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My poor lipstick collection. All my beloved cherry reds, hot pinks, and unexpected oranges were a bit neglected the past couple years—yours too? I was going to write “now that we’re out of our lockdown sweatpants,” but that isn’t exactly the case considering the news regarding the latest COVID variant, so I’ll edit myself and say: Even though we’re not out of the woods yet, you may feel the urge to throw some lipstick on to brighten your day, and we totally get that. And since we’re total pros with wearing masks at this point, it’s maybe time to dust off your favorite lipsticks, and add a few new colorful friends to your makeup bag too. Even if you’re just wearing them for yourself.
When choosing a lipstick to wear in the winter, celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg recommends shopping for creamy lipsticks that include ingredients like castor oil or vitamin E, which help nourish and moisturize lips. As for pairing a lipstick with a mask, here’s the key: “You need to make sure your lipstick isn’t sticky or wet when wearing a mask,” says Greenberg. “I recommend formulas that are smudge resistant, and don’t wear anything that leaves behind a sticky residue.”
Scroll on for five of our favorite winter lipsticks. Some are inexpensive drugstore purchases, and others are more of an investment, but they’ll all take you from New Year’s Eve (Zoom?) parties to Valentine’s Day smooches to the start of spring.
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MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Shocking Revelation — $21.00
A “moisturizing matte lipstick” sounds like an oxymoron, but leave it to MAC to create a weightless, hydrating matte line in look-at-me shades that’ll turn heads all winter long. Its formula contains moisture-coated powder pigments that hydrate lips, while creating an almost hazy look. Genius.
Maybelline Super Stay 24 2-Step Liquid Lipstick in Forever Chestnut — $8.00
Liquid lipstick in the winter? Under a mask? Trust us. This dual-ended Maybelline lipstick stays perfectly put through talking, eating, and yes, mask-wearing. First apply the liquid lipstick to clean, bare lips. Then let it dry for two minutes before applying the ultra-conditioning balm to seal in moisture. If needed, you can reapply the balm throughout the day.
The Lip Bar Lipstick — $13.00
One glance at the ingredients of The Lip Bar’s lipsticks and you’ll know they’re winter friendly. They’re filled with lip-loving ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E, so you can rest assured your lips will be happy and hydrated with a swipe of one of their rich hues.
Revlon Ultimate Suede Lipstick — $9.00
Come cooler months, it’s time to break out the suede—for clothes, boots, and lipstick. This Revlon Ultimate Suede lipstick is ultra-soft, ultra-hydrating, and oh-so beautiful in this shade of plum. It glides on easily and leaves you with color all day long, no matter how many times you’re putting on and taking off your mask.
Bite Beauty Power Move Hydrating Soft Matte Lipstick — $28.00
This fire-hot red has everything you need in a winter lipstick: it’s creamy and moisturizing, made with cocoa butter, and has a soft matte appearance. Best yet, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Here’s betting this will become your everyday red in 2022.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color — $25.00
In fall of 2017, we dropped everything we were doing and got our hands on Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint, a liquid lipstick so gorgeous, easy to apply, and long-lasting, we couldn’t help but do a happy dance. Years later, and Stunna is still a go-to for those who need a bold lip that stays put. Stunna comes in seven shades, is lightweight, and has a soft matte finish that doesn’t dry out lips.
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