LipstickS + more

hey say that nothing makes you feel better than buying a new lipstick, and I’d have to agree: it’s the quickest, most affordable “splurge” that can improve a bad day and make you feel instantly more confident. But it’s equally great to have one go-to lip color in your arsenal that can always be relied upon to moisturize, last all day, perfectly complement your skin tone, or plump up lips (whatever your top priorities may be.) To find out the best of the best, we polled our beauty council of experts to find out the lipstick that’s earned their loyalty and spill their tried-and-true tips for the perfect application.

*featured image by Meghan Hosie via Chronicles of Her

Tom Ford Lip Color

When you really want to go for it with serious lipstick, nothing—I mean, nothing—is better than Tom Ford. Yes, it’s expensive, but I believe that every girl deserves to have one in her arsenal, whether it’s a classic nude or a full-on red.

–@tararasmus, Beauty Editor & Author of Camille Styles Decoder Series

ILIA Lipstick in In My Room

This lipstick is very moisturizing so it never feels clumpy, and this subtle shade really brightens my face.

-Nadine Abramcyk, Co-founder of @tenoverten

bareMinerals Gen Nude Radiant Lipstick

I’m almost always a nude lip kinda girl, and this range of shades is full of flattering options. Packed with natural oils and butters, its as moisturizing as a balm with the most perfect amount of just-shiny-enough color.

– Camille

Lipstick Queen ‘Saint’ Sheer Lipstick in Hot Rose

This shade was picked out for me by Poppy King herself. I wanted a slightly retro pink that was a pop of color and looked good with a tan — she knew exactly what I should wear.

– @laneycrowell, Founder of Crowell Lane Creative