These are the best pink lipsticks ever, according to make-up artists and Bazaar editors

Pink is here to stay, as evidenced by the look at Dior’s AW24 show where models sported hot pink eyeshadow, artfully done by Peter Philips, creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup.

It's all great news to me, a long-time pink devotee. I did Barbiecore before it became a hashtag (I may have won a lookalike Barbie pageant at the age of 10…), and have subconsciously curated my wardrobe/stationery/tableware to be in varying flamingo and candy-floss shades. That said, a bright carnation eye feels a little too punchy for everyday, so I'm taking a subtler approach to rosy tones with a good pink lipstick.

On the red carpet, celebrities such as Blake Lively, Ariana Grande and Lupita Nyong’o have all leaned into varying tones of pink. However, as someone who feels most at home in a red lip, pink feels like a departure to me. I’ve dabbled in them, but still they all appear either jarring against my olive undertones or leave me with an unhealthy pallor.

However, there's no denying the joyful allure of a beautiful pink lip—it works all year round. “Pink lipstick is fun, hot and the ultimate coquettish lip colour,” the make-up artist Florrie White once told me. “Choose a pink lip when you are going out to have fun for yourself and I promise everyone around you wants what you are having.”

Never one to shy away from a beauty challenge, I’m ready to give pink lipsticks another go, now armed with a useful tip from the make-up artist Lisa Eldridge, whose lipsticks – namely Velvet Petal and Velvet Beauty—were actually spotted on the set of the live-action film Barbie, and worn by Margot Robbie and co.

“If you’re used to reds, you need a pink that's got red in it, so you'll feel more at home,” she tells me. As Eldridge layers her Skyscraper Rose on my lips, it imparts a similar brightening effect to red lipstick, but the vibe is punchier and fresher. Neutral roses with a warm undertone will also lift every complexion whereas overly pale or chalky pinks runs the risk of looking a little too retro and wash out the face.

As it turns out, make-up artists and Bazaar beauty team are all on-board with a pink lip. I’ve asked them for their top recommendations and the answers did not disappoint—there really is a shade for everyone.

Ready to think pink? Top make-up artists share their must-have pink lipsticks for all skin tones along with favourites the Bazaar beauty team is never without:

Dior Addict Shine Lipstick in Bois de Rose

There's something undeniably fresh about a shiny lip, especially in the summer. Dior Addict delivers enough shine and slip without scrimping on pigment. Pat this in for a soft, lived-in, rosebud lip effect.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Gracefully Pink

The lipstick shade range at Charlotte Tilbury is so extensive and easy-to-wear (every hue is designed to flatter), you’re guaranteed to find a new favourite pink. Gracefully Pink packs a punch, with a coral undertone to bring out the warmth in your complexion.

Merit Signature Lip Matte in Sunday

Beauty editors flock to Merit for its easy-wear formulas and elegant colours. The matte version of its fan-favourite Signature Lip sits comfortably without highlighting dry patches and pigments are buildable, so you can dab it on as a stain or apply as a statement lip. A brilliant option for those who are new to mattes or simply desire a velvety finish that's anything but uncomfortable.

Prada Monochrome Soft Matte Lipstick in Candy

In case you missed it, Prada now has a fully fledged beauty range. The lipsticks feature high-impact colour (such as this statement candy pink) in a soft matte finish to create a blurred, just bitten effect. Blot and re-apply for vibrancy that lasts through a sweaty pilates session.

Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Petal

Coveting Margot Robbie's soft pink lipstick in Barbie? Look no further. Lead make-up artist Ivana Primorac used the shade Velvet Petal, a warm, low-key rose shade that's equal parts sophisticated and romantic.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Matte Lipstick in Rebellious Rose

An easy-to-wear, perfectly balanced warm rose hue that's neither too muted nor too bright. Here, the matte texture leaves lips feeling velvety plush instead of cracked and dry. One swipe is all you need for pigmented colour.

Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent Lip Colour in Kitten Mischief

"It's a beautiful, buttery caramel pink that's perfect for every day and suits everyone It's the shade my clients always ask for top-ups of because it's so easy to wear." - Lisa Eldridge

Westman Atelier Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in LFG

"I love my Lip Serum Balm in pink for a radiance-boosting pop of colour, that isn’t overwhelming but for a bright pop of pink Westman Atelier Lip Suede in LFG is a vibrant fuchsia perfect for cooler undertones who are looking for a fun shade." - Ruby Hammer

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Colour in Pink Nude

"Pink Nude Luxe Lip Colour is my absolute favourite pink as it gives the lip a fresh flush of pink without being too obvious. It’s a creamy pinky nude and an essential in my kit and handbag." - Zara Findlay

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix in Is It Fussy

"This gorgeous nude pink lipstick contains everything I want in a lipstick. The shade is flattering across all skin tones, contains squalane, vitamin E and shea butter that encourages moisture. The glossy finish gives your lips a fuller look, too." - Joy Adenuga

MAC Maximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Mehr

"I love Mehr by MAC and it’s really popular with my clients. It’s a muted rosy pink with a matte finish, making it a versatile colour that compliments a wide range of skin tones, including those with medium to deep complexions often found in South Asian and Middle Eastern communities. It provides a natural, everyday look that can easily transition to a more polished, evening appearance." - Aarti Pal

Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte in Cœur Infidèle

"The tagline of this lipstick campaign was, 'I don’t wear a pink, but I wear this pink'. It’s like the 'badass' version of pink lipstick. You can wear it very light, or you can wear it very deep." - Violette Serrat

Hermès Rouge Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rose Pop

"I have been looking for this colour for what feels forever—that bold blue-pink shade with enough pow to serve any skin tone brave enough to give it a whirl. But do, this neon cerise shade is universally flattering (as long as you keep the rest of the look paired back) while this particular bullet delivers its pigment shot by way of a matte, but second-skin, texture that can be worn as a once-was stain, or built up for your lipstick moment without drying." - Katy Young, group beauty director

Nars Powermatte Lipstick in American Woman

“I’ve always preferred a matte lip colour. When applied properly (swipe on, blot, repeat), it requires less maintenance throughout the day, and it sits better on my lip than a gloss or satin lipstick does.

I’m also enjoying how romantic this looks when paired with painterly flushes on the cheek. American Woman enlivens my olive complexion instead of washing it out, and this texture has a bit of a ‘slip’ to it. This means I can quickly buff it out with my ring finger to a softer effect before it fully sets as a long-wearing matte.” - Medina Azaldin, beauty editor

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Éternelle

"My first encounter with Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Éternelle was Margot Robbie at the Golden Globes 2023; since then, the matte yet luminous rose has been a constant in my make-up kit. With a subtle, second-skin finish, it mimics the texture of your natural lips while providing a delicate, feminine flush that is comfortable, lightweight and endlessly pretty." - Katie Withington, beauty writer

This article originally published in harpersbazaar.com/uk in August, 2024. 

 

Feature Image Credits: The Brands

Also Read: Why French girl beauty is on all our minds

Also Read: The latest beauty launches that you must add to cart