11 Universally Flattering Lipsticks to Try This Winter
Between the cozy outfits, endless holiday RSVPs, and the fact that makeup doesn’t melt right off the second we go outside, there’s no denying that winter is unofficially lipstick season. Although there may not be a rule that says wearing lipstick is more fun this time of year, we’re here for any excuse to try out new shades. We sought out celebrity makeup artists and other beauty experts to share the colors they’re turning to right now that flatter every skin tone they touch.
Scroll on for the 11 top lipstick picks Patrick Ta, Kelsey Deenihan, and seven more of our favorite celebrity makeup artists and experts are relying on this winter. From deep, dark mattes to lightweight liquid formulas, you're guaranteed to find a new shade (or several) to wear over and over this season.
Nudes
Expert: Kelsey Deenihan, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Lorac Artistry Advisor
Celebrity Clients: Reese Witherspoon, Lucy Hale, Millie Bobby Brown, Nathalie Emmanuel, Taylor Hill, Katherine Langford, Jessica Chastain, Kelsea Ballerini
"Not only am I obsessed with the name Cat Lady, because, well, duh I’m obsessed with my cat, but I love a monochromatic moment with the makeup, and this neutral really complements any warm eye-and-cheek combo perfectly.”
Expert: Kelsey Deenihan
"Love this creamy satin formula for the perfect true light nude. A lot of times nudes will pull pink or coral, and this one stays a true beige.”
Expert: Allie Renee, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Celebrity Clients: Camila Mendes, Carly Rae Jepsen
"This creamy apricot shade is so stunning and sophisticated. The luxurious formula leaves lips plumped and hydrated with a satin finish.
Expert: Lindsay Ellingson, Model and Founder, Wander Beauty
"During the winter, keeping my lips hydrated is always a challenge. Our Lip Retreat Oil combines the richness of a lip oil with the color and finish of a gloss. I have one in every bag!”
Expert: Christen Dominique, Founder and CEO of Dominique Cosmetics
"This is the perfect shade for all complexions. Not only is it creamy and comfortable, but it also pairs perfectly with any makeup look. It will keep your lips looking hydrated and full all winter long."
Reds
Expert: Monika Blunder, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Celebrity Clients: January Jones, Suki Waterhouse, America Ferrera, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Gemma Chan, Amanda Seyfried
"This holiday red glides on like a dream, lips never feel dry, and the color payoff is fantastic!”
Expert: Marc Reagan, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Director of Artistry + Education, Hourglass Cosmetics
Celebrity Clients: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Olivia Palermo
"Everyone needs a go-to red, and this is a stunning blue red that can be worn as an opaque, rich lip color or just pressed into the lips for a soft stained pout.”
Pinks
Expert: Patrick Ta, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Founder, Patrick Ta Cosmetics
Celebrity Clients: Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Olivia Munn, Shay Mitchell, Shanina Shaik, Adriana Lima, Joan Smalls, Camila Cabello
"I’ve been loving this shade as it’s the perfect peachy pink. Plus, this unique formula guarantees hydration for your lips during winter.”
Expert: Kelsey Deenihan
"I’m obsessed with this formula because it is long-wearing without drying the lips or appearing chalky or dry. It’s my go-to rose color for any season.”
Berries and Browns
Expert: Allie Renee
"This purple berry color is the perfect shade for the season, whether you’re adding a pop of color to a cute outfit or heading to a party. I love this formula because you can make it as sheer or as opaque as you’d like by patting on a wash of color or building the color up in layers.”
Expert: Mai Quynh, Celebrity Makeup Artist
Celebrity Clients: Chloe Grace Moretz, Alison Brie, Paris Jackson, Kiernan Shipka, Elizabeth Chambers Hammer
"I love the dark intensity of this lip color. It’s a super-rich dark, plummy brown that will elevate your look and make it look more fashion.”
Looking for more makeup inspiration? Check out the Only Lipstick Shades That Matter, According to Fashion Insiders.
Lindy Segal is a freelance writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. She's originally from Atlanta, but she's sorry to report she doesn't have an accent. However, she does still have her taste for carbohydrates, love of losing sports teams, and fear of driving during rush hour. She's been in editorial for over eight years as a social media manager and writer covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle at Glamour and People. Most recently, she was the women's editor at Express. These days, in addition to Who What Wear, you can see her byline at places like Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Ipsy, and WeWork. Both a skincare obsessive and a minimalist, she keeps her routine short, sweet, and effective—and she doesn't go a day without sunscreen. She's also deeply passionate about sustainability, and she strives to recommend products she truly believes are worth the investment. When she's not writing about the best and brightest beauty finds, she can usually be found hunting for vintage and secondhand treasures, attempting to find zen at a yoga class, bingeing Bon Appétit YouTube videos, or napping under her weighted blanket.
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