I will be the first to admit, I know next to nothing about most make up. I have a 5 minute routine I’ve developed over the years, cobbling together advice from friends and YouTube, that looks good enough.

But, baby, don’t mess with my lipstick.

Lipstick is the lazy gal’s make up. You can throw on mascara and lipstick and look vaguely presentable. Add a little eyebrow liner and blush and your husband may just say, “Hubba hubba.” That quick little swipe can change your mood, your look, and I don’t think it’s overstating it to say if every world leader was armed with a flattering lipstick shade, we could probably find our way to world peace.

Now, as you guys also know I don’t like to spend alotta dough. And there is nothing worse than standing at Target, looking at the ridiculous little color squares and trying to determine if the color is one that will bring out your eyes or end up in the Halloween dress up for 90s day. So, I’ve done my best to pick colors I really love, that also work on some of my friends, are on trend, and that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Let me know how I did!

The Perfect Everyday Shade
My first pick is Revlon’s ColorBurst Matte Balm in Striking (#240), which I wear almost every day. For real. It is just the right shade of red – not too bright, not too orange – and if you have blue eyes it can really make them pop. It also stays on like a champ! I layer it a couple of times, but it will stay on most of the day without touch ups (getting it on the first time is pretty impressive so let’s not get carried away). And, it’s not drying at all. Plus, you can get it at Target for $7 – do you see why I love it?

A Seriously Over-the-Top Pink
One of the hot trends of 2016 is very bright lipstick (this year is all about looking natural or looking totally over-the-top, take your pick) and I totally scored at Alt Summit with this glominerals Suede Matte Crayon in Sorbet they gave the attendees. It is super pink and not for the faint of heart, which is why it’s totally rock star. There’s nothing worse than wanting to go big and finding your lipstick is only kinda pink in all the wrong ways. This is pink all the way, plus it stays on all day long and is surprisingly nourishing.

On-Trend Maroon
I’ve always been a fan of MAC. When I was in college one of my roommates was obsessed with MAC and got us all going there, even though I could barely afford my weekly bagel sandwich (I’ve always had my priorities in order).

Which is why I was thrilled to find one of my old lipsticks in the back of a drawer, MAC’s Verve. I’d deemed it “too brown” a couple of years ago, but now it’s absolutely on trend (and I know everyone is going to yell at me for using old lipstick, but they still have my color in stock, and maybe I bought a new one for the shoot. You’ll NEVER KNOW.) It’s more maroon than it’s showing up in the photos – good for when you’re feeling fashion-y and want a darker lip, probably not so much when you’re trying to seduce your husband (“Honey, why are your lips brown?!?!?”).

Oh-So Natural Nude
Everywhere you look the stars are all pairing a nude lip with a natural eye, and, at first, I was all, what is the point?!?! I mean, if I’m going to put in the effort to put on make up, I should at least get credit for it, don’t you think? But, then I found this Sonia Kashuk lipstick in Nude Pink at Target and I’m hooked. It makes you look…better. And prettier. It’s like you just woke up, looking how you used to look when you just woke up. A bit fresher and more awake. It’s a subtle difference, but I’m into it.

(Just a word of warning with this one. The color is awesome, but it doesn’t stay on very well. I’ve tried a couple of other nude lipsticks, but the color was either too much and missed the point, or not noticeable at all. So, if you do buy this one, just be ready to reapply.)

So, what do you think? Going to give any of them a go? Do you have a fave lipstick you’re gaga about? Let me know!

SWAK! (Get it? HAHA!)

PS: I also just noticed… Can you be a true “Girl Boss” if you can’t even figure out which way your necklace goes on? #omg

Photos by Milou and Olin.