In beauty, there is no category more timeless—or quintessential—than lipstick. As an enduring symbol of power and femininity, the transformative swipe of classic lipstick is never to be underestimated. Over the decades, brands have met perennial demand with a dizzying array of offerings, leaving no color, undertone, or finish unturned. But despite the scale of options, there are those strikingly universal shades that women keep coming back to. From true reds to nuanced nudes, here, a dozen classic lipstick shades with that certain something loyal masses can’t get enough of.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire & Ice
In 1952, Revlon launched its Fire & Ice ad campaign, starring Vogue cover girl Dorian Leigh, and caused a stir with its kitschy quiz supplement designed to decide if one was, in fact, suited to this tried-and-true bold red.
NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita
Inspired by the 1960 Italian drama La Dolce Vita starring Anita Ekberg, this dusty rose strikes a sophisticated balance between retro and modern pale-pink lips.
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color in 99 Pirate
Since launching in 2006, Chanel's Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Color in Pirate, a deep blue-based red, has been one of the best-selling red lipsticks of all time.
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Making a hyper-gothic wash of color both flattering and accessible, the secret behind this deep berry hue is its sheer, glossy, and balm-like texture.
Dior Rouge Lipstick in 999 Matte
In 1953, Christian Dior created two “perfect red” lipsticks for the runway, “9” and “99,” and more than half a century later, this rich red is the gorgeous amalgam of the two.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
A single slick of this matte nude pink will enhance the natural color of your lips to bespoke effect, while a few more layers builds to a more dramatic true mauve for a dose of understated glamour.
MAC Red Lipstick in Ruby Woo
The coolest of cool reds, this iconic shade is flattering on virtually everyone, with subtle blue undertones that brighten teeth and the whites of the eyes in one fell swoop.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in Fairest Nude
With its unmistakable vanilla scent, this creamy pinky-taupe nude goes on sheer and supplies a boost of radiance to a wide variety of complexions.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Bruised Plum
This shade is a darker-than-dark plum in the tube, but when you swipe on the shiny, semi-opaque formula, it reads more like a juicy deep fuchsia that you can layer on to your desired opacity.
NARS Lipstick in Schiap
Named after Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who made shocking pink her signature color, this electric fuchsia shade is just as head-swiveling as her Surrealist designs.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge D’Armani Matte Lipstick in 400
Known as the “Armani Red,” this rich, highly pigmented crimson strikes a perfect balance between cool and warm, and is a definitive classic for the Old Hollywood look.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in #19 Fuschia Pink
In 1979, Yves Saint Laurent unveiled Rouge Pur Lipstick No. 19, a blue-toned dark fuchsia that still remains a best-seller thanks to its vivid pink pigments and stunning satin finish.
Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Brown
Makeup legend Bobbi Brown's debut line of lipsticks hit the Bergdorf Goodman counters in 1991. Of all the shades, her Lip Color in pink-tinged Brown caused the biggest sensation, helping to usher in the '90s nude lip look still being referenced today.
Guerlain 1830 Rouge Du Tigre
Recently unearthed for Guerlain's Legendary Reds collection by creative director of makeup Violette, Rouge Impériale is a deep berry crimson that was originally launched in 1870 and was the house's first lip color in stick form.
S.W.A.K. is a series of stories devoted to the transformations that come with a swipe of lipstick.
Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
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There are certain lipstick shades known by sight or name or number alone. Think 999. Schiap. 400. Or a very, very matte blue-based red that shows up out on the town more often than the most ambitious Instagram influencer. Although hundreds of lip shades cross our desk every day, the Cut Shop is often drawn toward the cult and classic.
To compile a list of the most iconic shades of lipstick out there, we not only tapped some of our very favorites, but we spoke to five makeup artists — Beau Nelson, Lupita Nyong’o’s makeup artist Nick Barose, Jaime Diaz, Ayaka Nihei, and Allan Avendaño — and scanned Instagram and TikTok alike to find the top 50 lip shades of all time.
➼ The Reds
➼ The Oranges
➼ The Nudes
➼ The Pinks
➼ The Plums and Browns
The Reds
Kate Lipstick 111 by Rimmel London
$7
$7
Photo: 12 months, US Only, all media
Kate Moss and Rimmel London teamed up to create a line of lipstick shades — and 01 is billed as the perfect red, worn by Moss in the ads. It’s one of our favorite drugstore lipsticks of all time for its intense color payoff and hydration. Amazon reviewers agree, and some also see this as a stand-in for M.A.C’s Ruby Woo.
