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Updated July 29th, 2024: This article on the best pink lipsticks was updated with editor’s choice selections of the top pink lipsticks after a third round of product testing, plus new pink lipsticks.
Few lipstick color families have as much range as a pink lipstick: Choose a nude pink tone and you have an easy daytime lip color; go for a rich fuchsia to serve up a fresh, unexpected take on a statement lip. A great pink lipstick fits right at home in top beauty trends like ‘strawberry makeup’ or coquette glam à la Sabrina Carpenter, but you don’t have to be attuned to these fads to feel the power of pink.
No matter your skin tone, experts agree that the best pink lipsticks are a flattering choice. We saw Taraji P. Henson sport a baby pink smile on the Met Gala red carpet, while Margot Robbie wore the shade on numerous red carpets during her “Barbie” press tour. “Barbie reminded us of Beauty 101 — if you want to look healthy, ultra-feminine, and give your complexion a boost, reach for pink,” says Houston-based makeup artist Tonya Riner, who counts model Kate Upton as a regular client.
Pink lipsticks run the gamut from mild to wild — there’s dusty mauves, peachy corals, and vivid magentas. Depending on your skin tone, these shades can lend a muted or more dramatic effect. “Vivid pinks give more contrast on light skin tones and look natural on darker ones and vice versa,” Riner explains. “The entire spectrum of pink can be found in every skin tone so play up on what’s naturally there to find your most flattering shades.”
To help you find the best pink lipstick for all your needs, keep reading to discover our guide to the best pink lipsticks for 2024. We swatched 51 of the best lipsticks from top makeup brands to curate this shopping guide of peerless pink lipsticks, factoring in price points, color payoff, how the formula wears throughout the day, and its compatibility with fair to deep skin tones.
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Top Pink Lipsticks of 2024
Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Pink Lipsticks of 2024
Our editors tested over 50 lipsticks to narrow down this list of the best pink lipsticks, learning a lot along the way. Unlike red lipsticks that are usually plucked for a statement lip look, we tested pink lipsticks that deliver a your-lips-but-better effect as well as highly-pigmented, hot pink options for nights out. Because of the variation in the category — as well as many other factors like preferences for glossy or matte finishes — our editors are highlighting our top three pink lipsticks versus one best overall. The below pink lipsticks stand out for one reason: They flattered every tester who wore them, removing any guesswork around undertones. After three testing periods, we still stand behind them as the best pink lipsticks on the market, even compared against newcomers and trending formulas on TikTok. Below, our winner’s circle of subtle to statement-making pink lipsticks.
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk: Few lipsticks hold a candle to Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk pink. I’ve tested pink lipsticks for well over a decade and this shade is one of the few that I always come back to for its super flattering tone that always makes my lips look natural-yet-defined in photos. It’s a nude pink tone that has a touch of warmth to it for a rosy effect that mimics the look of naturally flushed lips — and though many brands attempt to imitate it, there’s nothing like the real thing.
- Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey: The sheerest pink lipstick on our list is the sister of Clinique’s iconic Black Honey lipstick. It has a filter-like effect that amplifies the natural tone of your lips rather than overpowering it; you won’t mess up the application and you certainly don’t need a mirror to apply it. The formula has a sheen to it that works as a nourishing lip gloss; try it over lip liner for a healthy, juicy lip look.
- Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte Lipstick in Cœur Infidèle: Proof that a pink lipstick can have the same visual effect as a bold red, Violette_Fr’s pink lipstick is the best choice for those who want their pink lipstick to make a statement. The brand masterfully calibrates its lipstick colors for a sophisticated look on any skin tone, and you can wear this liquid matte pink lipstick in a few different ways depending on your application technique. Apply it in generous swipes for intense coverage, or buff it out from the center of the lips for a more lived-in, French girl vibe.
Editor’s choice
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
Formula: Cream
Finish: Matte
Special features: Buildable color payoff
When Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk shade launched in 2013, it made quick work of achieving icon status as the best nude pink lipstick on the market. In just over 10 years, this brown-pink shade has become a household name (in a beauty lover’s abode, anyway), on par with classics like Revlon’s Fire & Ice and Mac’s Ruby Woo red lipstick shades. Although the shade debuted in a lip liner, the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk has become a bestseller for its flatters-everyone color, making regular red carpet appearances on celebs like Amal Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Emma Roberts.
Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve worn Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lipstick for years; it’s my go-to whenever I know I’ll be taking pictures. The neutral pink enhances the look of my natural lip color with a gorgeous non-drying matte finish, and you can easily build it up for more intensity. I wore it on my wedding day, but also swipe it on for casual occasions, like a weekend brunch.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Editor’s choice
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey
Formula: Cream
Finish: Glossy
Interested in dabbling in pink lipstick, but not ready to go full coverage? Try Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey. It’s a rosy variation on the brand’s bestselling Black Honey shade, both of which create a filter-like finish on your lips. With Pink Honey, you’ll get a sheer coat of rosy pink (similar to a lip gloss) that enhances the natural shade of your lips without overpowering it. Try it on bare lips, or layer it over any shade of lipstick for more color intensity and sheen.
Editor testing and review notes: “Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is more of a balm than a true lipstick, but I can easily build it up to achieve full coverage color payoff. The slim bullet is ideal for detailing my cupid’s bow and the outer corners of my lips, but you don’t have to be overly precise when you’re applying the formula as it’s sheer and easy to blend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Editor’s Choice
Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte Lipstick in Cœur Infidèle
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: Cruelty-free formula, contains conditioning castor seed oil
With the latest shade of Violette_Fr’s Petal Bouche Matte Lipstick, pink lipstick might just be the new red lipstick. This bold magenta lipstick has the visual weight of a rich burgundy lipstick, but the pink undertones make it brighter, fresher, and a little more unexpected. Like the rest of the Petal Bouche line, this fuchsia pink lipstick can be applied in countless ways, from blotting it on for more of a subtle stain look to slightly blurring the edges of a full-coverage lip to give it a more lived-in effect.
Editor testing and review notes: “Statement lip colors can be tricky to choose — a slight variation of an undertone can make or break the way the lipstick looks on your skin. I love Violette_Fr’s Petal Bouche lipsticks because I know I can rely on the color to appear custom-made for me, as the shades are meticulously created to be flattering across skin tones. This velvety liquid dries down quickly for a highly pigmented color payoff that you don’t need to touch up too often.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $31
best drugstore
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: Up to 16 hours of wear
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
With over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is clearly a crowd favorite. It’s a budget-friendly choice that performs as well as options that are double the price — the formula is long-wearing, goes on (and fades!) evenly, and feels weightless on your lips. The Pathfinder shade is a cool-toned magenta that’s begging to be worn with a leather jacket on your next night out.
Editor testing and review notes: “With high-impact color, this matte lipstick from Maybelline rivals red lipsticks in statement-making abilities. The wand is super small, making it easy to apply on the corners of your lips. It feels wet when you first apply it, but it dries down quickly — you might even forget you’re wearing it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $7.49
Best Light Pink Lipstick
Mac Cosmetics Lipstick Cream in Crème Cup
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Vegan formula
TikTok users can’t get enough of Mac Cosmetics’ Lipstick Cream in Crème Cup, with one user calling it the “perfect ballerina pink lipstick” in a video that amassed over 350,000 views (commenters are already looking for dupes). The light pink lipstick has blue undertones — a subtlety that helps to make your teeth look whiter. And it comes in Mac Cosmetics’ popular Lipstick Cream formula, which beauty lovers revere as one of the best for comfortable, long-wearing lip color.
Editor testing and review notes: “Even application is one of my top testing criteria for lipsticks — who wants to fuss over splotchy color payoff? Mac Cosmetics’ Lipstick Cream goes on like a dream, with medium coverage that lets your natural lip color shine through just a bit. This shade looked best on me with a touch of nude lip liner underneath — without it, my pale skin looked a bit washed out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $23
Best Rose Pink Lipstick
Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Divine Rose
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Contains passionfruit extract and plant-based collagen
Pat McGrath Labs is a celebrity-loved brand, counting Taylor Swift, Irina Shayk, and Naomi Campbell as fans of the luxury makeup line. The SatinAllure Lipstick in Divine Rose comes recommended by Riner, who explains the shade is “a great mid-tone pink that works across skin tones.” The pink lipstick has a touch of brown that creates a subtle effect, plus nourishing benefits from the formula’s passionfruit extract and plant-based collagen.
