It's Indisputable: These Are the Most Iconic Lipsticks in Existence

There’s something deeply transformative about the right lipstick. One swipe of the best lipstick can pull together an outfit, elevate your mood, and leave you feeling like the most confident version of yourself. But with thousands of lipsticks out there, finding the one can feel like hunting for a lippy in a haystack. There's a lot to consider, from finding the most elegant lipstick colour (whether you're searching for the perfect red lipstick or an everyday neutral shade) to landing on the right finish, from glossy to matte, or even looking for a lipstick to recreate one of this autumn's biggest lip trends.

As a beauty editor, I’ve tested more formulas than I care to count—from high-street heroes to luxury icons—and have developed a sixth sense for what makes a lipstick truly brilliant. Whether you’re after a lipstick that complements blonde hair, a lipstick that complements brunette hair, the perfect nude, red or something quietly sophisticated, here’s your ultimate guide to the best lipsticks out there—including iconic shades that have stood the test of time and the formulas worth investing in, according to our lipstick-loving editors.

The Best Lipsticks, Tried and Tested

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, £30
• Most Iconic Lipstick Shade: MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, £25
• Best Red Lipstick: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate, £43
• Best Matte Lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999, £42
• Best Liquid Lipstick: Violette FR Petal Bouche in Cerise Desir, £32

1. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Our verdict: Pillow Talk is one of the world's most talked-about and well-known lipstick shades, so, unsurprisingly, a tube is sold every two minutes. Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution lipsticks are regarded as one of the best formulas for matte lips, and the Pillow Talk shade itself is considered one of the best neutral pinks out there (and is often a popular lipstick of choice for brides). The original suits my skin tone well, leaning neither too pink nor too beige, but it also comes in Pillow Talk Medium, which has more brown undertones to better suit deep complexions. You'll also find it in Fair (with cool undertones to suit fair complexions) and Intense (with moodier, berry undertones), so you can find your best match.

2. MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy

Our verdict: Velvet Teddy by MAC was an icon when it launched in 2004, and two decades on, it remains a classic and one of MAC's best-selling lipstick shades. The silky matte formula feels comfortable on the lips, while the deep, cool-toned beige hue has the rare ability to flatter everyone. "Recently, I stumbled upon a very old, borderline expired MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick in the original formula. To my surprise, I was instantly reminded of why I loved it all those years ago," says junior fashion editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki. "Paired with my go-to Glossier lip liner and Saie lip gloss, it was the perfect combination."

3. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 99 Pirate

Our verdict: There is nothing chicer than a Chanel lipstick (you'll find every shade is steeped in stories from the fashion house's lore), but Pirate is perhaps its most iconic red. It has a blue undertone (think a cooler-toned red, which also happens to make your teeth look whiter) that drenches lips in a satiny, luminous texture that feels really moisturising. When I want to feel timeless and classy, I always bring out Pirate—it's an elegant lipstick colour that never fails me. I have to talk about the packaging too. The golden lipstick bullet is housed inside a glossy black case that pops open with a satisfying 'click' when you press it. So. Chic.

4. Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Our verdict: Clinique's Black Honey is just as much of an icon as it was when it launched in 1971. "When you slick it on your lips, it transforms into a sheer, rose-tinted glossy veil that suits anyone," says editor Maxine Eggenberger. "Unlike other lipsticks of the '70s, Black Honey wasn't created to change the colour of your lips; it was developed to bump up your natural lip tone. One slick and it gives my lips a rosy hue. Two, and the shade intensifies. Three, and I'm edging closer to the sultry berry shade I've always longed to wear but felt too dark by way of the densely pigmented lipsticks I'd tried. Black Honey, however, is perfect."

5. Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in 999

Our verdict: Dior's 999 is one of the most iconic luxury red lipsticks around. The name derives from the first two lipsticks launched by Christian Dior, 9 and 99. The result is a bright red that makes a statement (wallflowers need not apply). The warm red undertone has a hint of blue, which makes it really flattering on any skin tone. As for the matte finish? It's like wearing velvet on your lips.

6. MAC Lustreglass Lipstick in Spice It Up!

Our verdict: This isn't just any red-brown lipstick; it's actually the exact lipstick that Monica Geller wears in Friends. It's a '90s lipstick through and through, with just the right amount of brown and red that makes it feel like a statement without being too much. It's a really great lipstick for brunettes and has a wearable satin finish that feels hydrating on the lips, too.

7. Violette FR Petal Bouche in Cerise Désir

Our verdict: If you asked me what the best French lipsticks are, I'd without a doubt mention Violette FR's Petal Bouche liquid lipsticks. Inspired by the velvety softness of petals, these liquid lipsticks impart luxurious colour that dries down into a matte, transfer-proof finish. There are three shades to choose from, but my favourite is Cerise Désir, a rich blood-rose that epitomises French-girl beauty.

8. MAC Macximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Honey Love

Our verdict: "I love a lipstick, but none that I use are as iconic as some of my MAC ones (I still use Ruby Woo and Diva!)," says senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. "I think I go back to them time and time again because they’re long-lasting and affordable. I’ve recently also gone back to Honeylove because with the 90s over-lined lips being such a trend, I’ve tried a few neutrals and none can compare in terms of shade. It’s very matte, so I tend to overlay it with a gloss and darker liner," she says. Because this is a light rose, it's a great lipstick colour for blondes.

9. Guerlain Rouge G

Our verdict: When it comes to the actual lipstick packaging itself, nothing is more iconic than Guerlain's Rouge G lipstick case. It's the kind of product you keep forever, and the best bit is that you can choose from a range of designs, including limited-edition options. All cases come with a mirror in the lid so you can top up your lipstick on the go, and you can choose which lipstick you would like inside. There is a range of colours and finishes available, from satin to velvet, and the pigmented formulas are just as stunning as the product itself.

How We Tested the Best Lipsticks

To help write this story on the best lipsticks, I called upon the Who What Wear UK beauty team and editorial team members to share their all-time favourite lipstick shades. Having tested hundreds of lipsticks between us, we've worked out the best shades and formulas that really work. From matte to satin and red to neutrals, we've left no lipstick un-swatched for this story—these are truly the best lipsticks you could try.

What Makes These the Best Lipstick Shades?

There are hundreds—thousands— of lipsticks out there, but not all of them reach icon status. The ones on our list defy time and fleeting trends and have been mainstays in many people's makeup bags for years. Many of these lipsticks, such as Clinique's Black Honey and Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk, suit everyone. Texture is also paramount. Whether you favour matte, satin or glossy, these tried-and-tested lipstick formulas don't compromise on longevity, hydration, or comfort on the lips. Many of them also have huge cultural currency—MAC's Spice It Up! was Monica Geller's lipstick on Friends, whilst Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk has endless celebrity fans.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.