A Love Letter to Lipstick: Celebrating National Lipstick Day

There is something almost magical about a single swipe of lipstick. One minute you are makeup-free and a bit blah, the next you are polished and ready to take on the day. That little tube of colour has a power all of its own, which is exactly why I love that there is a whole day dedicated to celebrating it.
National Lipstick Day falls on 29 July every year, and it is the perfect excuse to try a shade you would not normally reach for, or simply give a nod to a product that has been a beauty staple for thousands of years. Lip colour actually dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, where crushed gemstones were used to tint the lips, and Cleopatra was famously partial to a lip stain made from crushed beetles. We have come a long way since then, thankfully.
For me, lipstick is one of those products that never goes out of favour no matter the season. In the depths of an Australian winter it feels especially good to add a bold pop of colour to a face that is otherwise rugged up in scarves and knits. A great red or berry shade does more for a winter outfit than almost anything else in my makeup bag.
I am a big believer in having a few different lipsticks on rotation depending on the day. For everyday wear, I keep coming back to a good matte liquid lipstick, something like the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink (in Lover) and Revlon’s Colorstay range (I love Always Sienna and Infinite Raspberry) , both of which genuinely lasts through a long lunch without needing a top up. On days when my lips need a bit more love, I will reach for something creamier and more nourishing, like the Dr. Hauschka lipstick or an INIKA organic option, both of which feel gentle enough for sensitive lips while still giving a proper wash of colour.
There is also a lot to be said for a classic. Revlon Super Lustrous, especially Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Wine With Everything, which has been a handbag staple for decades for good reason, with that unmistakable creamy finish, and MAC’s Velvet Teddy has earned its reputation as one of the most universally flattering matte nudes out there. I have watched women across every skin tone wear it beautifully. NARS is another one I keep circling back to when I want something a little more elevated, the pigment and finish are hard to beat.
If you love the idea of building out a proper lipstick wardrobe, keep an eye out for sets like the Gucci travel lipstick collection, which pairs a couple of complementary lip colours with a balm, ideal for popping in your handbag or tucking away as a gift. Australian brands are also doing wonderful things in this space at the moment. MCoBeauty continues to punch well above its price point, and Napoleon Perdis has a longwear matte formula with genuinely rich pigment. NYX’s Suede Matte range is another one worth trying if you love a soft-focus finish without the drying feel that mattes can sometimes have.
However you choose to celebrate, National Lipstick Day is really just permission to have a little fun with colour. Whether you are a devoted red lip loyalist, a nude lipstick minimalist, or someone who likes to switch it up depending on your mood, I hope today gives you the nudge to try something new.