Lipsticks Over $15 | 2019 Editor's Favorites
It’s so hard to pick favorites! I really do suffer from appreciating different finishes, types of formulas, undertones, and a plethora of shades. Lisa Eldridge’s Velvet Lipsticks were as good as billed, which I finally reviewed in 2019 (they sold out so quickly that I was waiting for a restock to review). The new MAC Love Me Lipstick range was a welcome addition as I love a more luminous formula. Ciate’s Jessica Rabbit lipstick was definitely a top favorite, but if you know me, you know I love a shimmery red lip!
Otherwise, lots of lovely shades from established formulas that I’ve enjoyed for years. Enjoy!
If you’re unfamiliar with how I like to do my year-end favorites, here’s the low down: I pull from the products I reviewed in 2019, regardless of whether they were new, limited edition, or an established range I’ve only just gotten around to reviewing. These are personal favorites, so they may or may not be the highest rated products reviewed during the year (though they will tend to be better rated, naturally!). (You can check out best of 2018 if you missed it.)
Temptalia’s Favorite Lipsticks Over $15 | 2019
YSL Rose Blazer (89) Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick ($38.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a...
YSL Rose Blazer (89) Rouge Volupte Shine Oil-in-Stick ($38.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon Plush True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a vibrant, medium red with cooler, blue undertones and a satin...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Ribbon Plush True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a vibrant, medium red with cooler, blue undertones and a satin...
Chanel No. 8 Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($38.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a slightly bright, medium red with subtle, warm undertones and a fine...
Chanel No. 8 Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($38.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a slightly bright, medium red with subtle, warm undertones and a fine...
NARS Isabella Audacious Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with soft, warm undertones and a satin sheen. The lipstick had...
NARS Isabella Audacious Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with soft, warm undertones and a satin sheen. The lipstick had...
Bite Beauty Chicago Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a rich, reddened plum with subtle, warm undertones and a natural sheen. It was...
Bite Beauty Chicago Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a rich, reddened plum with subtle, warm undertones and a natural sheen. It was...
Pat McGrath Flesh 3 BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a muted, reddened plum with warm undertones and a moderate amount of gold and copper...
Pat McGrath Flesh 3 BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a muted, reddened plum with warm undertones and a moderate amount of gold and copper...
Pat McGrath Love Train BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a mix of fine, gold and red...
Pat McGrath Love Train BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a mix of fine, gold and red...
MAC E for Effortless Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, deep red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a creamy, luminous finish. It...
MAC E for Effortless Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, deep red with neutral-to-warm undertones and a creamy, luminous finish. It...
YSL Berry Brazen (88) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark red-plum with warmer undertones and a cream...
YSL Berry Brazen (88) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark red-plum with warmer undertones and a cream...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Myth True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Myth True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a...
MAC Framboise Moi Lipstick ($18.50 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep, raspberry pink with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. It wore down to a...
MAC Framboise Moi Lipstick ($18.50 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep, raspberry pink with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. It wore down to a...
MAC Mon Coeur Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright, medium plum with cool undertones and a cream finish. It was a bit less luminous--a...
MAC Mon Coeur Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright, medium plum with cool undertones and a cream finish. It was a bit less luminous--a...
MAC Coffee and Cigs Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a soft, muted plum-brown with warm undertones and a natural sheen. It had nearly opaque...
MAC Coffee and Cigs Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a soft, muted plum-brown with warm undertones and a natural sheen. It had nearly opaque...
MAC Maison Rouge Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep, pinky-red with strong, cool undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. It had...
MAC Maison Rouge Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep, pinky-red with strong, cool undertones and a lightly glossy, cream finish. It had...
YSL Prime Beige (90) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium, dusty pink with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had...
YSL Prime Beige (90) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium, dusty pink with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had...
YSL Dazzling Carmin (95) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium, brighter plum with moderate, warm undertones and a satin...
YSL Dazzling Carmin (95) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium, brighter plum with moderate, warm undertones and a satin...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Decade True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy brown with subtle, warm undertones and a...
Lisa Eldridge Velvet Decade True Velvet Lipstick Colour ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy brown with subtle, warm undertones and a...
Burberry Boysenberry (289) Kisses Sheer Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium plum with subtle, warm undertones and cooler, fuchsia and...
Burberry Boysenberry (289) Kisses Sheer Lipstick ($34.00 for 0.11 oz.) is a brighter, medium plum with subtle, warm undertones and cooler, fuchsia and...
MAC Soar Lipstick ($18.50 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep mauve with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. The pigmentation was opaque in one...
MAC Soar Lipstick ($18.50 for 0.1 oz.) is a deep mauve with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. The pigmentation was opaque in one...
Ciate Jessica Rabbit Glitter Storm Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, ruby red with cool undertones and multi-colored glitter (I saw mostly...
