Best Purple Lipsticks Guide: Which Hue Will You Choose?
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Purple lipsticks are not just for a specific mindset or a subculture. Purple as a color is very versatile and works for many different occasions. There is a flattering purple tone for every skin color. It all boils down to preference and a simple question: do you like wearing purple lipstick?
Do you like how it looks on you? Of course, it is considered a bolder color than a nude shade, but makeup is often about fun, making us feel more confident and breaking the mold!
Purple lipsticks come in all different shades and forms. We have matte liquid lipsticks, matte bullets, sheer colors, glossy violets, and everything imaginable. There’s something for everyone — it all depends on what you are looking for, what you want to repurchase, or what you want to try as a new statement.
Bottom Line Up Front
Purple lipsticks are perfect for when you feel daring. If you want to dive deep into the beautiful purple world, I would recommend starting with Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in the Creator shade and the Kiko Milano Instant Colour Matte Liquid Lip Colour in 09.Â
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My Favorite Purple Lipstick
Is all of them! Purple lipsticks have always been a statement for me. I always need to have a violet purple lipstick in my kit for myself. I like seeing others with different shades of purple as well.
Sometimes, it can be tricky to find the right shade, but after stopping in a few stores, it is more than possible to find your ideal formula to keep rebuying. I started my violet and purple obsession by choosing the Asian Flower lipstick by MAC during a flight connection in Amsterdam.
I never fully understood the name, but MAC tragically discontinued it. It was also the first lipstick I ever used to the very end before the expiry date! The first four entries in this list are my favorite ones that I would recommend to everyone:
- Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink: Creator
- Jeffree Star The Gloss: Dirty Royalty
- Kiko Milano Smart Fusion: 426
- Kiko Milano Instant Colour Matte Liquid Lip Colour: 09
How To Wear a Purple Lipstick
Remember that the best lipstick needs confidence and a smile! Makeup makes you feel more confident at times, highlights your features in a way that you wish, and can keep you going all night at a party. Makeup is for everyone, and so is the color purple.
You can always choose a smokey eye to go with it, a black eyeliner flick, a more colorful eye looks for pride, a full-beat face, or simply some mascara or blush. Any of these options go great with a subtle purple!
Best Purple Lipsticks
As I am a huge fan of purple lipsticks and the makeup industry likes to discontinue things very often, especially after the pandemic, I had to search for dupes and alternatives to lipsticks I have fallen in love with over the years.
I chose these items as the best purples because I have known them for years. They deliver quality, durability, and value. I have also added liquid formulas like the Maybelline Matte Ink and the Jeffree Star The Gloss because they offer a beautiful finish that anyone searching for a purple lipstick would love.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Creator
It is hard to add to the essays written about this cult classic in the Maybelline line. It gained popularity in the days of Tumblr (yes, long before TikTok dancing became a thing). Maybelline stood the trial of time on the lips and continues to glam us with this line.
The Super Stay Matte Ink lipstick is a dry-down matte that will last for however long it’s needed. You can eat, dance, kiss, and wear a mask without worrying about this lipstick rubbing off. Some people think matte lipsticks are on the way out, but this one is still a massive trailblazer and is probably in most makeup lover collections for its durability and style.
When it comes to its color, the Super Stay is a bright purple mixed with fuchsia, making it a very bold statement to wear. I find Maybelline applicators easy to use, but some people prefer to use a lip liner before to ensure they don’t run. This lipstick is a great color to match most bright outfits and make a purple statement!
The Super Stay is one of the go-to weapons in my lipstick arsenal, so I highly recommend it. It opened my eyes to the Super Stay Matte Ink line without the balm on the end of the other side. This line is easier to find in Europe.
Pros
- Very long-lasting
- Beautiful payoff
- One swipe
Cons
- Consistency is a bit sticky in the beginning as it dries down
- Some find it hard to take off at the end of the day
Read More: Superstay 24 Matte Ink Lipstick Review: Does It Really Stay?
Jeffree Star The Gloss in Dirty Royalty
During my younger days, I had a Jeffree Star Cosmetics obsession. I was traveling and came across The Gloss in a makeup shop there. I did not try it in-store, but I bought it and used it for a long while. The Gloss worked great on its own and on top of another lipstick for a plump look.
I have not tried the newer glosses by him, but Dirty Royalty is THE violet gloss for me. Hopefully, this color will stay in production because the world needs to see its gorgeous packaging and beautiful formula. I also found it to last longer compared to other glosses.