Editor testing and review notes: “The Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick’s packaging is precious, but it’s also weighty — this felt the most luxurious in the hand. The Divine Rose shade came expert-recommended, but I still had to give it a test. The cream formula goes on like butter, with a hint of sheen. It’s an ultra-wearable pink that I’ll be swiping on before heading into the office.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
Glossier Generation G Lipstick in Like
Formula: Cream
Finish: Demi-matte
Special features: Sheer and buildable formula
With Gen G, a single swipe gives that just-blotted lipstick look without the effort. But a buildable color coverage isn’t the only benefit; it also packs a punch of hydration. The formula is boosted with blue agave leaf extract and safflower seed oil for extra nourishment and hydration (making it ideal for dry lips), leaving lips looking moisturized and flushed with color. Speaking of color, although the swatch looks like a berry, the color comes off as a cool baby pink you can build up for more intensity.
Editor testing and review notes: “This balmy pink lipstick is a sheer, subtle choice for daytime wear. It’s become my go-to when I only have time to throw on a tinted moisturizer and mascara for a minimal makeup look. The bullet feels a little tough when you first apply it, but it warms up with a few swipes for easy glide.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $18
Best Baby Pink Lipstick
Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick in Weho
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Special features: Contains aloe vera, avocado seed oil, sesame seed oil, and sunflower seed oil
Baby pink lipsticks flatter all skin tones, going subtle on fair skin tones and making a statement on deep skin tones. Urban Decay’s Vice Hydrating Lipstick in Weho packs the tone in a balmy-feeling bullet, with emollience from its trio of avocado, sesame, and sunflower seed oils. Riner loves this formula for its satin finish. “Satin lipsticks look more lived in, and don’t require precision when applying,” she explains.
Editor testing and review notes: “Of all the cream lipsticks I tested, this one delivered the most shine, and felt the most hydrating on my lips. The only drawback is that its lip balm-like texture makes this formula transfer easily, but I was able to reduce that by blotting my lips with a tissue after applying.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21
Nyx Professional Shine Loud Vegan Liquid Lipstick in Cash Flow
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Shiny
Special features: Vegan formula; contains vitamin E
Shine on with this two-in-one pink lipstick by Nyx Professional. The formula has the attention of TikTok users for its near-reflective finish and ability to stay put without transferring or smudging; one user’s video has a whopping 1.4 million likes. Apply the pink lipstick base coat first, let it dry for 90 seconds, then follow up with the clear gloss to lock it in place. The Cash Flow shade is an earthy, rosy pink lipstick — pair it with a skin tint and one of your favorite dresses, and you’re out the door.
Editor testing and review notes: “This lipstick feels so nostalgic to me — there’s something about the specific bubblegum pink and two-step application process that makes me feel like the year is 2003. But this formula is a modern-day marvel; during testing, the lipstick didn’t smudge, transfer, or smear while I wore it snacking and sipping.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $12
Best Hot Pink Lipstick
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick in Ascend
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: Whipped texture; contains sunflower seed oil
Searches for #RareBeautyLipstick on TikTok have over 34 million views — and of all the swatching, sampling, and rave reviews in the category, the Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick is the most talked about. The Ascend shade is not for the faint of heart; this fuchsia lipstick is intensely vivid, popping on fair to deep skin tones. To make it work, wear it with a pared-back makeup: A look consisting of a light coat of foundation, cream blush, and mascara will let your lips do all the talking.
Editor testing and review notes: “This pink lipstick goes heavy on color, but it felt amazingly lightweight on my lips during testing. It has a whipped texture that’s so satisfying to apply — if you’re anything like me, you’ll have to stop yourself from layering on 10 coats just for the feel of it.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Best coral pink lipstick
Rms Beauty Legendary Serum Lipstick in Melanie
Formula: Tinted serum
Finish: Satin
Special features: Contains smoothing cherry fruit water and antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum
Peachy pink lipsticks are a juicy take on true pinks: The subtle warmth of these shades bring a sunny vibe to simple glam. Rms Beauty’s Legendary Serum Lipstick in Melanie is a coral shade with serious staying power and a wallop of nourishing ingredients like Kakadu plum. The lipstick-meets-stain deposits a high level of pigment, but goes on smoothly so you don’t have to worry about splotches or streaks throughout the hours of wear time the formula delivers.
