5 Cult Favorite Lipsticks That Truly Look Awesome on Everyone

As far as lipstick goes, I’ve seen—and used—them all. If I could have majored in lipstick in college, I would have. (One look at my vanity and you’d get it.) So when someone asks me the ever-important questions “What’s your favorite?” or “What color will look good on me?” I’m more than equipped to reply.

The answers pretty much lie in the so-called cult classics; the lipstick colors that crop up regularly in articles and in conversation as the best of the best—friends swear by them, pros recommend them, they’re the so-called “universally flattering” ones. That said, seeing is believing. So to put these endorsements to the test, I recruited Glamour staffers to try on the most raved-about shades to see whether they truly live up to their cult status.

Six women, five beloved lipsticks—get their honest opinions below!

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $17

The color: A vivid red with blue undertones and a true matte finish.

Fun fact: According to MAC, Ruby Woo is the number one best-selling shade in the U.S. of all mass and prestige lipsticks. The brand sells four tubes every minute!

Why pros love it: “Ruby Woo is the ‘Little Black Dress’ of makeup,” says Gregory Arlt, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC. “It’s an essential red that’s chic, matte, sophisticated, playful, and timeless. I’ve only ever seen it look amazing on every skin tone and every age.”

What our testers thought:

Lindsay, senior beauty editor: “For years I thought I couldn’t pull off red lipstick because of that outdated “red lipstick on redheads” rule (i.e.: redheads shouldn’t wear it). Wrong! The blue undertones look great with my skin tone and light eyes, and the formula doesn’t budge—even after inhaling a burger.”

Kate, digital editorial assistant: “Ruby Woo is by far my favorite of the shades. It made me feel like Rihanna. It’s a great pop of color and a nice little confidence booster.”

Irene, fashion assistant: “I actually own this! I’ve been wearing it since my college days. It’s literally the perfect shade when going out at night. My personality is spunky and energetic so the bolder the color, the better.”

Michelle, site developer: “I left this on all day and walked around the office with an extra spring of confidence in my step. Who doesn’t love a classic bold, red lip? But, although I loved the color, it felt dry. I’d definitely prime with a lip balm before application or add a bit of clear gloss afterwards.”

Manasa, beauty contributor: “OB-SESSED. This is my new everyday for every occasion lipstick. I love how it pops.”

Jenae, special projects editor : “I’ve always loved this color, it was actually the first red I’ve ever bought, so there’s some sentimental value. Since then, my taste has changed and now I tend to go for reds with an even bluer undertone, but Ruby Woo will always be an oldie, but goodie.”

Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Schiap, $28

The color: Hot pink with cool undertones and a velvety, semi-matte texture. Vitamin E locks in moisture.

Fun fact: It’s named after iconic fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who was famously known for wearing a bright, vivid pink lip.

Why pros love it: “It’s probably one of the most-loved pink lipsticks,” says makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. “I love it because it has a blue undertone so it’s very flattering and makes your teeth look super white.”

What our testers thought:

Lindsay: “One of my best friends, who’s pale with jet-black hair, looks like a total babe in this shade, and I’ve never been convinced it’d do me the same justice. But! I wasn’t mad at it. I probably won’t wear it again, though I was surprised by how many compliments I got.”

Kate: “To be honest, I didn’t love this. I’m too pale and it made me feel like I was trying too hard.”

Irene: “I completely fell in love with this shade—it was by far my favorite of the entire bunch. After the shoot, I went out and bought it myself. It’s so unexpected and complimented my skin tone so well. The color isn’t your typical pink, which makes me love it more.”

Michelle: “My first thought was, ‘Whoa!’ I do love the occasional bold lip, but I felt a bit out of my comfort zone with this one. I’ve seen bright pinks work great on other women, but I don’t think I could ever find the right outfit or occasion to pull it off. It’s a shame because I tend to gravitate to buying only pink products—pink water bottles, pink notebooks, pink skirts, pink everything!”

Manasa: “Admittedly pink is my least favorite color, but I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I didn’t hate this shade. I would probably reserve it for pretty specific occasions but overall it’s a great pop of color.”

Jenae: “I’ve seen women with my skin tone who like pink lipstick, so this may work for them. But it’s definitely not for me: a little too bright and a little too eighties.”

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice, $8.49

The color: Opaque red creme with a slight orange undertone and a glossy finish.

Fun fact: It’s been produced by Revlon since 1952, which, if nothing else, should tell you it’s beloved.

What our testers thought:

Lindsay: “I’m kind of a goth when it comes to lipstick in that I tend to gravitate toward blue-based reds and dark colors. (Blame it on my rosy undertones/rosacea.) Holy wow, though, am I reconsidering that now. I LOVED this orange-red, and after three seasons of wearing matte, it was nice to go back to a creamier formula.”

