The sheer number of lipsticks out on the market right now is overwhelming. And yet, that's what made 2019 such a good year for that makeup category. Brands became more motivated to stand out, whipping up formulas, textures, and shades that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. It's how narrowing down our favorites became easier this time around—because this year more than ever, we looked for products that made putting on lipstick feel like such a treat. Below, we rave about the 10 standout formulas that landed permanent spots in our makeup bags and vanities:
Best Lipsticks 2019
1. MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick
Just when we thought MAC's lipstick formulas couldn't get any better, they launched the Powder Kiss—a powder-matte formula with a lip balm-like slip. It's the best choice if you find the brand's matte formulas intimidating or if you're looking for a lip color you can also use on your cheeks. Speaking of colors, Devoted to Chili and Mull It Over are must-try shades for either a bold or barely-there look.
MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick, P1100, SM Megamall
2. Sunnies Face Lip Dip
The Lip Dip is the standout among Sunnies Face's releases this year. Its soft, mousse-like texture made us believe in liquid lipsticks again, providing a comfortable matte finish that won't suck the life out of your pout. While it's not the most long-lasting, our favorite thing about it is the fact that it's unbelievably easy to reapply. It doesn't crack, flake, or make the lines on your lips look funny. Our go-to hues? The terracotta rose, Girl Crush; and the sultry brick red, So Good.
SUNNIES FACE Lip Dip, P345, UP Town Center
3. EB Advance Lip Define Matte Matic Lipstick
With lip crayons slowly making a comeback, we have to give a shoutout to EB Advance's Matte Matic range. Aside from having a wide variety of everyday hues, a non-drying matte finish, and incredible pigmentation, it's an absolute steal for P185. The team is obsessed with the shade Exposed Nude for that slightly peachy Victoria Beckham-esque nude lip, but Raw Burgundy comes in a close second for the way it adds a rich flush to the lips and cheeks, regardless of your skin tone.
EB ADVANCE Lip Define Matte Matic Lipstick, P185, Watsons
4. Happy Skin Vivid Cotton Lip Mousse
When we aren't in the mood for an ultra-matte lip, the Vivid Cotton Lip Mouss from Happy Skin becomes our go-to. The click pen dispenses the creamiest lipstick formula we've tried from the brand so far, and the cushion tip just makes it apply so much smoother. That said, it's by no means sheer—one swipe is enough to cover your entire lip, but it's forgiving in a way that it doesn't set immediately. You'll have time to blend it out, blur the edges, or erase any mistakes. Overall, it's the kind of chill lip color you'd want to keep in your bag.
HAPPY SKIN x LOVE MARIE Vivid Cotton Lip Mousse in Heart, P649, SM Aura
5. Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon
When you're getting ready to feast on some good grub, it's best to be armed with a lipstick that won't desert you after your first bite. Maybelline's Superstay Matte Ink used to be our go-to, but now that the liquid comes in an easy-to-apply crayon form, we've totally been converted. Because other than getting an eight-hour wear time and flattering shades, the stick provides a creamier feel that doesn't require your full attention during application.
MAYBELLINE Superstay Ink Crayon, P299, Watsons
6. Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick
"Plush matte" is too apt of a description for this product. It just glides on like a dream and leaves the lips feeling pillowy, whether it's giving it a rosy tint or a full veil of green. The lipstick tube was definitely smaller than we expected, but we're chalking this to the possibility that Rihanna wanted us to fit her lipstick in even the tiniest evening bags. In case you need it: Spanked is an MLBB-worthy rose you'd swipe on daily, and Clapback is the perfect entry-level navy lip.
FENTY BEAUTY Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick, P1100, Sephora.ph
7. NARS Lipstick
NARS gave their lipsticks a full makeover this year, and it reminded everyone (us included) just how good they are. We didn't get to try all 72 shades, but we've worn enough of them to witness the smooth glide, comfortable wear, and lightweight feel they offer. Taking a quick look at their display should land you a shade you love, but Heat Wave and Opulent Red are the bold hues we pluck from our own makeup bags over and over.
NARS Lipstick, price unavailable, Central Square Mall
8. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color
The Crushed Lip Color is the sheer lipstick to possibly end all sheer lipsticks. It's the perfect hybrid between a balm and a lipstick without being underwhelmingly sheer, so you actually get what you're paying for. You'll love this if you aren't a fan of the look of lipstick in general or just want an easy product to swipe on whenever you need a hint of color.
BOBBI BROWN Crushed Lip Color, P1550, Rustan's
9. Shiseido VisionAiry Gel Lipstick
We love a matte lip as much as we do a shiny one, and Shiseido's VisionAiry Gel Lipstick makes the latter possible sans the excessive transferring and tacky feel. Each of the colors glide on like butter, leaving a hint of shine that adds life to a pigment-covered lip without having to add gloss or balm on top. The reds in this range are worth getting in bulk, because Shiseido just knows how to create the perfect rouge for Asian skin tones.
SHISEIDO VisionAiry Gel Lipstick, P1500, SM Makati
10. Peripera Ink Airy Stick
If you want absolutely zero shine from your lipstick, this is one you have to try. The finish it achieves is soft, airy, and pillowy—like a marshmallow in lipstick form. You'll love it as a multi-stick if you have oily skin. Last but not the least, it comes in a plethora of nude colors for everyday wear, so you won't have trouble using the entire bullet up.
PERIPERA Ink Airy Stick, P600, TriNoma
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