Editor testing and review notes: “I can count on Rms Beauty for next-level makeup products that feel as good as they look. The Legendary Serum Lipstick is case in point: I’ve never experienced a lip product with such intense color payoff that actually leaves my lips feeling nourished and smooth, rather than thirsty. I love the stained look the product leaves behind once the initial sheen has worn off.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Icons Kissing Lipstick in Candy Chic
Formula: Cream
Finish: Satin
Meet the pink lipstick that made red carpet appearances before it officially launched. Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, and Hannah Waddingham have already modeled Charlotte Tilbury’s latest lipstick, the Hollywood Icons Kissing Lipstick, at this year’s Emmy’s and Golden Globes, showing exactly how shiny and chic the formulation is. The shade Candy Chic delivers a modern version of a frosted pink lipstick with its bubblegum shade and light-reflecting pigments.
Editor testing and review notes: “Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution lipstick might be a crowd favorite, but I’m hedging my bets on the new Hollywood Icons line — the shade range is just so good. The high-shine finish paired with this cute pink color make the Candy Chic colorway a sweet choice for the gals who love all things coquette.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $35
Danessa Myricks Beauty Vision Flush in Bread ‘n Butter
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Natural
Special features: Also works as eyeshadow and blush
If you haven’t heard of Danessa Myricks Beauty, just you wait. This makeup artist-owned brand has a cult-following that’s growing by the minute (on TikTok, searches for the brand have over 130 million views.) Riner recommends the Beauty Vision Flush in Bread ‘n Butter, explaining, “you can use the shade on your lips and cheeks, and it’s easily sheered out or applied in light layers for more intensity.” The peachy pink lipstick delivers more warmth than other pink shades, making this an ultra-flattering choice for medium and deep skin tones.
Editor testing and review notes: “This liquid lipstick has a stain-like finish — ideal for long days, or occasions when you’ll be eating and drinking. I usually prefer lip products with cool undertones, but this one has a hint of warmth that paired beautifully with a bronzed makeup look.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
Best Pink Lipstick for Fair Skin
Kosas Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick in Malibu
Formula: Cream
Finish: High-shine
Special features: Vegan formula; contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides
Kosas’ Wet Stick Moisturizing Shiny Sheer Lipstick in Malibu delivers cool-toned baby pink in a shine-forward formula that’s a particularly great pink lipstick for fair skin. Like all things Kosas, the lipstick is powered up with plant-based ingredients: There’s squalane to soften your lips, ceramides to prevent chapping and irritation, and mango butter for extra moisture. Expect it to feel like one of the best lip balms you own, with the added benefit of eye-catching color.
Editor testing and review notes: “This Kosas lipstick veers into lip balm land in the best way possible: It’s one of the few lipsticks I tested that didn’t dry out my lips during hours of wear and reapplication. The angled bullet is a nice touch, as it allowed me to touch up corners and apply extra coats quickly.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Best brown pink lipstick
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick in Kiss
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Matte
Special features: Cruelty-free formula
Pink lipstick can read neutral with the right formula: Look to Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new Lip Velvet Liquid Lipsticks. The shade Kiss is a rosy pink with a touch of sandy warmth that works with fair to deep skin tones. Expect the shade to last you a full five hours without touch ups — it fades evenly, tinting your lips in the process for long-lasting wear.
Editor testing and review notes: “Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Lip Velvet lipstick has a whipped texture that cushions your lips when you apply it — you’ll almost feel like the formula is hugging the contours of your lips. Some matte lipsticks draw attention to fine lines and creases on my lips, but this one simply blurs them while coating my smile in budge-proof pigments.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Clé de Peau Beauté Cream Rouge Shine Lipstick in Heliconia
Formula: Liquid
Finish: Satin
Special features: Contains argan oil to soften lips
Clé de Peau Beauté creates some of the most sensorial — and stunning — lipsticks. The Cream Rouge Shine Lipstick in Heliconia is an investment, but you’ll fall in love at first swipe. The Heliconia shade is one of the best pink lipsticks for dark skin tones, as the statement shade pops on deeper complexions. Many liquid lipsticks either have matte finishes or leave your lips thirsty; this one has a creamy, hydrating texture and imparts shine. The formula also contains a proprietary technology that extends the look of the sheen for hours, so if you’re a glossy girl, this one’s for you.