Ciate Jessica Rabbit Glitter Storm Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, ruby red with cool undertones and multi-colored glitter (I saw mostly...
Bite Beauty Strawberry Froze Outburst Longwear Lip Stain ($24.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a...
Bite Beauty Strawberry Froze Outburst Longwear Lip Stain ($24.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and a...
NARS Dressed to Kill Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brighter, medium red-plum with warm undertones and barely-there pearl paired with a cream...
NARS Dressed to Kill Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a brighter, medium red-plum with warm undertones and barely-there pearl paired with a cream...
MAC Joie de Vivre Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and a cream finish. The lipstick...
MAC Joie de Vivre Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark berry with subtle, cool undertones and a cream finish. The lipstick...
I Wonder is a medium-dark, rosy coral with moderate, warm undertones and a satin finish. The lipstick had full color payoff in a single stroke, which...
I Wonder is a medium-dark, rosy coral with moderate, warm undertones and a satin finish. The lipstick had full color payoff in a single stroke, which...
Estee Lauder Nude Scene Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a luminous...
Estee Lauder Nude Scene Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a luminous...
Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Lip Color ($60.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a rich, deeper red with very cool undertones that gave it more of a raspberry red hue. ...
Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Lip Color ($60.00 for 0.10 oz.) is a rich, deeper red with very cool undertones that gave it more of a raspberry red hue. ...
Pat McGrath Blood Rush BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a rich, ruby red with fine, ruby red pearl throughout that gave it a subtle,...
Pat McGrath Blood Rush BlitzTrance Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a rich, ruby red with fine, ruby red pearl throughout that gave it a subtle,...
MAC Hey Frenchie Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a muted, medium rosy mauve with neutral-to-cool undertones and a luminous sheen. It had...
MAC Hey Frenchie Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a muted, medium rosy mauve with neutral-to-cool undertones and a luminous sheen. It had...
MAC Killing Me Softly Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a brighter, medium plum with subtle, cool undertones and a natural sheen. It was...
MAC Killing Me Softly Love Me Lipstick ($19.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a brighter, medium plum with subtle, cool undertones and a natural sheen. It was...
YSL Rosewood Star (98) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium plum with cooler undertones and a satin sheen. It had...
YSL Rosewood Star (98) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium plum with cooler undertones and a satin sheen. It had...
Clinique Blush Pop Pop Lip Colour + Primer Lipstick ($19.50 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm undertones and a soft, luminous...
Clinique Blush Pop Pop Lip Colour + Primer Lipstick ($19.50 for 0.13 oz.) is a medium-dark pink with moderate, warm undertones and a soft, luminous...
Charlotte Tilbury Glowing Jen Kissing Lipstick ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium plum with strong, warm undertones and a luminous finish. It...
Charlotte Tilbury Glowing Jen Kissing Lipstick ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium plum with strong, warm undertones and a luminous finish. It...
Estee Lauder Knockout Nude Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a natural...
Estee Lauder Knockout Nude Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a natural...
YSL Arlene's Nude (121) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a...
YSL Arlene's Nude (121) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($38.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark rosy mauve with subtle, warm undertones and a...
Chanel Rouge Majestueux (847) Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($45.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, pinky-red with subtle, cool undertones and a...
Chanel Rouge Majestueux (847) Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($45.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, pinky-red with subtle, cool undertones and a...
Tom Ford Beauty Powertrip Lip Spark ($55.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright pop of fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and flecks of iridescent blue and...
Tom Ford Beauty Powertrip Lip Spark ($55.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a bright pop of fuchsia pink with cool, blue undertones and flecks of iridescent blue and...
NARS Damage Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark mauve with subtle, cool undertones and a natural sheen. It had medium, buildable...
NARS Damage Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark mauve with subtle, cool undertones and a natural sheen. It had medium, buildable...
NARS Sexual Healing Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a light-medium pink with strong, warm undertones and fine, multi-colored pearl (mostly pink and...
NARS Sexual Healing Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a light-medium pink with strong, warm undertones and fine, multi-colored pearl (mostly pink and...
YSL Rosewood Supreme (92) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark pink-coral with warmer undertones and a...
YSL Rosewood Supreme (92) Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 Lipstick ($36.00 for 0.13 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark pink-coral with warmer undertones and a...
Guerlain #96 Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018) ($33.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with moderate, warm undertones and a luminous sheen. ...
Guerlain #96 Rouge G de Guerlain Lip Color (2018) ($33.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium pink with moderate, warm undertones and a luminous sheen. ...
Tom Ford Beauty Dazed Lip Spark ($55.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, reddish-berry with subtle, cool undertones and flecks of ruby red and violet sparkle. ...
Tom Ford Beauty Dazed Lip Spark ($55.00 for 0.1 oz.) is a rich, reddish-berry with subtle, cool undertones and flecks of ruby red and violet sparkle. ...
