What is the best lipstick for Pinays?
With all the options available in the Philippines, there really is no hard and fast rule on what color, finish, or type of lipstick you should buy. It all boils down to what makes you feel good, because tbh, there’s nothing a good lippie can’t fix. What else can you swipe on that instantly perks you up and gives you that added boost of confidence, right? These Pinays have stories to tell about their fave lippies. From gorgeous nude hues to ravishing statement shades, they share what lipsticks they count on to amplify and transform their looks.
The nude that is good enough to hoard
"I really can’t function without my MAC Honeylove. I have one in my bag, in the office, at home, and in the car so it’s always at arm’s reach. I think it’s a good nude for my skin tone, and it also looks great paired with my signature smoky eyeshadow." – Anna Go, Businesswoman
MAC Matte Lipstick in Honeylove, P1,100, Trinoma
The statement lippie
I prefer dressing up in neutrals, so statement lips are a great way to avoid looking too basic. That said, I’ve always found dark reds hard to pull off until I found L.A. Girl Matte Lip Gloss in Secret. It looks beautiful against my complexion and gives an instant pop of color without looking too loud. – Moira Pineda, Intern
L.A. Girl Matte Lip Gloss in Secret, P349, SM Beauty
The classic neutral that won’t go out of style
MAC’s Velvet Teddy has been my go-to shade for seven years now, because of its flexibility (it's great for both day and night). I like that this creamy lipstick needs minimal retouching and even looks good after I eat. – Dianne Abella, Interior Designer
MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy, P1,100, SM North Edsa
The affordable pinkish-nude
EB Advance’s LTD Liquid Lipstick in Skinny Dip is really the perfect rosy neutral for me. It goes on creamy, but once it settles down, it develops a matte finish. It works with all my outfits and lasts pretty long, so I don’t have to keep buying new ones. – Jillian Chua, Marketing Manager
Ever Bilena Advance LTD Liquid Lipstick in Skinny Dip, P185, Robinson’s Department Stores
The perfect my-lips-but-better shade
My fave lipstick is L’Oreal Rouge Magique in Mont Blanc. It works whether I have a full face of makeup on or just the basics. I love that this beautiful warm nude has a matte finish that makes my lips look fuller and pillow-soft. – Shayne Naidas, Beauty Blogger
L’Oreal Rouge Magique, Intense Matte Lipstick in Mont Blanc, P400, Watson’s
The custom color that’s made for you
I love having a unique lippie, so I mix MAC Matte Lipstick in Flat Out Fab and Happy Skin’s Best Date Ever. As a breastfeeding Mom, I don’t like using a lot of makeup because I don’t want it to get on my daughter’s face. This lippie combo, though, livens up my look even when I barely have makeup on. – Monica Maceda-Ilacad, Owner of I Do Nails
MAC Matte Lipstick in Flat Out Fab, P1,100, SM Megamall
Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Best Date Ever, P649, Trinoma
The classic red that looks good on everyone
I’m a huge lipstick girl, and it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to, my absolute favorite would be MAC’s Ruby Woo. It’s a universal red that looks great on all skin tones. It’s also totally low maintenance because you don't need to worry about your lipstick bleeding. – Michelle Panemanglor, Model
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, P1,100, Glorietta
The wedding-worthy lippie
BLK Cosmetic’s I Do is my fave. It is part of a limited edition set I got last year during my bridal shower. It’s a gorgeous pinkish nude that isn’t too loud, but still makes you stand out. Coincidentally, I love wearing it now when attending my friends’ weddings as well. – Jaime Cobar-Cañete, Project Manager
(Tip: If you weren’t able to get a hold of this shade, BLK Cosmetic’s Honey is a close dupe you can try.)
BLK Cosmetics K-Beauty All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick in Honey, P299, Trinoma
The sheer pink lippie that moonlights as a balm
My favorite lippie is Perricone MD’s No Lipstick Lipstick. It’s super moisturizing with a glossy finish, so it’s like your fave nude and lip balm combined. I love using it in the day as it has SPF. At night, it gives you a very pretty wash of color. – Alissa Martinez, Owner of Poppyluca
Fun Fact: Makeup Artist Sarah Borck used this lipstick to give Gal Gadot a flushed but natural look for her role as Wonder Woman
Perricone MD No Lipstick Lipstick, P1,550, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
The 9-to-5 lipstick that looks great for after-hours
Happy Skin’s Honeymoon Glow is my work-to-weekend staple. It has a rosy brown color and a matte finish, which looks great on me. It’s professional enough to be worn in the office, but looks fun enough to be worn at night. – Mhelj de Leon, Sales Manager
Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Honeymoon Glow, P649, Trinoma