The Gloss does not feel sticky and gives complete coverage in one swipe. The color payoff is more than sheer, but enough for the subtle look. This lipstick does not contain any glitter or shimmer, which is rare in a good, lasting, and good-looking gloss.
Regardless of how you and I feel about Jeffree Star as a person, his company has released great products which stood the test of time, and The Gloss is one of them.
Pros
- Gorgeous payoff
- Luxurious and unique packaging
- Soft feel on the lips
Cons
- The company may discontinue this line of Glosses soon
- The marketing photos do not reflect the color properly
Kiko Milano Instant Colour Matte Liquid Lip Colour in 09
When I was looking through my lipsticks and seeing the swatches online, I loved the fact that what is a perfect purple shade, even when it’s on my lips. I love this weird-colored purple hue liquid lipstick.
The Kiko Milano Instant Colour is not as long-lasting as the Maybelline offering, but it honorably holds second place in this category. I have always enjoyed Kiko Milano, and it is my go-to brand to recommend and try items. I own many of the shades from this line and even rebought their bright blue twice.
The Kiko Milano website says this lipstick is mauve, but in reality, it is a dull purple that I highly recommend to all my friends. The packaging has not changed in a few years and is somewhat similar to what REM beauty seems to be channeling, but Kiko Milano did it years ago and better, judging from the reviews.
The more I dig into Kiko Milano having great dupes for expensive items, the less surprised I am — great brand, great products, and great payoff! Also, great pricing and sales!
Pros
- Long-lasting
- The texture feels invisible on the lips
- It does not fade over time
Cons
- The colors on the website are not true to the actual colors
- Names could be more creative
Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lipstick in 425
The Smart Fusion line by Kiko Milano is fantastic. I have bought and finished many of them, as they come in a great color range and plenty of gorgeous purples on offer. The Smart Fusion line is quite affordable. I do not always find the color I want in other brands, but this pretty line will always have it.
The Kiko Milano Smart Fusion has a basic good lipstick texture. It is very lightweight and does not try to match a specific finish. This product is just lipstick as it should be.
I do not know why the label says this lipstick is pink when the result is a bright wild purple. I love the color and the texture, as it makes me feel confident in my look. The Smart Fusion in 425 is not a WOW lipstick and does not have any effect on the lips besides making them look stunning, and to me, that is what matters most.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- The lipstick is in every Kiko Milano location
- A staple of Kiko Milano products
Cons
- The product does not come with a high-end WOW factor
- The finish could be more long-lasting
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick in Amethyst Shimmer
Sadly, we do not have a wide range of Rimmel lipsticks in the stores where I live. I loved Rimmel with all my soul when I lived and visited the United Kingdom. I found this lipstick shade while looking for purple lipsticks I have used in the past.
Rimmel lipsticks have a very nostalgic feel and fragrance to me, as I would often visit London for trips back in the day. I adore Rimmel and feel like their collaborations with Kate Moss were iconic and will forever be. I still have a Kate Moss 01 in red for sentimental purposes, as its production ended recently. Rita Ora and Georgia May Jagger tried to pull the brand as Kate did, but we all know that Kate is the true star.Â
 When it comes to this lovely purple, this lipstick has a beautiful shimmer. It does not come across as sheer as it could be. The color is rather bold, makes a statement, and will make you shine! Grab it for nostalgia, a new love, or anything you want! Rimmel is always one for the books!
Pros
- Stunning value
- The texture does not dry the lips
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Hard to find at times
- Same simple packaging
MAC Matte Lipstick in Heroine
While searching for my first perfect purple lipstick, I was about to buy the MAC Heroine, but the shade had sold out. The woman at the counter tried to sell me the lipliner, but I politely declined and bought a violet shade from NYX later that same day. I still eye that Heroine shade and wonder when will the right time come for me to bite that bullet.
The Heroine is a bright lovely matte purple that will make everyone green with envy. Just like Ruby Woo is the quintessential MAC red (even if I prefer Russian Red), Heroine is the purple for MAC lovers. This lipstick comes in an iconic shade with a lovely feeling on the lips.
I cannot think of any other lipstick that can beat the feel of a MAC lipstick on the lips. Their lip products always feel luxurious and never dry the lips.
