Next to concealer, lipstick is my favorite makeup item. It instantly changes the mood up. Right before a video call, it helps to make you look a little bit more put together even if you’re still in your pajama bottoms. My editor says swiping on lipstick still helps pick up your feelings as well.

In between decluttering and figuring out my makeup collection, I also thought of making a sweep through the different listicles and reviews out there praising those life-changing tubes. These are the seven shades that recurred in my research.

#1 MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

If you’re a lipstick lover, you know that Ruby Woo is in every list from “Most Iconic Lipstick” to “Cult Favorite.” It’s a cliche of a lipstick to choose especially for those who love a red lip. But that’s because it has yet to fail. The Cut reports that it lasts all day and has an extreme velvet matte finish. Its blue-red blend makes your teeth look whiter too.

In terms of popularity among the MAC family of lipsticks, it is rivaled by Lady Danger and Chili, reds that are suited for medium to deeper skin tones. On the nude end of the MAC color spectrum, there’s Soar and Whirl.

#2 NARS Semi-Matte Lipstick in Schiap

‘Glamour‘ tested the iconic pink lipstick named after designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes tells the publication, “It’s probably one of the most loved pink lipsticks. I love it because it has a blue undertone, so it’s very flattering and makes your teeth look super white.”

Below makeup artist Darian Darling and drag queen Trixie Mattel discuss Schiap’s importance when it comes to pink lipstick.

#3 Dior Rouge Lipstick in 999

Every beauty house has that one shade that reflects their founder’s vision and their label’s tradition. For Dior Beauty, it’s Dior Rouge Lipstick in 999. ‘Vogue‘ explains that the name is a combination of Christian Dior’s creations. “In 1953, Christian Dior created two ‘perfect red’ lipsticks for the runway, ‘9’ and ’99,’ and more than half a century later, this rich red is the gorgeous amalgam of the two.”

The shade is present in Dior’s different lip products from their Ultra Care lip balm line to their liquid lipstick and lip pens. It also is available in their nail polish collection.

#4 Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

The Strategist dedicated an article to this lip product entitled: ‘Our Fashion Editor at Large Buys This Lip Stain in Bulk.’ Amy Larocca writes that despite trying other lip stains, this one always finds its way in her purse. She explains the genius of its “Almost Lipstick” formula and what the color “black honey” really means: “It stains the lip a shade or two darker than nothing, it’s not waxy, and when it fades you’re never left in that weird, half-on phase that can lead to the impression that you’re a little bit drunk. It doesn’t catch on your teeth when you smile, and it’s also kind in that it doesn’t highlight the various ways in which your teeth have (perhaps) discolored over time.”

#5 Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Sheer Lipstick in 400

Maybe you don’t believe Christian Dior’s shade of red, maybe you’d like the version of Giorgio Armani. ‘Allure‘ included this tube in their list of the ‘The Best Red Lipsticks of All Time, According to Allure Editors:’ “This timeless shade is so tied to the brand that it mirrors their red lipstick cases. Its creation myth is that Giorgio himself believed it was the ‘perfect’ red, reproduced in the lab from a flawless red rose he had brought his chemists.”

#6 Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

This is touted as the best universal nude with its pinkish tone that doesn’t make it seem too white or too brown on a varied amount of skin tones. ‘Glamour‘s Halie La Savege writes “One coat enhances my natural lip color; two or three more, and I have a pink lip that’s just shy of a berry tone.”

There are many other Charlotte Tilbury nude shades that are loved such as Very Victoria and Kate but Pillow Talk still comes up on top. In fact, the brand released an entire makeup collection including blush and an eye palette.

#7 Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color in Bruised Plum

Elle Australia says that “this sexy plum shade is quintessential Tom Ford.” It is quite a personal shade for the designer as it shares its name with Ford’s first fragrance. ‘Harper’s Bazaar’ says this is “as sexy and vampy and cool as dark lipstick gets,” including it in its ‘12 Iconic Lipsticks to Try Before You Die‘ list.