Top Lipstick Brands for Stunning Shades

Lipstick has long been a staple in the world of cosmetics, offering a splash of color and style to any look. With so many brands claiming to have the best shades, it can be challenging to know which ones truly shine in the world of beauty. From classic and timeless hues to bold, modern colors, certain brands have consistently stood out for their high quality and wide range of shades. Curious to know which lipstick brands have made the list of the best? Discover our top picks below.

Illustration of lipstick shades

Best brands of lipstick shades in 2025

MAC Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics is renowned as one of the best producers of lipstick shades, boasting a wide range of highly pigmented and long-lasting colors. Since its inception in 1984, the brand has expanded to be available in 105 countries and has over 10,000 employees, with a net worth of $3 billion. MAC's lipsticks, such as the iconic "Ruby Woo" and "Velvet Teddy," are favorites among consumers, offering full-coverage, comfortable wear for up to 12 hours. The brand's commitment to inclusivity and philanthropy, including a $500 million donation to AIDS research, has further solidified its position as a leader in the cosmetics industry. With 52 launch collections each year, MAC continues to innovate and set trends in the beauty market.

Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty, launched by Rihanna in 2017, has revolutionized the beauty industry with its inclusive and diverse product line, particularly in lipstick shades. The brand's Pro Filt'r foundation, which initially launched with 40 shades and later expanded to 50, set a new standard for inclusivity. Fenty Beauty's success was evident in its first month, generating $72 million in sales, and by the end of 2018, it had accumulated $570 million in revenue. The brand's impact, known as the "Fenty effect," has inspired other beauty companies to expand their shade ranges, making the industry more inclusive. With a strong social media presence and over 12.8 million followers on Instagram, Fenty Beauty continues to lead in innovation and customer engagement.

NARS

NARS is renowned for its exceptional lipstick formulations, particularly the Audacious collection, which launched with 40 shades and has since expanded, offering rich color payoff, creamy texture, and long-lasting wear. The brand's Explicit Lipstick line, introduced with 28 shades, features a satin finish, lightweight formula, and hydrating ingredients like Rosehip Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid. NARS lipsticks are available in a wide range of colors, ensuring something for every skin tone and preference. With a strong online presence and innovative marketing strategies, NARS continues to be a leading name in the beauty industry. The Explicit Lipstick collection is vegan and cruelty-free, making it a popular choice among consumers.

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury is renowned as one of the best producers of lipstick shades, offering a diverse range of colors that cater to various skin tones and preferences. Founded by the celebrated makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury in 2013, the brand has gained a significant following for its high-quality, long-lasting lipsticks. With over 40 shades available, including best-sellers like "Pillow Talk" and "Walk of Shame," Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks are formulated with nourishing ingredients to ensure comfort and durability. The brand's lipsticks have been praised for their creamy texture and vibrant color payoff, with some shades boasting up to 8 hours of wear. Charlotte Tilbury's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts.

Dior

Dior is renowned as one of the top producers of lipstick shades, offering a wide range of colors and finishes that cater to diverse consumer preferences. In 2022, Dior's cosmetics revenue reached EUR7.72 billion, reflecting the brand's strong presence in the beauty industry. The Rouge Dior collection, for instance, features 50 shades in two finishes, including 35 classic luxe satins and 15 new long-wear mattes, ensuring a comprehensive selection for users. Dior's lipsticks are known for their smooth, hydrating, and pigmented formulas, often incorporating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Mango Butter for enhanced lip care. With a global presence in 51 countries and 390 stores, Dior continues to be a leader in the lipstick market. For more details, explore their offerings on their official website.

Maybelline

Maybelline, now known as Maybelline New York, is a renowned brand in the cosmetics industry, particularly celebrated for its extensive and vibrant lipstick shades. Since its inception, Maybelline has been a pioneer in makeup innovation, introducing products like the Magic Mascara in 1958 and expanding its product line to include a wide range of lipsticks. The brand's global reach, especially in regions like Asia Pacific, has been significant, with the Asia Pacific market accounting for 31.6% of the global lipstick revenue share in 2024. Maybelline's commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in its manufacturing processes, as seen in L'Oreal's North Little Rock facility. With a history spanning over a century, Maybelline continues to be a major player in the lipstick market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2030.

Huda Beauty

Huda Beauty is renowned for its extensive and inclusive range of lipstick shades, particularly its Liquid Matte Lipstick line, which is praised for its comfort, vibrancy, and pigmentation. With a brand awareness of 44% in the UK and a usage share of 9% among cosmetics users, Huda Beauty has established itself as a significant player in the global cosmetics market, valued at $638.6 billion and projected to reach $758.4 billion by 2025. The brand's commitment to community feedback has led to the creation of new and improved shades, ensuring a perfect match for various skin tones. Huda Beauty's products are sold online and in over 2000 retailers worldwide, excluding China due to animal testing laws. The brand's annual sales exceed $200 million, reflecting its strong market presence.

Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is renowned for its extensive and diverse range of lipstick shades, revolutionizing the beauty industry with its initial launch of ten natural-shade lipsticks in 1990. These lipsticks, which sold 100 units in a single day at Bergdorf Goodman, set the brand apart and contributed significantly to Estee Lauder Companies' sales, with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics representing approximately 10% of the company's total sales by 2012. The brand offers various finishes, including velvety matte, mirror-like shine, and hydrating tints, catering to all skin tones with up to 30 shades in some collections. Bobbi Brown's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a staple in the beauty industry. Her recent venture, Jones Road, launched in 2020, continues her legacy in clean beauty.

Chanel

Chanel is renowned as one of the leading producers of lipstick shades, offering a diverse range of 142 options divided into several categories, including classic, shiny, intense, and matt lipsticks. The brand's best-selling shade, Rouge Allure Pirate, launched in 2005, consistently dominates sales rankings across various geographical regions. Chanel's lipstick market presence is significant, with the brand generating substantial revenue, such as $17.22 billion in 2022. The company's global reach includes 311 boutiques worldwide, with a strong presence in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Chanel's lipsticks are favored for their high-quality formulations and vibrant color ranges, contributing to consistent brand growth.

Urban Decay

Urban Decay is renowned for its extensive and diverse range of lipstick shades, with a brand awareness of 56% among cosmetics and make-up users in the United States as of 2022. The brand offers 100 shades in six finishes, including cream, comfort matte, and pearlized, making it a favorite among 11% of U.S. cosmetics users who appreciate its premium yet accessible pricing, with a median average lipstick price of $19.00 in 2022. Urban Decay's lipsticks are popular for their high pigmentation and varied finishes, catering to a wide range of skin tones. The brand's loyalty is high, with 91% of its users likely to use Urban Decay again. This popularity is reflected in its widespread availability at major retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, and Ulta.