I love lipstick. Pretty much a given, right? I mean my blog is called Lipstick + Love. Let's just say collecting a large amount of lipstick shades is the best excuse to count purchasing another tube as brand 'research'. Sounds like a good enough excuse to me. 

As many shades as I've tested, liked, loved, hated - these 3 shades have stood the test of time in my makeup bag, which is a pretty big accomplishment. So bravo to these colors, you're doing something right. To all my other shades, play your cards right and you'll make your way into my makeup bag for good.

Smashbox "Fireball" Matte

My bestie got me hooked on this shade. She has fair skin and mine is more olive-based, but It's really the perfect amount of red/orange that looks great on our contradicting tones. Oh and it stays on all day, which is a big perk. 

Maybelline "Pink Me Up"

Shout out to Cupcakes & Cashmere for this find. If you're looking for an every day shade that you can throw on with just about any look - this is your kinda shade. This is the one lipstick shade that I always have in my purse. Bad news, it's not in stock anymore, BUT you can purchase the shade on Amazon.

Maybelline "Sugar Chic"

There's something about that Brigitte Bardot look, with the dramatic winged cat eye and poppy pink lips that makes me wish I grew up in the 60s. This shade will give your lips the perfect pinky nude shade that'll channel your inner movie star.

Pro tips: 

- Line lips with a natural lip liner before you apply lipstick to prevent it from 'spidering' outside your lips

- Make sure to pack on the lip balm before you begin (exfoliating your lips is ideal, as well)