NARS Shrinagar Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium plum with warm undertones and faint, multi-colored pearl throughout. It had...
NARS Shrinagar Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a muted, medium plum with warm undertones and faint, multi-colored pearl throughout. It had...
Tom Ford Beauty Benedetta Lips & Girls Soft Shine Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium, true coral with moderate, warm undertones and a...
Tom Ford Beauty Benedetta Lips & Girls Soft Shine Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium, true coral with moderate, warm undertones and a...
Tom Ford Beauty Jackie Lips & Girls Soft Shine Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a brighter, medium coral-orange with warm undertones and a luminous...
Tom Ford Beauty Jackie Lips & Girls Soft Shine Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a brighter, medium coral-orange with warm undertones and a luminous...
Clinique Love Pop Pop Lip Colour + Primer ($18.00 for 0.13 oz.) is described as a "mid-tone shimmer raspberry." ...
Clinique Love Pop Pop Lip Colour + Primer ($18.00 for 0.13 oz.) is described as a "mid-tone shimmer raspberry." ...
Glossover Averages
Your Year in Review: Lipstick Edition — Part 2
I thought it would be interesting to read through how readers used products throughout the year, what favorites emerged, what products fell by the wayside… so, if you want to join in, copy and paste the questions below and add your answers via a comment!
- What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks? this year
- What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year?
- Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020?
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks this year? PMG Omi, Christy, Executive Realness and Flesh Fatale, MAC Marque, Yoni Crush, Maria Moretti and Life In Sepia, UD Broken and Manic, YSL x Zoe Kravitz Scout’s Red, Nars Sheena and Siouxsie.
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? Nudes, reds and dark plummy berries.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? My more unique looking shades, like PMG Deep Orchid and YSL Scout’s Red for traditional shades, ColourPop Brucie and Bite Kale for my less traditional shades.
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks this year? Estée Lauder Knockout Nude, MAC Laissez Faire, Laura Mercier Boudoir, and Chanel Pirate.
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? Nudes for daytime, reds and dark fuchsias for evenings.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? Mauves
This whole series has been such fun to review. Thanks so much.
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks? this year
I generally don’t purchase high end lipsticks because the prices here in Aus are just over the top. But I do love MAC’s Marrakesh, Bite Beauty’s Maple and Art Deco’s Indian Summer.
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year?
I always gravitate to russet shades, reddish browns are my jam. Occasionally berry shades too.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020?
Yes – I would just like to find a beautiful red that doesn’t turn pink on me.
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks? this year — MAC (Viva Glam Sia, Chili), Bite Beauty (Chai, Pepper), Lipstick Queen (Medieval, Saint Wine), Buxom (Sultry Mauve)
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? — Reds and mauves
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? — orangey reds!
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks this year? Charlotte Tilbury Penelope Pink, Charlotte Tilbury JK Magic, PMG Full Fantasy, PMG Elson 2, Lipstick Queen Bright Natural
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? Nudes! For years I kept my eyes low key and focused on my lips as it’s easier and quicker, but as I’ve fallen in love with more daring eyeshadow looks I’ve enjoyed flattering nude colours on the lips.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? Vampy shades. I love them, but find them to be the most high maintenance and that makes me wear them less than I’d like (Strangé, I’m looking at you). Also, berries!
What were your most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks this year? Urban Decay Vice, Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche, Too Faced Throw Back, and MAC (especially S’Sexy and Von Teese).
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? Fuchsia, red, purple and lavender, greige, light and medium browns, rosy-brown nudes, and mauve. I tried to wear pink more often, as I hardly ever wear a true pink.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? 1) I’ want to wear berries and burgundies more often. 2) I want to continue to wear my pinks more. 3) I want to find a really light pinkish nude that works on me, and is not too white-based. That kind of shade is a definitely lacking in my collection. I may try mixing a beige that doesn’t work for me with a little pink, but I’m keeping my eye open for one or two pre-existing shades that’ll work. I’m not sure why, but I’ve suddenly been lemming for such a shade the last couple months.
I have generally bought less new makeup in 2019, as part of a general effort to live a more minimal lifestyle and appreciate the things I already own. I have however made an exception for the Lisa Eldridge lipsticks and I do not regret the splurge at all. They are probably my most worn lipsticks and I constantly discover new ways to wear or layer them.
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year?
Surprisingly, browns and tawny shades!
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020?
I’d like to muster the courage to wear orangy-reds, they are super bold on my complexion!
My most-used mid-end/high-end lipsticks this year. NARS velvet mattes and satin lip pencils
What lipstick colors did you gravitate toward the most this year? Depending on the season, nudes, corals, plums.
Any shades you’d like to use more in 2020? More from my stash
Happy New Year with health and happiness to everyone and your families!