I’ve always been curious about the lipsticks that people take with them everywhere. Maybe it’s because out of the hundreds of lipsticks (not even an exaggeration) I’ve tried in my life, only about ten of them have a regular spot in any of my purses. For a lipstick to reach purse status for me, it has to be pretty exceptional—it can’t leave my lips feeling dry, it must last at least three hours minimum, and it must be highly pigmented, never patchy (though buildable is a major plus).
I love lipstick no matter what, but many of my favorite lipsticks happen to be designer. There’s just something about a designer lipstick—they’re well-made, beautifully packaged, and wear so well. Not to mention, you feel more luxe the second you put a designer lipstick on. Some designer lipsticks are such go-to's for me that I make sure to keep them with me nearly at all times.
Since everyone I work with always has a major lipstick look, I decided to ask them which designer lipsticks they keep on their person at all times—and their answers did not disappoint. Keep reading for everyone’s ride or die designer lipsticks.
Katie Berohn, Associate Beauty Editor
I'm a big red lipstick person. I genuinely think it's the most flattering shade. As you might imagine, I've tried pretty much every red lipstick under the sun, but for a true red lip, I'll always go back to this Chanel lip color. Not only is it the perfect color (essentially like if you just ate a really good cherry), but it's also the ideal formula. It doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything on your lips, but it looks ultra-pigmented and wears for hours without cracking or smearing.
If I'm not reaching for my Chanel liquid lipstick but I still want a red lip, chances are, I'm going for this pick from Lancôme. It has a bit more of a dusty orange hue to it, so it's a great option if you want a red lipstick that's less blue-leaning. This one's semi-matte, so it imparts a natural-looking sheen, and it wears comfortably and doesn't make your lips dry out.
I can't stop talking about this lip color. I received it a few weeks ago and I've worn it countless times since. I don't typically like plum or purple-leaning lipsticks, but this one has just enough red in it to not feel too cool-toned. It leaves you with a high-shine finish, but it's also extremely buildable, so you can either opt for a sheer wash of color or something more opaque. It also feels hydrating as you wear it, which is a major plus for me.
Erin Jahns, Senior Beauty Editor
"I probably shouldn't admit this since it's kind of part of my job to wear/try a new lipstick every dang day, but I'd say 90% of the time I'm wearing Tom Ford's Lip Color Matte Lipstick in Pussycat. I'm typically not a matte gal, but the finish of this one is very velvety and the antithesis of drying or chalky. This lipstick's formula wears forever, comes in a beautiful tube, and the shade itself is just so good—the most perfect shade of mauve but doesn't veer too purple or ashy as some can. I always apply Nyx's Slim Lip Pencil in Mauve ($4) beforehand, and then I top it off with another cult classic from Tom Ford, the Gloss Luxe Lip Gloss in Aura ($58)."
Caitie Schlisserman, Beauty Director, Branded Content
"I used to be low-key obsessed with the Dior Addict Hydrating Shine in Incognito but the color has since been discontinued (RIP). The Chanel Rouge Coco Flash in Boy reminds me of it and has since taken its place. It's the perfect nude pink and the formula is ideal for gliding on lips (it's infused with a blend of oils) and leaves the prettiest wash of color with a hint of shine."
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
"This lipstick is so velvety. I love the shade 314—it's this stunning shade of cinnamon brown that compliments darker skin tones really well! I love the semi-matte formula. Sometimes mattes can be a little too dry and flake, but this formula strikes the perfect balance between matte and moisturizing. I also just love the unique shape of it. It makes for much easier lipstick application, which is not my strong suit."
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"I'm wearing a super light application of Merit's Signature Lightweight Lipstick in the color 1990 here. It's very buildable, and I was surprised at how moisturizing it was. Usually, I layer chapstick under lipstick for extra hydration but could skip this step with Merit. I can't wait to try more colors from the brand next."
Sierra Mayhew, Associate Fashion Editor
"I bought this lipstick specifically for special occasions and it's never steered me wrong. 'Transfer-proof' is right. Only one application is needed and it stays on all night long. I went for a bold approach by purchasing it in red, but up next, I think I need to try Forever Paris because of how much I'm loving pink right now."
Grace O'Connell Joshua, Assistant Shopping Editor
"I don't play around with my lip products. I've always loved liner, gloss, lipsticks, lip stains, you name it. After trying almost every luxury lipstick on the market, the Gucci Rouge a Levres Satin Lipstick has stolen my heart. The gold hardware the brand uses as a lipstick case feels super luxe and the product inside has the same effect. It's an extremely pigmented lipstick so a little goes a long way, and it is one of my favorite nude shades for those of us with brown skin."
Allyson Payer, Senior Fashion Editor
Michaela Bushkin, Senior Fashion Editor, Branded Content
"This YSL lip stain has gotten me through some long evenings. It doesn't budge once applied, so it's perfect to pack in your clutch for a wedding or any other event where you'll likely be drinking, eating, and maybe even smooching for hours. I have it in the color Grenat No Rules, which is a beautiful deep red shade that makes quite the statement."
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