I Recommend This £14 Product to All My Friends Who Hate Lipstick

I love lipstick. For me, it's the one makeup item I rely on when I want to feel more pulled-together or polished (when in reality, I've still only spent minutes on my look). I used to wear a bold matte lipstick pretty much every day (red was my jam), but I've started gravitating towards balms and glosses for daily wear. However, I still wouldn't step out at night without something opaque on my lips.
On the other hand, I have plenty of friends and colleagues who wouldn't dream of rocking up to the office with bright red lipstick on. Whether it's the perceived maintenance of wearing a bold colour on your lips or the fact that wearing a vibrant lipstick comes with "look at me!" vibes, I know plenty of people who steer completely clear of lipstick in all its forms.
However, there's one lip product I recommend above all others to my friends who don't do lipstick but might be considering wearing a pop of colour for a special occasion (or are interested in taking the smallest of steps outside their beauty comfort zone): Glossier Generation G Lipstick (£14).
It's the lipstick of choice for cool fashion girls like Jessica Wu, and was even spotted on the red carpet on celebs like Rashida Jones. Generation G is described by Glossier as a "sheer matte lipstick"—and that's exactly what it is. While I like the range of colours and the dialled-down, stain-like effect that these formulas deliver to the lips, for me, these aren't a lipstick in the traditional sense of the word. Personally, when I'm looking for a lip colour, I want something with pigment and impact. Glossier's Generation G lets your natural lip colour show through and imparts more of a subtle wash of blotted colour. Ideal, as I said, if lipstick isn't part of your usual makeup repertoire.
Related: I've Tried Basically Every Glossier Product—This Is What I Really Think
Available in six shades—ranging from a subtle peach through to a deep berry—it's a lovely edit of colours if you aren't sure what lipstick shade is likely to be your thing. And I have to say, all of them are surprisingly flattering and genuinely wearable. After putting them through their paces this week, I might even have been converted to this more low-maintenance approach to lipstick for my everyday makeup.
Keep scrolling to see what all of the Glossier Generation G Lipsticks look like on and then shop them for yourself.
Cake is described as a "subtle peach" by Glossier, but actually came out as brown-toned nude on my lips. I don't normally opt for these kinds of neutral shades, but I really liked it.
Related: I Just Tried 40 Nude Lipsticks—These Are the Ones I'd Recommend
I love, love, love this "hot raspberry pink" shade. My favourite lipstick tends to be red, but this colour felt a lot more modern and fresh for summer.
Described as a "light, cool pink," I'm not entirely sold on this shade. It's a little washed-out for me, but I think if you're new to lipstick, then this might be a good place to start. Definitely more of a hint of colour than a full-on lip.
A red lipstick for people who don't do red lipstick. This "poppy red" made it look like I've just eaten a bowl of fresh strawberries—and I'm into it.
Related: 15 Red Lipsticks That Make Your Teeth Look Whiter (and Some That Don't)
This "neutral cocoa brown" has major '90s vibes and really gave me usual makeup a cool-girl transformation.
Of the bunch, this shade has the most stain-like finish. I'd normally reserve lipsticks described as a "deep berry" for autumn, but the light weight means it works well year-round.
Next up, I've seen so many London girls using this £30 product on the tube.
Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.
-
Charli XCX Wore This New Designer "Puffer Gloss" While Performing at Coachella
It's selling out fast.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
This Lip-Contouring Guide Is Essentially Your Cheat Sheet for a Fuller Pout, Sans Needles
A plumper pout has never been so painless.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
I Test-Drove 5 Cult Lip Liners in 7 Days—This Is the One That Didn't Require a Single Reapplication
The winner might surprise you.
By Jamie Schneider
-
I Asked 13 Editors and MUAs to Drop Their #1 Lip Combo That Always Attracts Compliments
You asked, we answered.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
Sabrina Carpenter's MUA Told Me This "Dated" Lip Trend Is Getting a Major 2025 Update
Why "chocolate frosted" lips are about to be everywhere.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
No One Knows Festival Makeup Like This Iconic MUA—4 Trends She Says We'll See All Over Coachella
Grab your tickets and glitter.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
Award Season Is Over, and the Stats Are In—Celebs Requested *These* Makeup Looks the Most
We chatted with some of Hollywood's most in-demand celebrity makeup artists.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
Suddenly, This "Glum" Hue Is 2025's Hottest Makeup Trend—Doechii and Julia Fox Are Proof
Forget what you know about pastels for spring.
By Alyssa Brascia