National Lipstick Day: Make-up artists on the products they can't live without

From Serena Williams' favourite shade to Huda Kattan's cult lip combo, the experts reveal all

We went to the experts to find out the lipsticks they love using and wearing (iStock/The Independent)

29 July marks National Lipstick Day, an annual affair that encourages you to wear your favourite lippie. You can join the fun in by sharing a photo on social media with the hashtag #nationallipstickday.

While it’s unclear when it was first celebrated, in 2016, beauty brand mogul and blogger Huda Kattan, was named the founder of National Lipstick Day.

Finding your go-to lipstick is a real mission as there's lots to consider, from formulas to shades. Do you prefer a matte, satin or sheer finish? Are you a nude lover or a classic red lip fan? Perhaps you like to branch out into bolder colours like metallics and true purples.

The right one can be the statement of your look or the perfect complement to the rest of your make-up.

We’ve asked nine leading make-up artists to share their favourite lipsticks to help narrow down your search, with expert advice on why each product is a cult-buy for them.

From the statement to the subtle, these are the artist-approved shades well worth splashing out on.

You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.

Dominic Skinner, global senior artist at Mac Cosmetics

“There are so many lipsticks I love. I’m a total make-up magpie. However, the one that works each and every time without fail is Mac cremesheen lipstick in modesty," (Mac Cosmestics, £17.50).

This everyday nude is an easy, wearable shade (Mac Cosmetics) (MAC)

"This is the nude that you’ve been searching for. It’s the perfect your-lips-but-better shade but is just flawless so suits so many people.

"Keep it casual on its own or dress it up with a Mac spice lip liner (Mac, £15.50). I use it so often. Modesty has walked more red carpets than Cher!”

Adeola Gboyega, UK education and artistry manager for Pat McGrath Labs

“My favourite lipstick is Pat McGrath Labs mattetrance lipstick in omi (Net-A-Porter, £35).

For a nude that will complement darker skin tones, try this (Net-A-Porter)

"It’s always hard to find a nude for a deeper skin tone.

"This one is the perfect mid-tone rose colour and matches my lip colour perfectly.”

Joy Adenuga, bridal make-up artist

"I love Dose Of Colours matte liquid lipstick in stone," (BeautyBay, £14.50).

Layer this under a gloss for subtle sheen (Beauty Bay)

"My brides always buy this after the wedding. It’s a dusty pink shade that flatters all skin tones.

"A similar shade of gloss makes it look sultry too.”

Huda Kattan, make-up artist and founder of Huda Beauty

“The Huda Beauty lip contour in trendsetter (Feel Unique, £16) is my absolute go-to for lining my lips. I apply it once at the start of the day, and it literally does not budge.

For a matte shade that won't budge, try this peachy nude (Feel Unique)

"I love overlining my lips and creating the perfect pout. I pair it with a lighter nude lipstick for a Nineties inspired supermodel look.

"I combine this with the Huda Beauty matte power bullet lipstick in interview (Feel Unique, £22) – a blushed peachy warm shade. One single application makes me feel SO confident.”

Pablo Rodriguez, global director of artistry for Illamasqua

“I am obsessed with the Illamasqua ulltramatter lipstick in kontrol," (Illamasqua, £20). "The formula is super matte, with zero shine, but it feels super silky on the lips.

Bold, bright and experimental, this is the perfect opportunity to play with colour (Illamasqua)

"It is up there with my favourite ever lipstick because the shade is such a statement, by far one of the boldest shades we have created.

"I love how experimental bold colours allow you to be. The divine, bold violet hue looks great on the lips and enhances all skin tones."

Andrew Gallimore, Make-up artist

“I think my favourite lipstick of all time would have to be Mac retro matte lipstick in ruby woo," (Mac Cosmetics, £17.50).

This shade is a cult classic, a brilliant true red that suits all skin tones (Mac Cosmetics) (MAC)

"For me, it’s an amazing true, blue-toned red which seems to suit anyone. And with its velvet, matte finish, the colour literally sings off the lips, like an exclamation mark on the face.”

Cher Webb, Make-up artist

"My favourite neutral lipstick has to be Bobbi Brown luxe lip colour in pink nude," (Bobbi Brown, £28).

Keep this in your handbags for easy touch-ups (Bobbi Brown)

"This one is always in my make-up bag for every day and it’s the perfect nude to pair with a smokey eye."

Pauline Briscoe, celebrity make-up artist

"My favourite lipstick is Mac matte lipstick in diva", (Mac Cosmetics, £17.50).

This plum shade has Serena Williams' sign of approval too (Mac Cosmetics) (MAC)

"It's a deep plum shade that really suits my skin tone and makes me feel super confident and sexy.

"It's also my client, Serena Williams, favourite lipstick too!

"The luxe lip colour lipsticks feel lovely to wear and hydrates the lips while providing a dreamy long-lasting texture.”

Scarlett Burton, Make-up artist

“My personal favourite is By Terry lip expert in vintage nude," (Cult Beauty, £29).

This creamy, non-drying formula is perfect for matte lipstick lovers (Cult Beauty)

"It’s a matte liquid lipstick but has a really soft creamy formula so doesn’t dry out your lips and stays on forever.”

For tips on how to keep your make-up flawless under a face mask, read our guide here