We Don't Gatekeep: 14 Lipsticks Beauty Editors Love for Date Night

"This is a true blue-red lipstick—a classic French-girl color. Even if it's a casual date and I'm just wearing a T-shirt and jeans, I'll toss this on to lend my look some sophistication. " — Kaitlyn McLintock, associate beauty editor

This cushiony lipstick from Charlotte Tilbury is a newer offering and one of my latest favorites. While the formula is technically matte, it's so hydrating on the lips, and similar to other Tilbury lip shades, the color is incredibly vibrant. I love this rich dark-red shade for date night—it adds a sense of elegance without being too loud. It also compliments darker skin tones extremely well.

"This is probably the lip product I wear more than any other. It gives your lips that 'just bitten' wash of color (perfect for a date, right?) and since it sinks into your lips, it actually lasts. I like to line my lips with the aforementioned Charlotte Tilbury combo (Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Iconic Nude and Pink Venus, and top it off with a shiny, plumping, and hydrating lip mask like this cherry vanilla one from Lawless so that the tint doesn't dry out my lips too much." — Erin Jahns, beauty director

"When I think of date night, I think of no-fuss beauty products that make me feel like my most confident self. That's why I typically gravitate towards hydrating lipsticks that add a perfect wash of natural-looking color but don't require frequent touch-ups. This lipstick-gloss hybrid feels super comfortable and wears beautifully as the night goes on." — Emma Hughes, associate social editor

"This may look like a pinky-nude color, but when it's on my lips, it reads as a soft berry instead. It's not as dramatic as red lipstick, yet it's just as elevated and it goes with pretty much everything. That's why it tends to be the one I reach for when I'm short on time. " — McLintock

This formula from Pat McGrath is one of the lipsticks I reach for most. I love this soft, rosy mauve shade for any occasion, honestly, but it's especially pretty for a date. It does dry your lips out a tiny bit if you don't load up on lip balm, but it truly doesn't budge. I've tested it and it lasted through a four course meal without budging. I'd say that makes it a winner in the date-night lipstick department.

"If I'm on a date, I want something that enhances my true lip color, requires minimal effort or upkeep, and will still look natural and pretty as it fades, Black Honey is an all-time classic for a reason. It flatters and looks unique on all skin tones, it delivers the perfect kick of sheer color to your lips (it's almost a cherry cola for me), and the balm-like texture ensures my lips stay hydrated, glossy, and flake-free all night. " — Jahns

We're big fans of drugstore lipsticks, as they provide all the color payoff without costing a fortune—especially this formula from Milani! It provides a satin finish and it's buildable for a lip that's a bit more muted or dramatic. Although it's a habit to reach for bolder lipstick shades when dressing for a date, I love wearing this muted rosy-brown color with a neutral brown eye look.

"My newest favorite! The brand describes this shade as a spiced rose, which is really my ideal lip color for adding a subtle bump of pigment to my naturally-dark lips without looking like I'm trying too hard. Plus, the formula and finish of this lipstick is just so freaking good. It has a buttery consistency that glides onto the lips while offering a subtle, light-catching, sheen, and it will still look good as it wears throughout the night. Plus, since it's designed to 'grip' the lips, it won't require as many touch-ups." — Jahnsnaturally dark

Another fantastic drugstore option is this super-matte Maybelline formula. While I love a good red or pink shade for a Valentine's Day date, this deeper burgundy shade is also a bit of a dark horse. It's so flattering and stands out—especially if you opt for a simple eye look.

"This lipstick has the boldest color payoff, and even though it's a matte formula, it's not overly drying and doesn't settle into the fine lines on my lips. That's why I call it a 'modern matte' formula. Every time I wear it, I get so many compliments. " — McLintock

"This has been my go-to nude when I want a little bit of something, but can't be bothered with something that's going to smear or look too aggressive. It nourishes the lips and feels comfy like a balm, but the subtle tint of color makes me feel more put together. I always use a nude lip liner that's slightly darker in color with this one to add more definition—I love Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Iconic Nude and/or Pink Venus or Sisley Paris' Phyto-Lèvres Perfect Lip Pencil in 2 Beige Natural and/or 6 Chocolate." — Jahns

"I love breaking out a deep, berry brown color like Merit's L'Avenue. Its formula is sheer and buildable while delivering a satiny finish. This lipstick also does an amazing job of keeping my lips hydrated and staying put for hours on end without needing reapplication. " — Maya Thomas, assistant beauty editor

"The last thing I want to think about on a date night is if my lipstick is transferring on anything my lips come into contact with, making this YSL lipstick balm a must for date nights. It offers medium-coverage with a formula that instantly melts into the lips for total luminosity and instant hydration." — Thomas