Women Reveal The Go-To Lipstick Shades That Elevate Them To Boss Status

Renae Bluitt

What She Does:

Founder of InHerShoes / Executive Producer of SheDidThat / Beauty PR Consultant

What She Wears:

"Boy Trouble" by The Lip Bar & "Ruby Woo" by MAC

Why She Loves It:

"My favorite winter (spring, fall, and summer) lip combination is The Lip Bar's 'Boy Trouble' mixed with 'Ruby Woo' by MAC. I rarely step out into the world without a lippie and have always loved statement-making colors against my brown skin. There's something about a bright and bold lip that makes me feel pulled together in any and everything from sweatshirts to sequins. My approach to life has always been put on some bold lipstick and handle it!"

Karleen Roy

What She Does:

Founder of The Vanity Group

What She Wears:

"Toosie" by Scoobie West & Company

Why She Loves It:

"I love this color because it's the color of fire! It makes me feel like the fly women in the 70's/80's who always wore red lipstick and wore long red nails. Bianca Jagger style! Even if you do not have on a full face of makeup, red lipstick instantly pops and give you a polished look."

Delina Medhin

What She Does:

Celebrity Makeup Artist

What She Wears:

"Obsession" by Iman Cosmetics

Why She Loves It:

"I love a dark lip in the winter! One of my favorites is this pigmented brown lipstick. It's a creamy consistency that glides on to the lip and wears comfortably. To give this lip longer wear, pair it with Mac Cosmetics lipliner in the color 'Chestnut.'"

Dana Oliver

What She Does:

Beauty Director at Yahoo Lifestyle

What She Wears:

"Rock With You" by NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

Why She Loves It:

"During the cold-weather months, I like to accessorize my cool gray and crisp black winter outfits with vampy matte lipsticks. And NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in 'Rock With You' is my new favorite for four fabulous reasons: 1) This is one matte lip product that doesn't dry out my lips. 2) It goes on super smooth — I don't even need a mirror to apply flawlessly, thanks to the precise doe-foot applicator. 3) The rich mulberry pigment is long-lasting, even with drinking several cups of almond chai. 4) The name reminds me of my favorite Michael Jackson record."

Shantel Rousseau

What She Does:

Style, Travel & Beauty blogger / YouTuber

What She Wears:

"Icon" by Hourglass Cosmetics

Why She Loves It:

"I'm pretty exclusive to either Red or Nude lips and, in the winter, it's no different. I like to give it more depth during the cooler season by opting for a richer red than a typical bright one. 'Icon' is one I've been using for 7+ years!"

Africa Miranda

What She Does:

Actress / Spokesmodel / Founder of Beauty by Africa Miranda

What She Wears:

"Media" by MAC

Why She Loves It:

"I LOVE a dark lip in the winter. 'Media' gives great coverage and doesn't dry out your lips, which is a huge plus in the cold. I also love that it is both edgy and glamorous."

Leila Noelliste

What She Does:

Founder of Blackgirllonghair.com & BGLH marketplace

What She Wears:

"Goldie" by Colourpop

Why She Loves It:

"I rarely ever wear makeup. And that isn't, like, a stance or anything. It's because I never learned. But 2017 was the year I decided to step out of my comfort zone, and that included doing a photoshoot in my new Bed Stuy storefront. My publicist asked how I wanted my makeup to look, so I browsed Tumblr and saw a woman wearing this beautiful shade of maroon. I instantly knew that was what I wanted. When the MUA arrived, she brought a bunch of maroon lippies and I picked 'Goldie' by Colourpop. When the pictures came back, I was amazed at how incredible I looked!"

Camara Aunique

What She Does:

Celebrity Makeup Artist & Beauty Expert

What She Wears:

"#NoFilter" by AJ Crimson Beauty

Why She Loves It:

"The color works on all women of color! It's the perfect nude that lasts and keeps your lips conditioned, oh, and it's perfect for kissing!"

Ylorie Taylor

What She Does:

Vice President at Eden Bodyworks

What She Wears:

"Oh Lady" and "High Drama" by MAC

What She Does:

"As a working wife and mom with a very full life, when I have the opportunity to get glam, I allow the makeup artist to make me her palette. I trust her judgement to bring my lips to life! I am always pleasantly surprised at the final look and very appreciative because it accentuates me so well. I rarely wear makeup, but when 'in front of the camera' work calls or a special occasion arises, I make sure to treat myself to a glam session. It's just one more way I take care of me (#selfcare) to put my best foot forward."

Kéla Walker

What She Does:

TV Host / Producer Style Authority

What She Wears:

"Bawse Lady" by The Lip Bar & "Berry" by Kami Cosmetics

Why She Loves It:

"I'm never without a red lipstick. I love it year-round. It's a part of my signature style but, in the colder months, I prefer it to be a little deeper, with a warm undertones like 'Bawse Lady.' Save the bright reds with cooler undertones for the warmer month.

"There's nothing like layering on a deep plum color in the winter. This oxblood berry color provides just the right amount of warmth to the season's cool styles and trends. I love wearing the dark bold color with neutral tones for a great contrast. I also love the edge it gives any look. Either way you pick it, both colors require you to wear in confidence."