Our Favorite 20 Lipsticks Ever!

We all have them: the lipstick shades we can't live without. Those sticks we love so much that when we find out they're being discontinued we stock up in bulk (like the late L'Oreal Perle in Romance with its perfect almost-blue tinge). Or that we use so often we're willing to dig in with a lip brush before admitting it's time to buy new (for us: Giorgio Armani's subtly smoky berry shade, Shine #26). They're personal and perfect for us.

But then there are those classics that work for practically everyone. Similar to our personal faves, these tubes are worn down and toted everywhere. But instead of being our signature, they're iconic, always-popular, wear-em-till-you're-in-a-home shades that every woman should own. Many of these rank among their brand's bestsellers and oldest shades. And it's these lipsticks you should wear on a job interview, to a dreaded parent-teacher conference, or for your driver's license picture.

We dug deep into our own lipstick drawer as well as those of fellow editors, stylists and beauty industry insiders, to build the definitive list of one-size-fits-most colors. If you always seem to leave CVS or Sephora with buyer's remorse, print this list for your wallet. These are the lipsticks-at every price point-we've never seen disappoint!

1. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Like all the shades in Clinique's Almost Lipstick line, this stick is a splendid balance of sheer and tinted, and the color's dark without being too edgy-or feeling appropriate for evenings only.

2. CoverGirl Outlast Blushed Mauve

One of the relatively new breed of two-step lip colors, Covergirl's Outlast products come with a tube of tinted gloss paired with a lip-balm-esque stick. The Blushed Mauve color is a huge trend for fall, but won't be out of style in this millennium.

3. L'Oreal Colour Riche in Mica

This not-too-dark, not-too-metallic shade lets you put a toe over on the wild side, but is never too much.

4. Maybelline's Moisture Extreme Lipcolor in Going Currant

This dramatic purply red compliments many skin tones and also makes teeth look super-white.

5. Revlon Super Lustrous Crème Lipstick in Cherries in The Snow

It's one of the absolute classic reds, that devotees swear by; even if you're not the bold-lipstick type, it's one you should try.

6. Avon's Beyond Color Plumping Lip Color SPF15 in Cocoa

We call this one "neutral plus" because of the warm brown that's a little darker than run-of-the-mill barely-there shades.

7. L'Oreal Colour Riche in Pink Tranquilo

Choose this modern coral-infused shade for darker skin, when you're tan, or when you want that pucker to get noticed.

8. Bobbi Brown Lipcolor in Brown 4

This shade was Bobbi Brown's first, and is the one she says will make your mouth look like lips, but better.

9. Estee Lauder Long Lasting Lipstick in Rose Tea

This berry rose compliments almost any face, and is perfect for everyday wear.

10. Giorgio Armani Shine Lipstick #8Armani's take on ruby lips is inspired by Old Hollywood and may be the only pure red lipstick you'll ever need.

11. Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor in Pale Lip

The perfect light pink lipstick, this color's got more punch than a simple nude, but resists looking too '60s, like many petal pinks can.

12. Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Lipcolour SPF15 in Crème de Marron

Another excellent daytime pick, this subtle pink with a little brown undertone is your office go-to tube.

13. Stila Lip Color in Miranda

One of the few true shiners on the list, this see-through stick adds just the right hint of pink color.

14. Mac Satin Finish Lipstick in Siss

The perfect buff beige, this color does require a bit of a tan, a darker skin tone, or a smidge of bronzer. But it's well worth the extra step!

15. Almay Hydracolor Lipstick in Peach

Really more of a petal than a peach, this delicate color seems simply to lighten, rather than add color to, lips.

16. Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Champagne

"Pink done right" is our name for this one, which offers a fun take on fuchsia without entering clown territory.

17. Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Desir-Valentine

Could there be a more fun lipstick? A pink/red hybrid, this sophisticated shade is playful, but let's you respect yourself in the morning.

18. Giorgio Armani Sheer Lipstick in Plum

Paint on the perfect purple with this do-something-a-little-different color that still works for the office, carpool and whatever else the day holds.

19. Avon Beyond Color in Chocolate

A little earth, a little metallic, this hybrid color dresses up any outfit and feels a little retro, but not costume-y.

20. Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick Black Cherry

With just enough noir to be a little naughty, this color's still fit for good girls.

For more info on how to spend less, get more and sweeten your life keep exploring all the info, updates, deals and coupons on RedPlum!

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