Top 5 Lipsticks Every Woman Should Own
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Discover the essential shades of lipsticks every woman should own. From classic reds to versatile nudes, our guide reveals the must-have hues for every makeup bag. Elevate your beauty game today!
Lost in the lipstick labyrinth? We get it — the world of lip colors is vast and vibrant. But fret not, Red Apple Lipstick is your trusty guide on this colorful journey!
You don’t need a rainbow of lipstick shades (unless you’re feeling extra fabulous!). In this post, we’ll unveil the top 5 lipstick hues every woman should flaunt. These quintessential colors are your ticket to mastering any makeup mood. Curious? Dive in and discover!
5 Essential Lipstick Shades for Every Woman’s Makeup Kit
💋 While it’s tempting to hoard every lip shade under the sun, sometimes less is more (and more fabulous!). Dive into our curated list of the top 5 lipstick shades every woman should own.
1. “My Lips But Better” Lipstick Shade
What is it?- The lipstick shade is as close as possible to your actual lip color. This will help add some depth and intensity to your pout but in a natural-looking way.
When to Wear: MLBB shade is the perfect everyday go-to color. Great to pair with more natural and minimal makeup looks. This type of shade will also pair well with heavy eye makeup when you don’t want to pair it with regular nude lipstick.
Hint: Take a selfie in really good day light balanced light without any lipstick on. Crop your photo to only your lips, and use it as your guide comparing shades.
Our RAL Pick
Everyone’s MLBB shade will be slightly different depending on their lips’ natural color. Some may have lighter pink tones to theirs while others may have deeper pink tones, and yet others may have more purple tones to their coloring.
However, we recommend Maven Mauve. It is a perfect blend between dusty rose and mauve that tends to work great for many because the color can be deepened with additional coats.
My Lips But Better.
Here are two excellent choices for MLBB lipsticks. But Aim for a shade very close to your own lip color.
2. The Classic Red Lipstick
What is it?- Every woman should have a true red/classic red lipstick among their lip products. This shade is classic, elegant, and timeless while adding a little drama without being overpowering. Better yet, classic red is universally flattering.
When to Wear: Red lipsticks are very versatile shades. Whether you’re wearing shiny or matte red lipstick, they can be worn for special occasions as well as more casual ones. They are perfect for date nights, hanging out with friends, and even work.
Our RAL Pick
Red lipstick will flatter all types of skin tones. You just need to pick a shade that is right for your skin tone. Need help with this? Head on over to The Best Red Lipstick For Your Skintone.
My personal favorite is Risque since it’s the perfect hue for my medium-warm complexion.
The Classic Red Lipstick.
Here are two great examples of classic red lipsticks. Risque is warm while Red Apple Red is cool.
3. Your Perfect Pretty Pink Shade
What is it?- Pink lipstick is the most popular shade for lips, even more so than red. Why? Because it is a beautiful versatile color that comes in many different gorgeous variations and can be pulled off by any skin tone.
When to Wear: Pink can be worn for literally any occasion- day and night, whether for a formal or casual occasion.
Our RAL Pick
Just like red, pink is not a “one size fits all”. You must choose the right shades of it for your skin tone. For more on this, head on over to Best Pink Lipstick for Your Skin Tone& Best Pink Lipsticks for Day & Night.
Audrey is RAL’s best seller. It’s a soft elegant, and sophisticated neutral pink that is perfect for women of all ages and skin tones. My personal favorite is Day After Morocco, which is a perfect pink for those with warm undertones.
The Perfect Pink.
Pinks can range from “in your face” to lovely and subtle. Only you can say which fits your personality best.
4. The Perfect Shade of Nude Lipstick
What is it?- Shades that are close to either one’s skin tone or a shade that resembles the lips’ natural color. They give a more neutral/nude or natural appearance to the lips, unlike other lip colors that are colorful and bold. They range anywhere from pale to darker and deeper shades.
When to Wear: A nude lip gives the lips a finished look without doing too much or adding much of a pop of color. Nude lips are perfect when you don’t want much attention to them or when you don’t want them to take the focus away from the rest of your look.
Learn more about nude lips here: All About Nude Lipsticks & How to Wear Them & Best Nude Lipstick for Your Skin Tone
Our RAL Pick
The perfect nude will be different for everyone depending on skin type. Naughty is my personal pick since it’s perfect for my warm complexion.
The Fabulous Nude.
With nude lipstick, getting it just right can be tricky. Try a nude lipstick sample pack to try them all. Shown here is a light pink nude (New York) and an orangey brown nude (Naughty). Trying them on your actual lips (not your arm) is the only way to know for sure!
5. Pop of Color/ Bold Lip Color
What is it?- Either a bright color or a bold color that is deeper and/or darker. They add a little pop of color or a little drama to your look and bring attention and focus to the lips.
When to Wear: Bright colors are best for Spring and Summer, while bolder darker colors are perfect for Fall and Winter. They pair best with a simple look so that the lips are the main focus. Head to How to Wear a Bright Lipstick & Whyto learn more.
Our RAL Pick
I love a good rich chocolate brown lipstick for a bold lip such as Gypsy Soul. For a bright lip, Unpinkable is perfection! Works with most skin tones, even deeper skin tones, and flatters women of all ages.
If you prefer a more subtle pop of color check out shades like: Oh Snapdragon and Secrets (amazing on cool undertones) or Mayberry and Paris (great for neutral undertones) or Sweet Pea and Chai Love You (incredible for warm undertones).
A Pop Of Color.
Pinks can range from “in your face” to lovely and subtle. Only you can say which fits your personality best.
What are your favorite must-have RAL shades? Share with us in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What color lipstick goes with everything?
The perfect nude shade will go well with just about any type of look.
What is the most popular color of lipstick?
Pink is the most popular shade in both the US and the UK.
What color lipstick makes you look younger?
Bright pinks, mauves, orange, and peachy shades will give a youthful look.
What color lipstick makes teeth look whiter?
Cool reds with blue undertones, also known as blue-toned reds, can make your teeth look slightly whiter. Not in the mood for red? Try a cool-toned pink instead.
Hi I would like to know what shade of lipstick I should use as I have grey hair and I am a cool light skin tone. I have blue undertones, so I usually go for the mauves and cool colors. I use My Dolly for my blush, and I use Audrey for my lipstick. I don’t do eye shadow or eye liner, but I do my brows with Taupe brow liner as I have sparse eyebrows. So, I am just wondering if I am doing my makeup right or should I add some more color to my skin.
Hi Judy! It sounds like you’re choosing beautiful shades already. I really love the cool lavender/purple/berry family for someone with your coloring. So, like Secrets, Pinkle Twinkle, Petal Rebel, Paris, Oh Snapdragon. Next time you do your makeup in the way you like – feel free to snap a photo on your phone and send it to support at redapplelipstick dot com – and we can give you feedback if some more color would help your features shine! We’d be happy to help!