In this case, giving a lotta lip is a good thing.
In our opinion, the lip is one of the most important steps in a makeup routine. If you’re giving a big presentation, your mouth is front and center. When you’re going in for the first kiss, you want something that’s not going to end up over your date’s face. These SELF Approved Beauty Awards lip picks have got you covered. We tested glosses, balms, and paints to see which give maximum moisture and long-lasting color.
1
Best Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand
Really, this product is so much more than a lip balm. The creamy formula has rosy illuminating particles to give lips a glossy shine. But it’s the exfoliating applicator that’s the real star. Twist to squeeze out a little product, then use the nubby plastic tip to scrub away dead skin and cracked flyaways, leaving perfectly smooth lips.
Try it: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand, $24; sephora.com
Best Lip Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand
Really, this product is so much more than a lip balm. The creamy formula has rosy illuminating particles to give lips a glossy shine. But it’s the exfoliating applicator that’s the real star. Twist to squeeze out a little product, then use the nubby plastic tip to scrub away dead skin and cracked flyaways, leaving perfectly smooth lips.
Try it: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Perfecting Wand, $24; sephora.com
2
Best Lipliner: It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain
This lipliner is so pigmented and long-lasting that we almost skipped lipstick altogether. When we did layer a matte lip color on top, this product extended the wear through coffee, lunch, and even after-work drinks with only one reapplication.
Try it: It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain, $20; ulta.com
Best Lipliner: It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain
This lipliner is so pigmented and long-lasting that we almost skipped lipstick altogether. When we did layer a matte lip color on top, this product extended the wear through coffee, lunch, and even after-work drinks with only one reapplication.
Try it: It Cosmetics Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain, $20; ulta.com
3
Best Lipstick: MAC Liptensity Lipstick
This stick goes on creamy and with a glossy finish, and unlike many lipsticks, it keeps its luscious feel, lasting all day without feeling dry or cakey. One tester said the staying power was so absolute that you need to take extra care to color inside the lines, or you’ll have a tough time removing the excess.
Try it: MAC Liptensity Lipstick, $21; maccosmetics.com
Best Lipstick: MAC Liptensity Lipstick
This stick goes on creamy and with a glossy finish, and unlike many lipsticks, it keeps its luscious feel, lasting all day without feeling dry or cakey. One tester said the staying power was so absolute that you need to take extra care to color inside the lines, or you’ll have a tough time removing the excess.
Try it: MAC Liptensity Lipstick, $21; maccosmetics.com
4
Best Liquid Lipstick: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick
One tester described this lipstick as "super watery coming out of the tube," but don't let the drippy first impression fool you. It settles into an ultra-matte finish with shockingly long staying power. Unlike some liquid lipsticks that crack and dry out, this felt soft and kissable all day long.
Try it: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick, $38; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
Best Liquid Lipstick: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick
One tester described this lipstick as "super watery coming out of the tube," but don't let the drippy first impression fool you. It settles into an ultra-matte finish with shockingly long staying power. Unlike some liquid lipsticks that crack and dry out, this felt soft and kissable all day long.
Try it: Giorgio Armani Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick, $38; giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
5
Best Lipgloss: Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! Oil Tint
Long gone are the days of '90s lipglosses that left your lips super shiny and super sticky. This oil tint is a modernized version that goes on like a gloss, but quickly absorbs into the lips, leaving a colored stain. The more you apply, the more intense the color. And you’ll never feel like your lips are stuck together with glue.
Best Lipgloss: Rimmel London Oh My Gloss! Oil Tint
Long gone are the days of '90s lipglosses that left your lips super shiny and super sticky. This oil tint is a modernized version that goes on like a gloss, but quickly absorbs into the lips, leaving a colored stain. The more you apply, the more intense the color. And you’ll never feel like your lips are stuck together with glue.