Pros
- A classic, iconic staple brand
- Consistent payoff over the years
- The lipstick feels great on the lips
Cons
- There are less in your face purples on the market
- A bit costly for a matte lipstick
Read More: Best Mac Lipsticks With Ideas on Some Fresh Lip Looks for You to Try
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Amethyst
There is little creativity when it comes to naming purple lipsticks, so many of them have repetitive names. But then there are a lot of discussions when it comes to lipstick names. Is it better to leave them as numbers? Shade colors? Creative names? Suggestive names?
Everyone has their own opinion, but there are a lot of great purple lipsticks called Amethyst out there, which are not getting very creative. The NYX Liquid Suede line was hit and miss. I feel like NYX should have dropped the matte claim and just ran with the suede statement as it was a gorgeous liquid lip with beautiful pigmentation.
I enjoyed my NYX Liquid Sueded Cream Lipstick in Amethyst for years, and I first bought it when it had just come out.
The Amethyst is a provocative, wild, and beautiful shade that is truly stunning on the lips. The texture is not sticky but does not meet the matte promises, so keep that in mind. The lipstick is a great purple to have some fun. I highly recommend the Liquid Suede for its great looks and good value.
Pros
- Feels good on the lips
- The texture does not dry
- Amazing color payoff
Cons
- The finish never becomes matte
- The color transfers easily
NYX Suede Matte Lipstick in Violet Smoke
The Suede Matte lipstick line does what it claims to be doing. The lipstick is a mattifying purple shade that does not dry your lips. This version is an upgrade from the previous one, which never fully reaches a matte finish.
The Violet Smoke shade is subtler than Amethyst, so you can slowly venture into the purple side with a cheaper option.
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Bullet matte lipstick
- Easy to find
Cons
- Heavy fragrance
- A bit drier than other lipstick textures
KVD Beauty Epic Kiss Nourishing Vegan Butter Lipstick in Womanism
I love this Epic Kiss formula! I hope that KVD Beauty finds its footing again soon because the products designed before the ownership change were stunning. I love this line with my soul. The pigmentation is just sheer enough to nourish the lips better than any lip mask.
If you are looking for a deep, rich plum purple, look no further, KVD has you covered on all the bases and will make your lips healthier and stunning for the rest of the time you will wear it. I enjoy the slim packaging, even if it feels flimsy at first. I have not run out of my first tube so far, and I am ready to try more colors.
Pros
- Stunning payoff
- Nourishing formula
- Feels very rich on the lips
Cons
- Slim stick packaging, so it is not a one swipe
- Gimmicky packaging, how many studs do we need?
KVD Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Roxy
The Everlasting Liquid Lipstick would probably be what NYX Liquid Suede Amethyst wanted to be, matte and long-lasting. The result is a vinyl-looking liquid lip, which I still love in its way. This lipstick is a high-end analog to the NYX version.
Roxy is a stunning purple, and just like Amethyst, it makes a statement. The Liquid lipsticks by KVD are the ones that changed the beauty industry for the love of liquid lips in tandem with Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipsticks.
This shade is stunning, long-lasting, and has a great applicator. What else do you want or need? I hope they will not be discontinuing this baby anytime soon!
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy on the lips
- Not drying matte formula
Cons
- With the current rebranding, it is hard to see what will stay or go, including such a staple of the brand
- Stale packaging
FAQs
Question: What is the best purple lipstick?
Answer: It depends from person to person, but I would say that the Maybelline Stay Matte Ink in Creator would be the top one if to choose one and live with that decision.
Question: What skin tone does purple lipstick look good on?
Answer: Any! Make sure you choose the right shade and hue in which you feel the most comfortable and confident!
Question: What does wearing purple lipstick mean?
Answer: Purple means awareness of domestic violence if worn correctly.
Question: What eyeshadow goes well with purple lipstick?
Answer: I feel darker eyeshadow looks better with purple lipstick, but I enjoy a monochrome moment of having everything in a purple hue.
Question: Can redheads wear purple lipstick?
Answer: Of course they can! Just choose what catches your fancy and go and be purple-lipped!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to purple lipsticks, I think purple is a color that needs to be a staple and should be used to shake things up! Purple is my favorite color, so choosing the best purple lipsticks out there gave me a great sense of joy. Anyone can wear purple, so long as they pick a shade or finish they love!
Read More: How to Find the Best Lipstick And Which Shades Suit You Best?
