The Ultimate Beauty Guide

Ever open up your makeup bag and feel immediately overwhelmed by lipstick possibilities? Lipstick is one of the most popular products to own (and hoard), yet sometimes all the options in the world can leave a lady stumped. If you’re feeling bogged down by choices—or you need to start your lipstick collection for the first time—here are the four lipsticks I believe every woman needs in her makeup bag.

1. Neutral Nude

Nude lipstick is great to wear to work, on the weekends, or when you’re in a hurry and need a staple product handy. The best thing about nude lipsticks is they come in several different colors and undertones so there is one for everyone. Fair skin girls should opt for more pinky nudes, and olive toned skin can wear more beige based nudes.

Product Picks: Giorgio Armani Rouge D’ Armani Lipstick in Beige 100; Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked 2

2. Radiant Red

The best thing to brighten your skin tone immediately is a fabulous red lipstick. As you have read in some of my articles before, whether you like pigment or not, there is a red for everyone. From candy apple reds to crimson color Bordeaux, a red lipstick is a must-have for every woman, especially in fall and winter seasons.

Product Picks: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red; Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Shine in Rouge in Danger

3. Pop of Pink

One of the most versatile shades, applying lipstick with subtle hints of pink can add color but also blend with your natural lip color. The best pink lipstick for you is one that looks like your own lips, but better. From babydoll pink to more mauve choices, add pink to your makeup bag for a season-less and natural look.

Product Picks: NARS Lipstick in Roman Holiday; Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipcolor in Sweet Embrace

4. Long-Lasting Stain

A twist on the everyday lipstick, lip stains in natural or berry tints give great color and staying power with minimal touch up. They also act as a great base for lipstick, and can be used to enhance any color you apply on top.

Product Picks: Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain in Wink of Pink; Hourglass Aura Sheer Lip Stain in Scarlet