$7
at Amazon$5
at WalmartM.A.C Lipstick Matte
$23
$23
This shade is beloved for its ability to look good on virtually everyone. Nelson explains its appeal: “It’s a vivid, matte, matte, matte red.” (Yes, he said matte three times for emphasis.) “It takes a little effort to get on, but the velvety-red look is worth it.” It’s also known for being virtually indestructible, lasting from morning to night with meals in between.
$23
at Saks Fifth Avenue$23
at Macy'sRevlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
$8
now 11% off
$8
“Fire and Ice was maybe the first Hollywood-red lipstick (and matching nail color),” says Nelson. “The ads asked readers questions and warned that you were only bold enough to wear the shade if you answered at least eight of them with ‘Yes.’”
$8
at Amazon$8
at TargetBobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense in Red Stiletto
$29
$29
This captivating shade is a Hollywood classic and one of Bobbi Brown’s best sellers. It strikes the perfect balance between bold and classic, boasting a rich, deep-red tone that effortlessly commands attention and works on all complexions. Its luxuriously smooth texture glides on seamlessly, delivering intense color payoff while the long-wear formula ensures a velvety smooth finish that lasts all day.
$29
at Saks Fifth Avenue$41
at BluemercuryGIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY Rouge D’Armani Lipstick
$39
$39
Photo: Roger Cabello
This classic red is what is known as the Armani Red, and the same shade as seen in the brand’s signature red lipstick case. Allan Avendaño describes it as “the most perfect red that looks great on every single skin tone. It looks so luxe and it’s a timeless red!”
$39
at Giorgio Armani BeautyUrban Decay Vice Lipstick
$21
$21
Make-up Artist Ayaka Nihei says that this shade from Urban Decay “is brighter than M.A.C Ruby Woo so you see more color in pictures”and that it “fits with any skin tones.” While it goes on creamy, it has a nice matte finish.
$21
at Amazon$21
at SephoraThe Oranges
Glossier Ultralip
$18
$18
The Gen-Z favored brand is no stranger to a good lipstick, and this blood orange shade is amazing. Made to combine all the favorite aspects of lip products into one, this is the ideal lipstick to try out a new shade, like an orange.
$18
at GlossierDIOR Rouge Dior Lipstick
$49
$49
In every beauty range, there’s a classic red that’s a best seller, and a second best seller that’s a more quirky red. This red has a jolt of orange through it — no less pigmented than the 999, but just as vibrant.
$49
at DiorThe Nudes
Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Creamy Nude
$24
$24
You’re looking at one of Clinique’s most coveted nude shades. The texture is creamy and seamlessly glides on, imparting a natural allure that enhances your lips with a subtle yet noticeable radiance.
$24
at BluemercurySURRATT BEAUTY
$34
$34
This shade is Troy Surratt’s homage to his late mentor, Kevyn Aucoin. Called a Lipslique, this product’s texture is akin to what would result if lip gloss and lipstick had a baby.
$34
at Saks Fifth AvenueM.A.C Matte Lipstick
$21
$21
What do you get when you mix red with a dark, gray-brown color? This taupe matte lipstick from M.A.C that doubles as a great neutral that is sure to stay all day thanks to the brand’s top-notch formulation.
$21
at Ulta BeautyThe Pinks
M.A.C Pro Lip Palette
$27
$27
Makeup artist Jaime Diaz loves a lip palette for the versatility it offers, and the M.A.C Pro Lip Palette is his favorite. “The formula is so versatile for bold lips to an eye shade or even blush,” he says.
$27
at MAC
Lady Danger by M.A.C
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
$8
$8
Nelson explains the cult appeal of this shade: “Cherries in the Snow is a pink-based red that has literally been around for decades and is a timeless classic.”
$8
at TargetValde Beauty Ritual Lipstick
$199
$199
When it comes to investing in a lipstick, Valdé is the brand to consider. Each lipstick is refillable with superfine pigments that give stunning coverage and color when applied. Plus keep the amazing armor and switch out colors when you please.
$199
at Neiman MarcusPlums
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
$27
$27
This cult-favorite delivers the same result as a matte lipstick in a pencil format, making it a great option if you prefer this application method. Plus it can be paired with other lip products for more dimension or used as a base color.
$27
at NordstromA stylish weekly guide to help you make good choices about what to spend your money on.
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