The 5 Best Lipsticks, Lipliners, and Glosses

The 5 Best Lipsticks, Lipliners, and Glosses

May 14, 2018

I love to rock a bold lip. And you know why? Distraction. When I’m wearing a bright lip, no one seems to notice that I spilled ketchup on my pants or have dark circles the size of saucers. It’s the beauty editor’s secret to looking put together with minimal effort. On those days when my hair won’t cooperate, I get a last-minute dinner invite, or doing my makeup is just not happening, I turn to my trusty red lipstick and suddenly I look (and even feel) prepared and put together.

Of course, a bold lip isn’t for everybody or for every occasion, and I’m just as likely to go with a subtle lip balm or high-sheen gloss when I'm in the mood. For this year's SELF Healthy Beauty Awards, we tested the latest options for any lip look you're going for, from barely there to bright. We primed our lips for long-wearing pencils, smooth liquids, and luscious glosses and balms, looking for ones that held their own. These were our favorites for whatever you’re into.

Best Lip Balm: Patchology Lip Service Gloss-to-Balm Treatment

“I live for this treatment! Not only does it smell delicious, but it also tastes good. The finish is super smooth, and I'm really into the fact that it has a glossy finish (just in case you're not in the mood for lipstick). The treatment also includes a rubbery applicator tip, which is not only comfortable on the lips, but also helps to place product without getting messy.” — Tiffany Dodson, assistant market editor

Buy it: $15, patchology.com