Tester: Beth Mayall-Traglia, Editor in Chief
Rating: 9
What she thought: "This is the ultimate 'date night' lipstick -- insanely pigmented, long lasting ... and yet not at all drying. With 50 shades to choose from -- from matte to a nice sheen -- you may need to camp out overnight at Sephora before you can commit. But once you do -- rich, creamy color that lasts all night."
Tester: Kristen Oldham Giordani, Executive Editor
Rating: 9
What she thought: "This highly-pigmented stick glides on effortlessly and feels like an uber-hydrating lipstick upon application. But, like magic, it suddenly latches onto your lips for seriously long-lasting wear. Even after lunch, which included a large apple, I still had obvious color on my lips and zero bleeding or transferring. I did reapply at 3 PM for extra color pow (I used a lip brush for precision, FYI), but I can handle one redo a day -- especially because I chose to wear Prolong, a fabulous true red hue. If a red shade can stay in place and look great for almost an entire workday, it's earned a place in my makeup bag."
Tester: Anna Jimenez, Associate Editor
Rating: 9.5
What she thought: "I wouldn't normally spend this kind of money on a lipstick, I mean, I could have a superb dinner and a cocktail for this price, but I have to say that you really get what you pay for with this product. It really does feel luxurious. The color is unbelievably vibrant and the texture is smooth and dreamy. It has a magnet between the cap and the bottom, which makes it close easily and securely (I'll never find red lipstick all over the inside of my purse again). The best part though -- my boyfriend couldn't stop staring at my lips (in a good way) when I wore it out and he coyly suggested I only wear this red hot color when he can keep an eye on me (sheesh). The product description says it's the first volume and firmness formula ... maybe that's why it looks so good. Either way, I'm sold. Maybe money can buy you love."
Tester: Beth Mayall-Traglia, Editor in Chief
Rating: 10
What she thought: "Wait -- before you object. Yes, we know how to read, and yes, we understand this product name says, 'lip balm.' So what's it doing in a lipstick story? Simple. It's got enough color for us to classify it as a lightweight lipstick -- yet its sheer formula is forgiving enough to apply in a rearview mirror (while at a stop, young lady). It'll start being your go-to lip stuff in no time. Love the swivel-up pencil and eight fresh shades, too."
Though your lips only occupy a small area of real estate on your face, they can succinctly communicate the woman you want to be at any given moment: The mysterious chick, the girl next door, the sexy siren, you name it. Well, that's if you paint them with the right lip makeup. We here at Total Beauty understand how important it is to wear the right lipstick (shade, texture, formula), and the difficulty that comes with the hunt. That's why we took on the grueling (note the sarcasm) task of trying and testing the newest lip colors on the shelves and counters to bring you the crème de la crème of lip makeup today.
We know that lipstick shades are subjective (and specifically tailored to certain skin tones, hair colors, personality types, etc.), so when testing and judging these lip colors, we focused on the brilliance of their pigments, the smoothness of their application, their longevity, and, of course, their scents (this is a bit odd, but if you don't want your lips to smell like roses or grandma, you better sniff that stick before you buy). Basically, we touched on all of the characteristics we find important in a lip color and weeded out any products that didn't live up to expectations. In the end we wound up with these 12 superstars.
Once you've found the perfect lip makeup for you, follow these tips to avoid making any lip color faux pas:
• Use a lip scrub to slough off dead skin cells so you have a smooth canvas for color. This is especially important to do before wearing bold or dark shades.
• Wipe off any lip balm or moisture that might be on your lips before applying color so it doesn't slip off.
• When using red or bold colors, always use a nude lip liner, or one that exactly matches the color you're applying, to prevent it from bleeding.
• After color application, blot your lips on a tissue then dust loose powder around your mouth to help ensure long-lasting color.
• After applying a bold hue, stick your index finger in your mouth and pull it out while your lips are puckered around it. This will prevent color from transferring onto your teeth.
