging feels dated, but the bullet shape is functional, and the product quality absolutely punches above its weight. If you want matte without the compromise, this is it.
Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour
Lastly, Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour is that old-school legend that still holds its ground in today’s sea of trendy formulas—and for good reason. It’s a two-step system: a long-wear liquid base that sets down to a seriously budge-proof finish, followed by a hydrating balm topcoat that brings the shine and comfort back in. The staying power is no joke—it’ll survive your morning coffee, your afternoon calls, and even your post-dinner snack without needing a full reapply. Shades like Essential Burgundy or Glowing deliver that rich, statement pigment right from the first swipe. That said, the liquid can feel a little dry if you skip the balm step, and the texture is slightly tackier than newer matte formulas—but the payoff is a vibrant, locked-in lip that lives up to its "all-day wear" claim. It's a no-nonsense, dependable pick for lipstick lovers who want colour that commits.
Let your lipstick do more than colour your lips this National Lipstick Day. Let it reflect your mood, your style, your chaos, and your calm. Whether you like a plush mousse or a classic bullet, a juicy gloss or a dramatic red—there’s something here that deserves a spot right next to your mirror. Keep them close, keep them capped (because melted lipstick is heartbreak), and treat them like the little tubes of joy they are.
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