Let your lips do the talking with textures and shades that speak volumes! There are at least a million reasons to love lipstick. One swipe of your signature shade can turn a whole day around. Or that new hue you’ve been dying to try suddenly opens up endless never-before-tried look opportunities. Countless colours and textures abound to help you nail the perfect pout, and we have the best of them right here at Sephora from top lipstick brands.

Know Your Texture Type

Different lipsticks deliver different results. As much fun as it is to play around with different textures and finishes, we also like to find one or two we know we’ll always love and keep them well stocked. Creamy lipsticks with hydrating benefits are our go-to for everyday lips that look fuller without requiring touch ups throughout the day. Of course, we’ll never turn down a true matte lipstick or something with wow-worthy shimmer and shine on special occasions. When it’s bold, highly pigmented color we’re after (that won’t budge or fade), we turn to liquid lipsticks or stains for their weightless staying power. If your lips are on the dry side, explore natural and organic lipstick options.

Matte Mates with Matte Lipsticks: If lipgloss and wind sounds like a nightmare to you, consider a matte lipstick. Many women swear by matte lipsticks for their quick-drying nature, attractive opaque finish and long-lasting wear. Choose from a wide range of colours from nude to vibrant red. If you’re using a matte lipstick with a liquid consistency, consider applying lip liner beforehand to guide your hand and keep it from running. It can be a little extra effort to apply matte lipstick but the stunning results are worth it.

Long Life Lips with Long-Lasting Lipsticks: Tired of checking your reflection and wondering where your colour went? Invest in a lipstick that will stay on regardless of what life throws at it. Longwear lipsticks use water-resistant ingredients such as beeswax, olive oil and coconut butter to create a ‘second skin’ effect that stays colour-true throughout the day. Longwear lipsticks come in as many textures and shades as regular lipsticks so you never need worry about compromising on your look. They’re kiss-proof and smudge-proof for full protection as you go about your day. To ensure a smooth finish, gently exfoliate your lips prior to using a long-lasting lipstick. This will remove flaky skin and enable your lipstick to last the day.

Meet Your Colour Match

Although there are no hard-and-fast rules about which lipstick colours are best for certain skin tones, we think it’s a good idea to play around a bit and find what works for you. Everyone can rock a classic red lipstick, but brighter colors or really dark lipsticks might not work for all tastes or occasions. This year, we’re super excited about soft nudes or pinks during the day and rich purples and plums for going out at night. Keep your options open with lipstick sets featuring a range of color options.

Be Bold with Red Lipsticks: You can never be ‘too pale’ for red lipstick. In fact, bold lip shades can often look the most stunning on cool complexions. Many makeup artists would recommend playing up a colour contrast, for example red lipstick with black hair, white skin or blue eyes. Did you know there are more shades of red than you could count? From pillar box to wine, crimson and classic red, there’s bound to be one for you. Make sure to use a lipliner matched to the colour of your skin when applying red lipstick. If you use a different shade of red it can create a confusing two-tone effect.

Stay Neutral with Nude Lipsticks: Vibrant red can be brilliant for some but overwhelming for others. Neutral lipsticks perfectly suit those with pale skin, but can also enhance a warm, glowing tan. Many ladies use nude lipstick as a relaxed day shade before upgrading to a classic red when the sun sets. Popular natural colours include terracotta, pale pink, warm honey and light brown. Stay as close as possible to your natural colour for a realistic finish or opt for a few shades up to draw attention to your pout. Remember to consider your undertones - orange shades can complement those with warm skin but wash out those with cool undertones. Always test neutral lipsticks on your lips if possible - the back of your hand is a totally different shade.

Sephora Virtual Artist: Virtual Lipstick Tester

Want more help nailing your ideal lipstick? Try our virtual lipstick tester and get a virtual makeup at Sephora Virtual Artist on the Sephora Mobile App. The live camera-capture allows you to try on any lipstick or lip gloss you want to compare colours and finishes. Filter by your favorite brands or products types. Mark your favorites to go to back to later. Look up specific shades by name. And nail your perfect lipstick colour and texture.

Shopping online for lipstick as never been so easy (or fun!). Whether it’s a signature look you’re after, trends right off the runway, or a wild lip colour experiment you can’t wait to try, Sephora has the best lipstick shades, finishes, and brands you love.