National Lipstick Day 2024: Shop the Classics

July 29 marks National Lipstick Day. There’s something about swiping on a fresh lipstick bullet that instantly boosts my mood and confidence. To me, it’s the easiest way to feel dressed up, whether it’s a fancy or casual outfit kind of day.

Lipsticks were born in Ancient Mesopotamia more than 5,000 years ago and they were once made of crushed gems. Since then, it’s been worn, celebrated, and recreated. Throughout history, lipstick has been a signature for many, like Marilyn Monroe who famously wore red to Marilyn Manson who rocks crimson on repeat.

As a true Gemini, I love a variety of lipstick shades and usually choose according to mood. To celebrate National Lipstick Day, scroll on to find the ones I keep coming back to again and again.

From shiny to matte and red to berry, these will never go out of style.

National Lipstick Day 2024: Shop the Classics

This post may use affiliate links. As always, Style Meets Story only shares recommendations that we truly love.

1/11

Anna Sui — Sui Black Rouge Lipstick – In Pink Red

I first started using Anna Sui lipsticks in 2019 and still consider it as one of my favorites. Literally like a rose, this pink red shade (click for a closer look) goes on beautifully and moisturizes it with key ingredients such as rosa canina fruit extract. Like Anna Sui’s clothing collections, her lineup of beauty goods is just as bold and beautiful.

2/11

MAC — Retro Matte Lipstick — In Ruby Woo

The ‘Ruby Woo’ lipstick made MAC famous when it launched in 1999. What makes it different? The 8-hour wear matte blue-red shade flatters any skin tone (and may even help make your teeth look whiter). Think of it like the LBD of red lipsticks — you can always count on it to look good.

3/11

Charlotte Tilbury — Matte Revolution Lipstick — In Sexy Sienna

Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup has a modern spin on that Old Hollywood feel. This ‘Sexy Sienna’ shade (named after Sienna Miller) has a golden coral matte color that brightens the face and looks effortless. If you want a dramatic effect, add another layer for a more vibrant sun-kissed glow. I use this shade on days when I want to add color without going for something as bold as bright red.

4/11

Kilian — Le Rouge Parfum Lipstick — In Intoxicating Rouge Matte

I remember the first time I swiped on this Kilian ‘Le Rouge Parfum’ lipstick and was delightfully surprised by the fact that it’s scented. With a blend of gourmand and floral notes, it just feels luxe. No wonder, since the brand’s founder, Kilian Hennessy, is known for his fragrance creations (many of which are reminiscent of the cognac in his French family’s empire). This deep red shade instantly brings the drama.

5/11

Tatcha — The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25 — In Plum Blossom

This Tatcha lip tint goes on like a dream thanks to the silk protein and botanical lanolin that locks in moisture and softens lips. This ‘Plum Blossom’ shade of pink also has SPF 25 to protect against UVA/UVB rays. Also worth trying: this lipstick in the shades ‘Camellia’ (warm red) and ‘Midnight Lily’ (dark purple).

6/11

Lancôme — L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick — In Blush Classique

My mom’s go-to brand for skincare is Lancôme, so it was one of the first beauty brands I’ve known as a teen. We used to go shopping to pick up her favorite products and, of course, I had to try out all the lipsticks at the department store counter. This cool mauve pink formula is infused with 30% rose balm and hyaluronic acid that leaves lips ultra hydrated.

7/11

ILIA — Color Block High Impact Lipstick — In Bardot Nude

If reds and pinks aren’t your thing, try this light amber shade from clean beauty brand ILIA. The long-wearing, high-impact formula is made with apricot seed oil (to lock in moisture), castor seed oil (to soften and soothe) and mango seed butter (to increase elasticity).

8/11

NARS — Afterglow Sensual Shine Hydrating Lipstick — In Aragon Red Chestnut

Makeup meets skincare — this NARS lipstick gives you dimensional shine and a dose of hydration. With shea butter and mango butter, count on it to nourish your lips for up to eight hours. The red chestnut color here is a deeper, more burnt version of classic red and it’s perfect for a night out.

9/11

Yensa — Vibrant Silk Lipstick — In Inspire

I have a lot of lipsticks yet still reach for this Yensa one weekly. The dusty rose shade works for all occasions from day to night and for all seasons. Just one swipe of this semi-glossy lipstick gives you highly-pigmented, long-lasting color payoff and it feels comfortable on. It’s infused with eight super oils and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines.

10/11

Revlon — Super Lustrous Lipstick — In Soft Silver Red

There’s no shortage of color options with Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick. I love this ‘Soft Silver Red’ shade that has a hint of shimmer. It’s the best budget pick on this list and so worth it for $11. Made with 80% conditioning ingredients, it glides on smoothly and gives you soft, fuller-looking lips.

11/11

Dior — Dior Addict Lip Glow — In Berry

I discovered the Dior Lip Glow a few years ago while working on a beauty shoot. True to its name, it gives your lips a luminous “glow” and tons of shine. The formula is like an upgrade from lip balm since it also plumps lips and gives off a light berry color.

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