Lipstick : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentPaula Begoun extensively reviews thousands of beauty products at her subscription-based website. Using scientific research she examines the ingredients of various lipsticks and other beauty items and separates what works from what doesn't. She also points out products that could be harmful to your skin. All products receive an excellent, very good, average or poor rating. Those rated "excellent" are considered Paula's Picks and come highly recommended. Begoun emphasizes that there are plenty of affordable lipsticks at the drugstore that work just as well as or better than those at department stores. A smaller portion of free reviews can be read at her other website, CosmeticsCop.com, or by purchasing Begoun's book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me."

Our AssessmentRegistered users post ratings and reviews of various beauty products at MakeupAlley.com. There are thousands of lip products listed under gloss, liner, treatment and lipstick categories. While most of them receive hundreds of reviews, a large portion of them is rated differently from one shade to the next, something that tends to be very subjective depending on skin tone and personal preference. That being said, MAC lipsticks get high ratings in virtually every shade with Russian Red being the most popular. MAC, Revlon, Chanel and C.O. Bigelow lip glosses all rate highly as well. Popular lip balms include Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer and Black Intense Therapy.

Our AssessmentEditors of Allure magazine test thousands of beauty products for their annual beauty awards. More than 180 products make the winning list, including several lipsticks and lip products. Most lipsticks are chosen for their color, but products from Clinique, Nivea, Vincent Longo and Revlon all make the cut based on long-lasting formulas, high SPF ratings or a good choice of available colors.

Our AssessmentEditors, readers and dermatologists test 434 products for the fourth annual Natural Health Beauty Awards. 22 winning products are chosen, all of which have "natural elements." Burt's Bees Super Shiny Lip Gloss and Origins Organics Soothing Lip Balm both make the list.

Our AssessmentShape editors, beauty pros and nearly 5,000 Shape readers choose top makeup, skin and hair-care products for the 2008 annual Shape of Beauty awards. Both Revlon Renewist LipColor and BareEscentuals BareMinerals 100% Natural LipColor make the list because of their hydrating qualities.

Our AssessmentInStyle editors test hundreds of beauty products and survey nearly 200 experts for their annual beauty awards. 141 products are chosen as Best Beauty Buys, seven of which are lip products. Among the winners are lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms from MAC, L'OrŽal, Revlon, Murad and Chanel.

Our AssessmentNearly 200 beauty professionals across Canada are surveyed in order to find the best products for Cosmetics magazine's 2008 annual "I Recommend Beauty Awards." Both "mass" and "prestige" products are chosen as winners in several categories. Rimmel takes the top spot for mass lip glosses, while Lanc™me Juicy Tubes are favored for the prestige spot. Both L'OrŽal Colour Rich and Lise Watier are chosen as top lipsticks.

Our AssessmentA panel of dermatologists chooses 25 winners for Health's 2008 annual beauty awards. Several products are chosen in the categories of skincare, makeup, body care and hair care. Cargo Bluray Lip Gloss takes the title for lip color. It isn't clear how many products were tested.

Our AssessmentMore than 35 professionals weigh in on the favorite products and topics of TotalBeauty.com readers. A "final word" is listed under each topic and several also include recommended products. Suggested lip products include MAC Lipglass, Chanel Glossimer, MAC Lipstick and Benefit D'Finer D'Liner. The layout of the article, however, is a little difficult to read. Another article by Charli Schuler discusses "9 Supposedly Long-Lasting Lipsticks." MAC Pro Longwear Lustre Lipcolour holds up perfectly while drinking from a bottle, biting into fruit and kissing.

Our AssessmentJulyne Derrick, About.com's guide to beauty, lists eight lip glosses that she calls the "best on the market." MAC Lipglass is said to be very popular with a variety of colors, but she says that it tends to be sticky. Lanc™me Juicy Tubes are recommended for "ultra-shiny lips." Her favorite is Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour, a lipstick and gloss in one. Products listed are not rated or compared to others. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Our AssessmentSheKnows.com provides information on topics relevant to women's lives. In this article, Kori Ellis gives tips for applying lip color that lasts. Tips include prepping the lips before application and lining the lips to ensure a strong foundation. The different types of lipsticks – matte, crme and frost – are defined and a few of the author's favorite lipsticks are recommended.

Our AssessmentEditors of Cosmopolitan say that blue-tinted lipstick in soft plum or cherry shades can make teeth appear whiter. They suggest Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Maraschino or CoverGirl Wetslicks in Burgandazzle. Seven tips are included for creating the appearance of fuller lips. Several product recommendations are given, but they are not compared or rated.

Our AssessmentThis website is for women obsessed with "all things fabulous." This article lists the eight best lipsticks according to this anonymous blogger, who tests each of the lipsticks and describes her experience with them. She also mentions her favorite shades for each lipstick. This article is interesting at best, and really amounts to nothing more than a list of one person's favorite lipsticks.

Our AssessmentHundreds of reviews are gathered by Buzzillions.com, which collects reviews from other, sometimes obscure websites. Top-rated products are listed as Reviewers' Choice winners and finalists. Buzzillions also makes it easy to find products by allowing you to sort by top and bottom ranked, most reviewed and price. Commonly praised or criticized attributes are also tallied for you.