Editor testing and review notes: “This lipstick beat out the competition at lending a plump, healthy look to my lips. The color is bright, so you get the effect of a red lipstick but without the fuss of selecting a shade that doesn’t look too harsh on your skin tone.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
How to Wear the Best Pink Lipsticks
Pink lipsticks are generally flattering on all skin tones, however, Riner has a few pointers on finding your best shade. “Fair to medium skin tones with a cool undertone look best in blue-based pinks, similar to the tones you see in your skin when you’re flushed — from pale pink to fuchsia,” she explains. “Olive and dark skin tones look best in a pink with a hint of warmth, think peachy pink.”
Once you’ve found your perfect shade, it’s time to apply it. If you have particularly dry or chapped lips, take a minute to massage on a lip scrub, which will ensure even, non-flaky wear.
Some pink lipsticks, particularly sheer formulas, may not appear on your lips as they do in the tube or bullet. But Riner has a quick fix: “If your natural lip color has too much pigment and is preventing you from getting the true shade you’re seeing in the tube, cancel it out with a nude lipstick (like Charlotte Tilbury’s Hot Lips in shade Kim KW) or a light wash of foundation and then add your pink shade,” she suggests.
For a trend-forward beauty look, Riner suggests pairing your pink lipstick with similar tones on your eyes and cheeks. “Monochromatic looks with a flush of pink on the eyes, cheeks and lips are effortless and modern,” she explains. “Make sure you add definition to your eye with liner and a swipe of glossy black mascara for contrast.”
How We Tested and Selected the Best Pink Lipsticks
To test the best pink lipsticks, two WWD Shop editors swatched 51 options from a variety of beauty brands that had top-rated reviews and recommendations online to narrow down this list of our favorites. Our editors completed three rounds of product testing over the past year, ensuring that the selections on our list reflect the best pink lipsticks to wear in any season and comparing our selections against newcomers to the category. We tried a range of formulas, including liquid and cream formulas with varying finishes.
While testing each pink lipstick, we took note of the color payoff, how evenly the lipstick applies, and how it fades throughout the wear time. Our editors also noted price points and how the price tags align with the quality of the lipsticks. Lipsticks that easily smeared, faded unevenly, or had an unpleasant texture were cut from our list. The options included were carefully chosen to cater to various skin tones, from very fair to ebony. During testing, our panel considered the following criteria to select the very best pink lipsticks:
- Formula and finish: Our testers experimented with matte to glossy and liquid to cream pink lipsticks. For lipsticks with a glossy finish, we took note of how long the shine lasted, noting if the sheen came at the expense of a sticky texture (those that did were removed from our list). For matte formulas, we assessed if the lipsticks dried out our lips versus blurring and hydrating them (the latter earned higher ratings). Our testers evaluated the feel and glide of all lipstick textures to ensure that the pink lipsticks on our list are comfortable to apply.
- Color payoff: The lipsticks we evaluated range from subtle and buildable to highly pigmented. For buildable formulas, we made sure that the product layered on evenly without caking, creasing, or splotchy patches. For richly pigmented pink lipsticks, we noted how many swipes were necessary to achieve even coverage. Across the board, our testers recorded how these formulas wore during up to eight hours of wear time; those that faded unevenly were removed from our list.
- Ease of application: Our testers noted if the application type aligned with the pink lipsticks’ textures for intuitive use, awarding extra points to formulas that work for thin to full lips. We also made sure that each lipstick on our list allows you to detail the cupid’s bow and thinner corners of lips with precision.
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Meet the Expert
Courtesy
Tonya Riner is a beauty expert and makeup artist with thirty years of experience in the industry. Tonya’s work has been featured prominently in the media, including Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Paper City among other publications and destinations and Allure Magazine has named her one of the best makeup artists in the United States. Her backstage work has included being a member of the renowned styling teams of Frederic Fekkai and Ted Gibson. Her bona fides in the entertainment industry include work on Beyoncé’s chart-topping video for “Blow.” And her long list of celebrity and bold print clients includes Kate Upton, Simone Biles, Heidi Klum, Elle Macpherson and Annie Leibovitz among others.
Meet the Author
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over six years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, including each and every pink lipstick on this list. Sullivan wrote the original version of this article on the best pink lipsticks and contributed to the July 2024 update.
