When it comes to lipstick, performance is essential. A lipstick should last throughout your workday, a coffee break, and even while sneaking a kiss. And then there’s the application—it should be seamless, moisturizing, and smear-proof. This might seem like a dream, but we assure you, perfection does exist.

While there are plenty of drugstore lipstick brands we adore, it’s the designer names that make us feel like a million bucks, even if we’re still rocking our comfy cotton leggings nonstop. And if you’re looking for a new brand to add to your collection, we’ve rounded up the top 20 below.

But before you go swiping on your favorite shade, it’s important to remember that lipstick performs best on smooth, flake-free lips, per Kara Yoshimoto Bua, a Chanel celebrity makeup artist. “Take a warm moist towel and rub it in small circles over your lips to exfoliate dry skin, creating a smooth canvas for lipstick application,” she advises. 

Noted. Now onto the lipsticks.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick

• A brilliant burst of rich, pure color, infused with creamy moisture
• Saturate your lips with a deluge of 20 high impact shades
• This luxe lipstick also has a creamy texture that feels super-soft, both as it glides on AND over time
• Lips are truly moisturized and feel lusciously hydrated for longer than ever
• So comfortable to wear, it’s like a hug for your lips – the ultimate lip indulgence

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Shout Loud Satin Lipstick

• Hydrating Lipstick: This pigment packed satin lipstick loads lips with intense, vibrant color and delivers up to four hours of hydration in just one swipe; it’s also infused with shea and mango butters
• One Swipe Saturation: Choose from a variety of satin lipstick shades from bold berry lipstick to sultry red lipstick delivering super saturated color in one swipe; We heart these vibrant tones so much that they make us want to shout it out loud
• Lip Products for the Perfect Pout: Doll your lips in creamy, long lasting perfection; Try our complete line of lip makeup including liquid lipstick, lip gloss, lip cream, lip liner and butter gloss
• Cruelty Free Cosmetics: We believe animals belong in our arms, not in a lab; All of our makeup is certified and acknowledged by PETA as a cruelty free brand; We don’t test any of our products on animals