We often assume that celebrities are constantly switching their makeup to match the latest trends, but the truth is that most A-listers have a "signature" shade they return to again and again. Whether it’s for a casual street-style look or a high-glamour red carpet event, these celebrity favorite lipsticks have become part of their personal brands. Today, we’re going beyond the sponsored ads to find the products that stars actually keep in their own purses.
When we think of Taylor Swift, we think of a red lip. While she has experimented with many brands, she has famously name-checked MAC's Ruby Woo as a long-time favorite for its blue-toned, retro-matte finish. Similarly, Rihanna’s own Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in 'Uncensored' was designed specifically to be the "perfect red" for every skin tone, and she is rarely seen without it at major events.
For fans who want to emulate these iconic looks, the challenge is often finding a shade that provides the same "star power" but fits a more modest budget. Our Dupe Finder is perfect for this. We’ve matched the most famous celebrity reds to affordable, high-quality alternatives that let you get the "Swiftie" or "Riri" look for less than $10.
In their daily lives, celebrities often opt for "My Lips But Better" (MLBB) shades. Jennifer Aniston is a well-known fan of sheer, tawny nudes like Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in 'Penelope Pink'. These shades provide a polished look without looking "overdone." Margot Robbie has also been seen wearing various shades of the Chanel Rouge Coco Flash line, which offers a hydrated, glossy finish perfect for a minimalist aesthetic.
If you’re unsure which "off-duty" nude will look best on you, our Shade Matcher can help. By analyzing your skin's natural coloring, our AI can suggest which celebrity-inspired nudes will look natural on your face rather than washing you out. To see more of these effortless, star-approved shades, visit our Trending Shades page.
Sometimes, a celebrity's own makeup line becomes their favorite. Selena Gomez is frequently spotted wearing the Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream, particularly in the shade 'Courage' or 'Inspire'. Her "hands-on" approach to her brand means she actually uses the formulas she helps develop. Similarly, Victoria Beckham has built her beauty line around her own desire for the perfect, sophisticated nude lip, with her Bitten Lip Tint being a personal staple.
On the red carpet, stars need a lipstick that won't budge under hot lights and through endless interviews. This is why many turn to long-wear icons like the NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment. It’s a frequent choice for artists working with stars like Emma Stone or Lady Gaga because it provides "high-definition" color that photographs beautifully.
By wearing a celebrity favorite lipstick, you aren't just wearing a color—you're participating in a piece of pop culture history. Whether you want a bold red or a subtle nude, there is a star-approved shade waiting for you.
In a world dominated by mega-brands and celebrity lines, it’s easy to get stuck in a beauty rut. We all know the "big players" at the department store, but some of the most innovative and high-performing formulas are actually coming from smaller, niche labels. These underrated lipstick brands are often founded by makeup artists or beauty enthusiasts who wanted to solve a specific problem—like a lack of inclusive shades or a need for truly vegan, high-pigment ingredients. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on 10 brands that deserve a spot on your vanity.
Many of the best underrated lipstick brands start in the indie scene. Brands like Rituel de Fille offer an ethereal, witchy aesthetic with formulas that use natural pigments to create otherworldly colors. Their "Enchanted Lip Sheers" provide a beautiful, blurred effect that is hard to find in mainstream brands. Another brand to watch is Melt Cosmetics, which transitioned from an indie favorite to a cult icon thanks to their incredibly bold matte formulas and unique color stories (think ultra-cool grays and deep, moody greens).
If you’re worried about trying a new brand without knowing if the colors will suit you, our Shade Matcher is the perfect tool. You can scan a photo of an indie shade you’ve seen online, and our AI will tell you exactly how it will look on your skin tone, taking the risk out of discovering new labels.
Sometimes, a brand is huge in its home country but relatively unknown elsewhere. Kiko Milano is a prime example—an Italian brand that offers luxury-level packaging and formulas at drugstore prices. Their "Unlimited Stylo" lipsticks are among the most comfortable long-wear formulas we’ve ever tested. Similarly, Korean brands like Rom&nd have mastered the "water tint" and "velvet lip" textures that are currently taking over the global market.
To see which of these global brands are gaining momentum in the US, check out our Trending Shades section. We track the rising stars of the beauty world so you can be the first of your friends to discover the next "big thing."
The "clean beauty" movement has given rise to several underrated lipstick brands that prioritize both the planet and performance. Axiology creates "Balmies"—zero-waste, multi-use crayons that work on lips, eyes, and cheeks. They are 100% plastic-free and vegan, making them a hero for eco-conscious shoppers. Kosas is another brand that, while gaining popularity, still feels like a well-kept secret for those who love "skincare-infused" makeup that feels like a dream on the lips.
If you find a shade you love from a high-end clean brand but need a more budget-friendly option, our Dupe Finder can help you find similar tones and textures across a wider range of price points.
Trying a niche brand is about more than just the product; it’s about supporting a specific vision. These brands often have more freedom to experiment with "non-commercial" shades and textures. By diversifying your collection with these underrated lipstick brands, you ensure that your look is truly unique and tailored to your individual style.
Ready to find your perfect shade? Skip the guesswork — try POUT's free Shade Matcher and discover your match in seconds.