In honour of National Lipstick Day, I made the beauty team pick just a forever-favourite - these 3 made the cut

In celebration of National Lipstick Day, I posed the ultimate question to woman&home's beauty team: "If you had to pick only one lipstick to wear for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

We are of the mind that finding the right lipstick can be akin to discovering that fragrance that smells like 'You' or a haircut that perfectly suits your face shape and style. In our experience, it's a product that can really enhance a look, making it feel complete and affording its wearer an instant feeling of 'put-togetherness.' And while there are plenty of best long-lasting lipsticks to choose from and best lip liners, for that matter, like with anything, there's sure to be one that you find yourself reaching for more than the rest.

That's certainly the case for our colleagues who, after consulting their makeup bags, have crowned three formulas - spanning a multi-tasking stain to a blurring matte formula - their all-time forever favourites.

The one lipstick our Beauty team would choose to wear forever

Whether you're in pursuit of the perfect nude lipstick or perhaps want to try out a stain (which have been proving very trendy lately), our beauty team all have different preferences, so you're sure to find an option that works. Plus, a few of their picks have a range of other shade options to choose from.

Fiona's forever-favourite

For Digital Beauty Editor, Fiona McKim, it's a twist on an iconic Charlotte Tilbury product that she'd happily wear for a lifetime: "If I could tattoo my lips in Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Love Effect in Naughty Talk, I honestly would. This shade has been my constant companion since I picked a tube up at the opening of Tilbury’s Covent Garden flagship (Googled for context: that was January 2025).

"The sheer, dusky colour is my perfect neutral - not too pink, which can scan a bit 'Barbie' with blonde hair, not too beige and deathly-looking against pale skin. It’s basically the colour I wish my lips were naturally. Unlike the original Pillow Talk, this Love Effect range has got some sheen, so is comfy and easy to slick on; no need to faff around with liner. Plus, it comes in that signature CT rose gold bevelled tube - very old Hollywood, very glam to whip out and reapply. Just as lipstick should be."

Naomi's forever-favourite

Digital Beauty Writer, Naomi Jamieson, says there's one shade among Merit Beauty's product line-up that she'd trade all her other lippies, balms and glosses for: "I used to be very neutral on the subject of lipsticks. I had a few I liked, but it was their texture and seemingly constant need to reapply that would always see me swerve them for an easier, low-effort tinted lip balm. Then Merit's Lip Blush, specifically in the shade Bespoke, entered my life and makeup bag.

"Not only do I love its buttery, lightweight feel and blurring effect, but also how subtle it is. The rosy-brown hue is quite close to my natural lip colour, meaning it's easy to wear and incredibly low-maintenance. I don't really need to worry about reapplying unless I want to, because even if it's faded or been half rubbed away by eating and drinking, it's not obvious. It's effortless and comfortable, truly a lipstick that you can just apply and go - even without a mirror."

Sennen's forever-favourite

For Digital Beauty Writer Sennen Prickett, it's a lip-stain rather than a traditional matte or cream formula that she won't part with.

"Is this a safe space to admit that I'm not a huge lipstick fan? I don't like the heavy feeling it leaves on my pout, so instead I’ll typically opt for a lip liner and a nourishing balm for comfortable wear with a defined effect. That was until I was introduced to lip stains, more specifically By Terry’s Tea To Tan Lip and Cheek Stain.

"While I love wearing it as a naturally flushed blush, this water-like formula glides onto the lips and delivers a pink tint that lasts all day long – without even budging during eating and drinking. The key feature that draws me to this product over other lipsticks is its pure weightless feel; you simply cannot feel it on your pout. If you want more definition than the natural-looking rosy effect it delivers, simply pair it with a lip liner to enhance the shape of your lips – I personally recommend Huda Beauty’s Lip Liner Stains too."