Kate: “This one didn’t feel as nice as MAC’s Ruby Woo but I think that’s because I prefer a red to have a more matte finish, and this one was kind of glossy. I liked the color though!”

Irene: “A bright red never fails me. Perfect for not only going out but also for the office. Bold colors are risky but this looked absolutely phenomenal with my skin tone.”

Michelle: “This is such a classic shade of bright red and I immediately thought old Hollywood glamour. The original ad with this color features supermodel Dorian Leigh and has the line, “For you who love to flirt with fire.. who dare to skate on thin ice.” THIS IS ME. As someone who’s gone skydiving, paragliding, and cliff jumping, this is my mantra, and I love that this lipstick gives that same edge, but in a different way.”

Manasa: “The overall look works but I didn’t love the consistency of this stick. I kind of felt like I was using a crayon and not makeup.”

Jenae: “I liked the way this lipstick went on so smoothly—it felt like it was conditioning my lips. I think the color is fun for summer or the beach.”

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in 1993, $17

The color: Warm medium brown with a creamy matte finish.

Fun fact: It was created in—you guessed it—1993 and was inspired by the year chokers, baby tees, and brown lipstick became the things we all needed. And when the brand first launched matte lipsticks, it was the first shade to sell out. It’s currently top five in the number of shades sold since the launch of Vice Lipstick.

Why pros love it: “1993 is the perfect gateway drug for anyone who is looking to dip their toes into this ’90s trend lip,” says Amanda Rodriguez, Artist in Residence at Urban Decay Cosmetics. “The color is a bit muted and has the perfect touch of rose to it so there is never a fear of things going murky. I love pairing this lip with glossy defined lashes and clear brow gel so your arches look polished.”

What our testers thought:

Lindsay: “I’m a Kylie Jenner stan and I’m not afraid to admit it—and this shade makes a great dupe to her lip kits. A word of warning: I’ve personally found it looks best with full-coverage skin; but that could be because I have a lot of redness.”

Kate: “I love darkish purples and browns for going out or a light nude for daytime. And another shade similar to 1993 is my current favorite, so I naturally loved this. Plus it feels super-nice on your lips, almost like a balm.”

Irene:“Right now is definitely the time to wear this shade, since it’s all about nudes and browns. I would—and do—wear this as an everyday shade, along with a serious cat eye.”

Michelle: “Nudes are my go-to, especially when they have rosy undertones. I loved how this was matte, but also moisturizing. As its name suggests, I felt like I was traveling back in time—I was super young in 1993, but I remember the older grunge girls (I grew up in Seattle!) sporting a similar lip color.”

Manasa: “I love me a good nude. This one has a little edge to it so I’d definitely add it to my repertoire.”

Jenae: “This was my favorite, by far! I love nudes and this warm brown color looked great on my skin tone. I could have worn it all day!”

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $17

The color: Deep, blackened violet with a sheer tint and a soft shine finish.

Fun fact: It launched in the early ’70s and instantly became a best-seller. Clinique now ships one Black Honey every two minutes.

Why pros love it: “Black Honey is one of my all-time favorites,” says Clinique Colour Pro, Matin Maulawizada. “I’ve had it in my kit for years because it’s a universally wearable shade and it’s suitable for day or night. It truly looks unique on each person.”

What our testers thought:

Lindsay: “NEW. FAVORITE. This buildable shade is now at my desk, in my bag, and on my nightstand. Yes, I have three of them.”

Kate: “Wait, I didn’t even realize this was a color I used to be obsessed with. Memories. I love the way this looked and since I generally tend to gravitate towards purples and browns, it was perfect for me.”

Irene: “Very subtle, clean, and minimal. I’d wear this when I want to do the ‘no makeup makeup’ thing. But, I have to say, this was my least favorite because I had to apply it probably five times just to get even a little bit of color. It’s more of a balm if anything. Super moisturizing though!”

Michelle: “Don’t let the color intimidate you! It’s subtle at first, but gradually darkens with each layer. I can see why this is a classic. It’s a natural look that can be built into something a little more edgy. I could see myself using this lightly during the day, then adding another layer or two to compliment an evening look.”

Manasa: “The consistency was amazing but I’ve never been one to wear lipstick to look like I’m not wearing lipstick. I’d market this as a tinted lip balm not a standalone look.”

Jenae: “I really like this color. This year I’ve fallen in love with matte lipsticks, so this was a little shinier and balmy than I’m used to, but it really moisturized my lips. I liked that it gave me a really natural look. It’s perfectly understated.”

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