I think it pretty much goes without saying that I love a great lipstick. It’s a relatively recent love affair that blossomed in college when I worked at an adorable local beauty store called The Cosmetic Market in Nashville. I’d loiter by the NARS and Smashbox stations, swabbing tester shades to my lips with q-tips when the shop was at a lull. In February 2012 I even tried out a 30 day lipstick challenge where I tested a new shade everyday. I’m too embarrassed to say how many lipsticks I now own – but I still have only a handful of my absolute favorites, each of which threatens to finish down to the nub. Voila my rouges à lèvres préférés. 
Mac Russian Red: The classic blue red shade with a very matte finish. I recommend it with a heap of lip balm underneath and a little black dress to boot.
Mac Impassioned: A gorgeous warm bright pink that instantly puts a smile on my face. It’s opaque and easy to apply, I love wearing it with slightly bronzed skin and neutral tones.
No lipstick! Just wanted to give a starting point – these are my bare lips. I always apply lip balm my favorites are Blistex Original and Fresh Sugar.
Mac Lady Danger: easily my signature lip color. I discovered this shade about a year ago when I was reading an article on powerful woman and their favorite red lipstick. 2 or 3 out of the 10 women cited Lady Danger and I picked it up the same day and never looked back. The formula is matte but creamy with the perfect amount of orange undertone that brightens skin and spirits!
Mac Girl About Town: The classic ultra-bright pink lipstick that’s become a staple in my lipstick collection. I go back and forth between Girl about Town and Nars’ Schiap both wonderfully bright and matte shades. This lipstick looks especially good with a light eyeshadow and soft pink cheeks.
Mac Please Me: a classic ‘smokey rose’ that’s equal parts chic and subtle. This is a go-to shade for me when I want to define and add color to my lips. I also find that it’s a perfect wear-to-work shade that pairs with literally any look.
Mac Ruby Woo: Another infamous red by Mac, Ruby Woo is a super-matte blue red. It can be tricky to apply because it is very very matte so I recommend lots of lip balm before applying and a steady hand (I like to keep my elbow propped when I apply). Pairs perfectly with a little black dress to ripped boyfriend jeans.
Clinique Soft Matte Lipstick in Plum: I love this ladylike yet prominent shade that’s perfect in fall and winter. It’s part plum, part pink and looks great with navy blue and white.
Tom Ford Crimson Noir: A decadent (read: pricey) lipstick from Tom Ford, Crimson Noir is just the right blend of red and plum that makes a statement but isn’t overwhelming. This makeup look got me featured in a Sephora email! This lip color looks beautiful when wearing white or light colors near the face.
Smashbox Fuchsia Flash: Another one of my favorite fuchsia lip colors is from Smashbox. The formula is creamy yet awesomely matte. It does fade quicker than Mac Matte formulas, but it fades in a beautiful way into a more subtle, sheerer tone that can be retouched or not!
Mac Silly: Another bold pink, but with a more subtle lilac and cool tone. The name says it all with this color and it’s even more fun to wear than the bright tube implies. Pigmented but easy to apply.
Mac Girl about Town & Mac Lady Danger: This is one of my favorite custom combinations for the spring and summer. Mixing the bold pink and orange-y red creates a gorgeous watermelon shade that’s sweet and sexy. It’s a can’t loose combination! Try adding the red or pink first to see what works best for you. The color on top will stand out slightly more.
Chanel La Favorite: For a perfectly subtle coral, I love Chanel’s La Favorite. The formula is incredibly silky and it’s one of those lipsticks you can apply without a mirror, it’s just that easy. I prefer this shade with a tan so it’s great in spring and summer (or with the help of a great bronzer)!
Chanel La Favorite: For a perfectly subtle coral, I love Chanel’s La Favorite. The formula is incredibly silky and it’s one of those lipsticks you can apply without a mirror, it’s just that easy. I prefer this shade with a tan so it’s great in spring and summer (or with the help of a great bronzer)!What are your favorite lipsticks? I’m always down to try something new!