Lipstick is one of the most popular and iconic makeup products. Choosing the right lipstick shade can completely transform your look. But with so many color options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which shades are the most popular. In this in-depth article, we’ll break down the best-selling lipstick colors so you can find your perfect match.
The Most Popular Lipstick Shades
When looking at top-selling lipsticks across beauty brands, a few key colors stand out:
| Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Nude | Nude lipstick provides a subtle, natural look. The shade ranges from pale beige to brown. |
| Pink | This includes both bright and muted pink tones. Pink flatters nearly all skin tones. |
| Red | True reds and blue-toned reds are iconic. Red makes a bold statement. |
| Mauve | Mauve has subtle purple/pink undertones. It’s flattering on many complexions. |
Within those most popular categories, there are a few specific shades that are repeatedly best-sellers year after year:
- Nude – Nude or “beige” nudes
- Pink – Soft rose shades
- Red – Blue-reds and classic reds
- Mauve – Mauve pinks
Most Popular Lipstick Colors by Skin Tone
While personal preference plays a big role, some lipstick shades are more flattering for certain skin tones. Here’s a breakdown of popular colors for different complexions:
| Skin Tone | Most Flattering Colors |
|---|---|
| Fair | Soft pinks, peaches, plums |
| Light | Rose pinks, peaches, corals, red |
| Medium | Warm pinks, mauve, plum, red |
| Tan | Nude, bronze, brown, plum |
| Deep | Wine, berry, brown, nude |
Fair skin often looks best in lighter, cooler tones. Deeper complexions can pull off richer shades. But there are few hard rules, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Most Popular Lipstick Finishes
In addition to color, lipstick finish also impacts the look. Here are the most popular:
- Cream – Creamy and semi-opaque with a shine. Moisturizing.
- Matte – Velvety finish and intense pigment. Long-lasting.
- Satin – Smooth color with a subtle sheen.
- Sheer – Light, see-through color. Great for layering.
- Gloss – Shiny and wet-look. Very moisturizing.
Matte lipsticks have surged in popularity in recent years. However, traditional creams and satins still make up a significant portion of best-sellers.
Most Popular Lipstick Brands
When looking at top lipstick brands, a mix of drugstore and high-end companies emerge:
| Brand | Price Range | Top Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | Drugstore | Touch of Spice, Red for Me |
| L’Oreal | Drugstore | Fairest Nude, Blake’s Red |
| NYX | Drugstore | Butter Gloss, Soft Matte Lip Cream |
| MAC | Mid-range | Ruby Woo, Velvet Teddy |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills | Mid-range | Matte Lipstick |
| Dior | High-end | Rouge Dior |
| Chanel | High-end | Rouge Allure |
Affordable drugstore options from L’Oreal, Maybelline and NYX compete with the most luxurious designer brands. Every budget can find a quality lipstick.
The Most Popular Red Lipstick Shades
No lipstick color is more iconic than a red pout. But with blue-reds, orange-reds, and more, how do you pick? Here are the most popular bold reds:
- Ruby Woo by MAC – Blue-toned matte red
- Rouge Dior by Dior – Neutral blue-red
- Besame Red by Besame – Retro-inspired blue-red
- Cayenne by NARS – Orange-red
- American Woman by Tom Ford – Warm red
These shades have perfected the classic red lip. They glide on smoothly and stay put for hours. A red lip instantly makes a statement.
Nude Lipstick for Every Skin Tone
Nude lipstick provides a polished, natural look. But finding the right shade for your complexion can be tricky. Here are flattering nude lipsticks for every skin tone:
| Skin Tone | Nude Shades |
|---|---|
| Fair | NYC Pink Nude, Revlon Blushing Nude, Maybelline Nude Lust |
| Light | L’Oreal Fairest Nude, MAC Myth, Urban Decay Naked |
| Medium | NARS Dolce Vita, MAC Twig, Smashbox Be Legendary in Famous |
| Tan | MAC Whirl, Maybelline Nude Nuance, Urban Decay Stark Naked |
| Deep | Black Opal Coco Truffle, MAC Nightmoth, Anastasia Beverly Hills Rum Punch |
Look for shades with pink, peach or brown undertones to complement your skin. Don’t be afraid to go a bit darker than you think for a natural look.
Most Popular Lipstick Colors: A Recap
If you feel overwhelmed by the sea of lipstick options, keep these most popular picks in mind:
- Nudes: Look for a beige-pink that matches your skin.
- Pinks: Opt for soft rose or peach pinks.
- Reds: True blue-toned reds complement most.
- Mauves: Try a muted rosy mauve.
Cream and matte finishes give the most universally flattering look. Mid-range brands like MAC and drugstore staples like Maybelline and L’Oreal offer quality shades at different price points.
While testing some new colors outside your comfort zone can be fun, you really can’t go wrong sticking to one of the tried and true best-selling shades.
Finding your perfect lipstick takes trial and error. But armed with this overview of popular shades and tips for your skin tone, you can feel confident picking your new signature lip color.