Lipstick trends come and go, and with thousands of shades released each year, it’s hard to tell why one is better than the other. However, some lipsticks have been universally loved for years. They’re practically beauty icons — the all-stars in the Lipstick Hall of Fame. If you’re going to buy just one new lipstick this year, make it one from this list.

Red Lipsticks

999 by Christian Dior

This is the first shade that Christion Dior used in his first runway show. At that time, Dior didn’t have a makeup department, so he hand-mixed a small batch to use on his models and give away to select clientele. He also always had one dramatic, show-stopping red dress in his collection — and this red lipstick would always be worn with it. It was a Dior tradition.

Mac Ruby Woo

Celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson calls this a “matte, matte, matte red” — said three times, for emphasis and conviction! The shade flatters all skin tones, and lasts all day. No wonder several makeup pros say that this is one lipstick that every woman should own. “It makes you look and feel a hundred times sexier!” says makeup pro Jeanette Verlee.

Mac Lady Danger

If Ruby Woo is for feeling sexy, Lady Danger is for feeling powerful. It’s a creamy red-orange lipstick you can wear to a job interview, a hot date, or a red carpet event (just like Miley did). While a little more low-key than Ruby Woo (especially if you wear it with natural, office-friendly natural makeup look), it still exudes a powerful “Don’t Mess With Me” vibe.

Mac Russian Red

Another iconic red lipstick from Mac! This one has orange undertones, and borders more on a cherry red. “I think this is a better choice for younger women, since very dark lipstick can make you look older. It also looks good if you have warm undertones, or your hair has orange or auburn highlights,” says Mac makeup artist Sally Fossey.

Pirate by Chanel

If you’re going to splurge on a Chanel lipstick, pick this one. It’s a classic red with blue undertones, which can make your teeth look whiter — and FYI, was one of the six shades that the brand created to mimic Coco Chanel’s classic red lip. Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge says it’s one of her favourites, and even talks about it in her lipstick video.

Clinique Black Honey

Part of Clinique’s Almost lipstick range, it’s a lipstick-lipgloss hybrid that looks so natural that it’s Like Your Lips But Better (LYLBB). The shade matches all skin tones, and has one of the highest and most lipstick reviews on Makeup Alley. Since it was launched in the 1980s, millions of tubes have been sold. Sephora insiders say people often buy these in bulk, and it often goes out of stock.

Brown/Nude Lipsticks

Mac Lip Pencil in Spice

In the 1980s, everyone hoarded this cinnamon-coloured lip pencil. Supermodel Linda Evangelista said it was the makeup product she couldn’t live without, and Kevin Aucoin and Bobbi Brown (years before they launched their own makeup lines) used it in their magazine beauty editorials. It’s even mentioned in Kevin Aucoin’s book!

Intense Nude by Estee Lauder

This is one of Estee Lauder’s bestselling shades, because of both the formula and the colour. The Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick line gives lots of hydration and intense pigments, so you get the comfort of a lip balm but with lots of long-lasting colour. We also love how the magnetic tube clicks when you close it — so satisfying!

Airy Fairy by Rimmel

Beauty bloggers swear this is the exact dupe for Mac’s Into the Blush. We love how it has just enough pink to make you look healthy. Try blending a slightly darker rose lipstick or lipliner along the edges of your lips for a full, sexy pout.

Mac in Angel

Kim Kardashian said this was her favourite lipstick, and for good reason. The warm undertones (and that hint of rose) make it the perfect nude lipstick for contoured or smoky eyes. The semi-matte finish gives just enough shine that your lips look healthy.

Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Lip Tint

Prefer lip crayons, or looking for an everyday lipstick you can swipe on when you’re lazy/busy/in a rush? Add this pinkish-brown shade to your makeup bag. It’s universally flattering, and warms up your complexion. All you need is mascara and tinted blush, and you are good to go.

Pink Lipsticks

No. 52 Rouge Pur Couture by YSL

This soft, pretty pink sold out worldwide after it was used in the hit Korean drama My Love From A Star. Within a few days of being seen on the lips of actress Jun Ji-Hyun, you couldn’t find it in beauty counters, online or even in duty free stores.

Nars in Schiapp

This bold, hot pink isn’t for the faint-hearted, but that’s why we love it: when you’re feeling bleh and meh and about to crawl under a rock, just swipe it on and borrow some of its cheeky bravado. It’s a fun, pop-princess shade that will help you unleash your inner rockstar.

No. 19 Fuchsia Rouge Pur Couture by YSL

For a deeper, bolder pink try this iconic lipstick shade from YSL. It was one of the first shades created by Monsieur Saint Laurent in 1979. Try this if you want a more “sophisticated” hot pink lipstick that you can wear with both your torn jeans or a slim business suit.

Exaltée by Chanel

This Chanel pink lipstick shade is a favourite among celebrities, including Emma Watson and Emma Stone. It also got 4.5 stars on Makeup Alley, who praised it for its moisture, texture and staying power. The shade suits people with fair skin and blue undertones.

Pink for Me by Maybelline

You can’t go wrong with this pink lipstick. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Made For All line promises universally flattering shades, and this one delivers. If you just want a lipstick that you can swipe on anytime, anywhere, and will make you look “alive” when you don’t feel like doing your makeup, this is it.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Velvet Underground

This is one of the best pink lipsticks for medium and dark skin tones. Aside from its flattering berry shade, the velvety texture is a pleasure to wear. Try it if you love the intensity of matte lipsticks but need a formula that won’t dry out your lips or make them feel like sandpaper.