Blair swears by the Retro matte lipstick in Ruby Woo, calling it the “ultimate power suit for your lips”—and probably the most popular shade at Mac for over three decades. The Matte lipstick in Velvet Teddy, also from Mac, is a warm and subtle nude “that looks amazing on pretty much every skin tone,” Blair says. It’s no surprise that these two products are the brand’s bestsellers.
As a Brooklyn local, my personal favorite is the NARS Hot Kiss—the brand’s bestseller comes in a matte, satin, and dusty mauve. Whether I’m headed to the office or to after-work drinks, this shade is always in my purse.
London
When Solares thinks of London, she’s reminded of Legendary English makeup artist and brand founder Pat McGrath. She once spent the day with McGrath herself, observing her and her team prep countless models as they lined up to strut through a grand, historical building filled with London’s most elite. For London visits, Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure comes highly recommended by Solares, as it is the “perfect understated lip look” with a variety of nude shades to choose from, depending on your skin tone and personal preference.
After living in London for half a year, I developed my own London look with Mac’s Retro Matte in the shade Flat Out Fabulous. In its long-lasting bright and flirty plum shade, it will perfectly accompany you to Camden Market (with Lily Allen playing in your headphones, of course).
Tokyo
All travelers are given permission to go bold in Tokyo, Solares says, especially considering the extraordinary beauty and fashion influence that comes out of Harajuku. However, she also recommends “an understated look to match the iconic skincare industry that also lives within the borders.” The skincare brand Tatcha is rooted in Japanese beauty rituals that show its rich history—and Tatcha Camellia Gold Spun lip balm is intensely hydrating, packed with camellia oil, and made with a hint of 23-karat golden shimmer. For 2,000 years, camellia oil has been treasured by geisha and Japanese women because of how it nourishes the skin and leaves it glowing.
When I finally visit Tokyo, I plan to arrive already wearing Merit’s Signature Lip in Soft Berry. Hydrating, lightweight, and buildable, the shade is fun yet rich with an undertone of a moody purple.
Paris
Ah, Paris. Simple, elegant, and always très chic. Here, Solares says, “less is more—and flaunting your natural beauty is encouraged.” The brand Summer Fridays embodies that essence “and delivers good-for-your-skin ingredients in beautiful makeup formats.” For a trip to Paris, she recommended the Summer Fridays Lip Butter balm for hydration and shine. Especially in the Pink Sugar shade, the product is a silky balm with a light tint of color that soothes dry lips, creating a lovely sheen.
Fête, Glossier’s hot new Ultralip shade, is an alluring watermelon red, and acts as a standout juicy red balm à Paris. Buttery-soft like the city’s decadent croissants, Fête is a Parisian party on your lips.
Berlin
The ever-evolving German city is filled with history, culture, edge, and art. When choosing a lip for Berlin, Solares says a brand like Fashion Fair is a perfect fit. “Fashion Fair was the first international prestige cosmetic brand for darker skin tones,” Solares says—and today, it has evolved into a modern-day beauty brand filled with exciting formulas and colors. The Fashion Fair Iconic lipstick comes in both satin and shimmer finishes. The Pure Plum shade feels just as rich in color as Berlin is in history, Solares says.
