Just as no winter is really complete without a fresh dusting of snow, no holiday party look is ready until you’ve added the final touch: a glamorous lip color. For many, the most popular choice this time of year is red. But really, the key to looking festive is a healthy dose of confidence — and a little bit of sparkle never hurts. Below, find our editors’ favorite lip formulas for the holidays.
Best Lipstick For Holiday
Palladio Herbal Matte Lipstick
- FULL-COVERAGE MATTE LIPSTICK: Palladio’s Matte Lipstick is a creamy textured, full-coverage lip color with a lost-lasting formula that stays put for hours without drying the lips. The staying power of a matte liquid lipstick, but with a softer texture.
- FULL OF MOISTURE AND PIGMENT: This lipstick has rich, luxe pigments that gives a 100% luxe matte finish. It contains aloe leaf extract and safflower oil for moisturizing lips, coconut and palm leaf for a smooth textured application, and vitamins C & E.
Who: Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director
What: Palladio Herbal Matte Lipstick
Why: It smells like chocolate and glides on like syrup, and yup, you need this (*adds to cart*). Every holiday season, Shu Uemura collaborates with a brand or artist, and this year, it’s La Maison du Chocolat. So the entire offering — eye-shadow palette, bold lipsticks, blush, oil cleanser, and more have chocolate nuances. My pick is the lipstick, since who doesn’t want (no-calorie) chocolate close to their mouth? This satin-finish red has the sensorial experience of a delicate cocoa fragrance.
Chanel® Rouge Allure Liquid Powder Liquid Matte Lip Color in Avant Garfiste
- A combination of softening oils for a velvety second-skin texture that melts onto the lips when applied.
- Pure, ultra-thin and highly concentrated pigments that deliver intense shades while ensuring a soft, fine texture.
Who: Lauren
What: Chanel® Rouge Allure Liquid Powder Liquid Matte Lip Color in Avant Garfiste ($30)
Why: I’ve been a fan of lip powders for a while now (read all about how they work and what they are here), but this new formula from Chanel has made a great thing even better. Though it’s technically a powder, it glides on velvety-smooth and feels creamy — almost like you’re not even wearing anything on the lips. The finish is more like a matte stain that slowly wears down to a subtle blot throughout the day. I like this deep berry for a sexy, moody vibe with a chic sweater and vampy nails.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA® Snow Daze & Snow Nights Frosted Metal Lipstick 3-pc Set
Who: Joslyn Winkfield, Senior Visuals Editor
What: FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA® Snow Daze & Snow Nights Frosted Metal Lipstick 3-pc Set ($36)
Why: Those who know me know my Fenty obsession very well. Lucky for me new products just keep coming. For this holiday season, I envision a deep matte color topped with something super shimmery. Layering one of these frosty colors on top would be perfect for a New Year’s party.
BITE BEAUTY® French Press Lip Gloss in Black Coffee
Who: Joslyn
What: BITE BEAUTY® French Press Lip Gloss in Black Coffee ($22)
Why: I’m not always pro lip gloss. It can be sticky and slide all over the place. The glosses from Bite’s Arabian coffee-inspired line, however, is a whole other story. Not only is the color a deep, holiday plum shade, but the brush’s tip is super precise and the formula is creamy, not tacky. Bonus: it smells like you’re sitting at a cute little French cafe, far, far away.
Smashbox® Be Legendary Liquid Lip in Crimson Chrome
- A liquid lip formula that glides on the full coverage of a lipstick and the high shine of a gloss in a single coat
- Rich saturated color in metallic and vinyl-like finishes
Who: Emily Orofino, Senior Beauty Editor
What: Smashbox® Be Legendary Liquid Lip in Crimson Chrome ($21)
Why: This is the most festive lip color in my arsenal, and it’s not just because of the color — it’s due largely to the eye-catching foil finish. The glossiness of the formula makes the metallic quality look like liquid rubies without any annoying or crusty glitter. It’s basically jewelry for your face.
Stila® Cosmetics Stay All Day® Liquid Lip Color in Beso
- Creamy-matte, full coverage liquid lipstick
- Long-lasting color stays in place
Who: Emily
What: Stila® Cosmetics Stay All Day® Liquid Lip Color in Beso ($19)
Why: Whenever anyone asks me to suggest a red lip that will stay on through cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and mistletoe, I recommend this one without fail. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more durable lip color (without sacrificing comfort) with such rich pigment. Just be careful to avoid any errant swipes or smudges as you apply, because once it’s on, it’s on for the night! (I use straight-up coconut oil to remove it before bed.)
MAC® Cosmetics Powder Kiss in Shocking Revelation
- MAC POWDER KISS LIPSTICK 314 MULL IT OVER Prep lips with Prep + Prime Lip Primer before applying colour. Apply Lipstick directly to lips. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
Who: Thia Laurain, Social Media Editor
What: MAC® Cosmetics Powder Kiss in Shocking Revelation ($17)
Why: I finally took the plunge into trying a soft-focus lip look — think more diffused, romantic blur, less precise lines — and I’m so glad I did. MAC’s latest lipstick formula, Powder Kiss, makes it oh-so easy, and the flattering, not-quite-red-not-quite-berry Shocking Revelation is going to be my go-to party trick for December and beyond.
Lancôme® Starlight Sparkle L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Peut-Etre
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF COMFORT - Luminous cream finish and silky feel.
- LONG-LASTING & SMUDGE RESISTANT - Each lipstick has an ultra-creamy texture which glides seamlessly over the lips and sets to a smudge resistant lip color with no bleeding into the lip line.
Who: Thia Laurain, Social Media Editor
What: Lancôme® Starlight Sparkle L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Peut-Etre ($28)
Why: This limited-edition lipstick is clad in a sparkling rose gold case — and is the definition of giftable. (Luxurious stocking stuffer, anyone?) The hydrating, high-color payoff formula is creamy and rich, and this particular shade — an easy-wearing mid-toned rose — is especially versatile on a variety of skin tones.
Yves Saint Laurent® Lipstick Rouge pur Couture Holiday Edition
- Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levers Glossy Stain - # 11 Rouge Gouache was launched by the design house of Yves Saint Laurent
- 0.2 Ounce Lip Gloss
Who: Sophie Wirt, Beauty Editor
What: Yves Saint Laurent® Lipstick Rouge pur Couture Holiday Edition ($38)
Why: For me, one of the most highly-anticipated beauty launches of the holiday season boils down to the YSL lipsticks. Each year, the brand releases a glamorous new shell for its classic colors. This year, they’re emblazoned with a glittering YSL monogram — which, I’ll admit, makes me feel extra-fancy every time I whip it out of my purse. Added bonus: You can engrave these bullets at no extra cost; a feature that makes them all the more giftable.
NARS® Spiked Audacious Lipstick in Nancy
- A modern lipstick that dresses up lips with bold coverage, long-lasting wear, and a luxurious texture
- Smooths and nourishes lips
Who: Sophie Wirt
What: NARS® Spiked Audacious Lipstick in Nancy ($59)
Why: I am a fan of deep plum hues for winter — especially when the bullet is as beautifully chiseled as this one. The only issue I forsee with this lipstick is wanting to keep the design intact for as long as possible!