Is there a product out there that can instantly — and easily — transform your look better than lipstick? We think not. That's why, when we start taking note of all the season's upcoming beauty trends, we always keep our eyes on the lippies. Whether they're glossy or matte, nude or bold, we know that we can keep our makeup bags stocked with options, and pull 'em out whenever our faces need a boost.
From classic shades, brights, and subtle hues, to interesting textures and finishes, in 2016, there truly is a lip product out there for everyone. Ready to start building (or adding to) your collection? Click through to see (and shop!) our favorite picks.
Super-Duper Mattes
You think you know mattes? You've got no idea. These super-matte shades are totally next-level. They stick to your lips and dry into a velvety texture that you'll fall in love with.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick, $20, available at Macy's.
Affordable, long-lasting, and matte? Check, check, and check. Revlon's formula comes in 16 flattering shades that dry to a velvety smooth finish and last!
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
This lightweight liquid lipstick has a super-nourishing formula, so it applies smooth and dries matte — like every great liquid lipstick should. Plus, it has a light sheen to it that adds a bit of dimension to every shade. Our current favorite is Mulberry Luster, a deep, wine hue.
Sephora Collection Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color in Mulberry Luster, $16, available at Sephora.
This product applies smoothly and leaves you with a bold, ultra-matte effect that will last all night into the morning. The price tag is just right, too.
ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip In Kae, $6, available at ColourPop.
If you're sick of pigment that slips and slides, you'll want to pick up this formula. It stays put and has the coolest dry-down texture, ever.
H&M Beauty Liquid Lipstick, $9.99, available at H&M.
No feathering, no transfer, and no dry lips. You couldn't ask for more from a liquid-matte formula.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick, $24, available at Ulta Beauty.
Rock the neutral lipstick trend in matte for an updated take on a classic shade.
Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint, $20, available at Tarte.
Red Alert
Hey, it's classic for a reason. This is the year to go out and find your perfect crimson hue.
MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, available at Nordstrom.
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Burt’s Bees lip balm won us over long ago, so it’s only natural its lipsticks are bomb, too. Created with raspberry-seed oil and beeswax, they’re ultra moisturizing and richly pigmented. We like Scarlet Soaked, a bright, true-red shade.
Burt’s Bees Lipstick in Scarlet Soaked, $9, available at Burt's Bees.
Bite Beauty is known for its moisturizing lipsticks, and the Amuse Bouche collection is not only creamy, but also has impact. Gazpacho is the true blue-red of your dreams: It'll stay on all day, but won't leave you with a dry, peeling pout.
Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Gazpacho, $26, available at Sephora.
This universally flattering, vibrant red works for every occasion and season, rings in at under $6, and won the affections of one of our editors in a major way.
Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipstick in 72 Matte Kiss, $5.99, available at Milani.
This bold, demi-matte lipstick comes in a crayon-like shape for easy application. And with a name like O.G. Red, you know you’re getting the real deal.
Milk Makeup Lip Color in O.G. Red, $22, available at Sephora.
We love this shade for its slight glossy finish.
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Love Bite, $32, available at Charlotte Tilbury.
Kat Von D's red has a slightly pearlescent look.
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick, $21, available at Sephora.
If you can't afford to wear Louboutin red on your feet, try it on your lips.
Christian Louboutin Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lipstick, $90, available at Nordstrom.
Orange You Glad?
Red not your scene? Try its punchier cousin — orange. This bright, vibrant hue gives your look a fun pop of color.
Yves Saint Laurent Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Orange de Chien, $36, available at Sephora.
This longtime fan favorite from Revlon actually goes on sheer, and can be layered for an extra burst of color. Plus, the entire Super Lustrous line is extra-moisturizing — this is not a lipstick that will dry out your lips, ladies.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Carnival Shine, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
If fluorescent orange is more your speed, this tangy hue from Nyx should be a staple in your makeup bag.
Nyx Macaron Lippie in Orange Blossom, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
It may look red in the tube, but on your lips, it's a gorgeous tangerine shade.
NARS Audacious Lipstick in Lana, $32, available at NARS.
A true orange, this lippie is the brightest of the bunch.
Chosungah 22 Flavorful Lipstick in The Orange, $21, available at Chosungah 22.
This deep orange has a matte, but not flat, finish.
Urban Decay Matte Revolution Lipstick in Tilt, $22, available at Urban Decay.
Bright and budget-friendly. What more could you want?
Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Sweet Nectar, $5.49, available at Drugstore.com.
This rich burnt-orange, with a hint of shimmer, flatters olive, tan, and dark skin tones gorgeously.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Sunset Boulevard, $53, available at Tom Ford.
Peachy Keen
From the brand-new Estée Edit collection, Sunday Vibe is the perfect shade for your Sunday brunch – it’s a matte lipstick with jojoba oils, so it won’t dry you out while you’re eating. Plus, the pinky-nude hue is easier to tackle than a pale nude.
The Estée Edit Mattified Lipstick in Sunday Vibe, $22, available at Sephora.
If you're not into a statement shade, you're in luck: Some of the season's hottest colors are on the more subtle end of the spectrum, like this sheer option from CoverGirl.
CoverGirl Lipstick in Bronzed Peach, $5.99, available at CVS.
Makeup Up For Ever's tried-and-true formula is highly pigmented, while the satiny finish is utterly comfortable. We like Orange Coral, a cool-toned shade that's perfect for summer. (Tip: Add a flick of liquid liner for a universally flattering, retro effect.)
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick in Orange Coral, $22, available at Sephora.
For fairer-skinned gals, this pinky hue is totally clutch.
Tom Ford Lips and Boys in Flynn, $35, available at Neiman Marcus.
This lipstick slides on in a gorgeous, barely there (but not chalky) nude.
Lipstick Queen Saint Lipstick in Peachy Nude, $24, available at Lipstick Queen.
This Maybelline lipstick is the perfect (and most easy-to-wear) blend of peach and brown.
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Clay Crush, $5.59, available at Target.
Prefer a stain? Celeb makeup artist Jillian Dempsey loves this formula for its hydrating and long-lasting finish.
Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in London Posh, $9.99, available at Drugstore.
For a budget option, this tube delivers a nice amount of hydration and color.
E.L.F. Moisturizing Lipstick in Party in the Buff, $3, available at E.L.F.
Sheer peach shades, like this hue from Nars, work wonderfully for any season, occasion, and skin tone.
NARS Lipstick in Barbarella, $28, available at Sephora.
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