Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThe highest figure in 2023 coverage of expensive lipsticks was a reported $14 million—but it was for a one-off custom lipstick-and-mascara set, not a single lipstick sold at retail. The next figure, $62,000, was an estimate for a gold-and-diamond collector piece. These rankings mix very different kinds of value, so they are best read as a comparison of reported prices, estimates and commissions—not as a list of ordinary lipsticks available to buy.
How this ranking works
The entries are ordered from highest to lowest reported amount in the reviewed coverage. The figures do not share one pricing basis: some refer to custom work or collector objects, while others are retail prices. “2023” identifies the year the price was reported or, for Chanel 31 Le Rouge, the launch year; it does not mean every product launched that year or was available throughout it. Prices and availability can change, and current stock is not established here.
| Rank | Product or item | Reported amount and basis | What the figure covers | Availability context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H. Couture Beauty Diamond / Socialite custom set | $14 million, reported in 2023 | A reported one-of-a-kind custom commission; the amount was for a lipstick-and-mascara set, not just a lipstick. | Not a normal retail product; current orderability is not established. |
| 2 | Guerlain KissKiss Gold and Diamonds | $62,000 estimated value, reported in 2023 coverage | A collector lipstick with a case described as containing 110 g of 18-karat gold and diamonds; this is an estimate, not a standard retail price. | A collector object, not normally purchasable online according to the coverage. |
| 3 | Guerlain Rouge G Lucky Bee | USD 290, reported in 2023-era coverage | A lipstick described as red shade 214, paired with a mirrored case decorated with a bee motif. | Coverage placed it in a Saks Fifth Avenue retail context; current stock and launch year are not established. |
| 4 | Chanel 31 Le Rouge | USD 150 reported launch price in September 2023 | A lipstick range launched with 12 shades and refillable packaging. | Reported as a retail launch; current price and availability are not established. |
| 5 | Christian Louboutin Silky Satin Lip Colour | About USD 90 in a later roundup | A product price described in a page updated in 2025, which linked to an Amazon listing. | This is not verified as a 2023 price; the listing’s current seller, shade, price and stock are not established. |
1. H. Couture Beauty Diamond / Socialite: a reported $14 million custom set
Duke’s Avenue’s June 14, 2023 update described a one-of-a-kind custom Socialite lipstick in an 18-karat-gold, diamond-encrusted case, but the widely repeated $14 million figure applied to a larger set that also included mascara. The List’s October 10, 2023 article likewise attributed the amount to a custom client commission. This is therefore a reported commission, not evidence of a lipstick with a $14 million regular shelf price.
The distinction matters for anyone comparing luxury purchases: a custom commission can include bespoke design and precious materials, and its reported amount does not tell a buyer what a comparable lipstick formula costs. The brand website was reported unavailable when The List checked it, so the figure should not be treated as a currently orderable offer.
#1 Best Overall
- Transparent pigment glides on a sheer, glossy slip of lightweight color
- Emollient-rich formula gives lips a sleek, moist finish
- Cult-classic Black Honey is famous for its chameleon-like ability to flatter all skin tones
- Cult-classic Black Honey is famous for its chameleon-like ability to flatter all skin tones
2. Guerlain KissKiss Gold and Diamonds: an estimated $62,000 collector piece
Duke’s Avenue reported an estimated value of $62,000 for the Guerlain KissKiss Gold and Diamonds, describing a case made with 110 g of 18-karat gold and diamonds. That is an estimate for an elaborate collector object, not a confirmed current retail price. The coverage also says the piece is not normally purchasable online.
Its place near the top of a price list reflects the case and collector value described in the coverage. It does not establish that the lipstick formula itself costs anything close to the estimate or performs better than a less expensive lipstick.
Rank #2
- Modern Matte Lipstick Finish - Achieve fuller-looking, lit-from-within lips with a soft matte texture enriched with 3D glow pigments for a luminous, wearable glow.
- Hydrating Formula with Lipstick Tree Extract - Infused with nourishing Lipstick Tree Extract and Vitamin E, this long wear lipstick softens and conditions for a smooth, comfortable feel.
- Angled Square Tip for Precision Application - Designed to mimic a lip brush, the unique square-shaped bullet allows effortless, expert-level definition and fuller-looking lips.
- How to Apply - Start by lining your lips with Lip Cheat to create a fuller-looking pout. Apple Matte Revolution onto your lips for fuller, wider-looking lips in seconds.
- Charlotte's Magic Story - Inspired by her iconic artistry and passion for innovation, Charlotte's mission is to empower everyone to look and feel like the most confident, beautiful version of themselves through makeup's transformative power. Charlotte Tilbury is highly regarded as an industry icon, trend trailblazer and beauty innovator across makeup, skincare and fragrance.
3. Guerlain Rouge G Lucky Bee: USD 290 in 2023-era coverage
The reviewed coverage reports a USD 290 retail-context price for Rouge G Lucky Bee and describes it as red shade 214 with a mirrored case decorated with a bee motif. The cited context is Saks Fifth Avenue. The available reporting does not establish that the product launched in 2023, nor does it confirm current stock.
This is more comparable to a conventional luxury retail purchase than a custom commission or a precious-metal collector estimate, although the case is part of the product’s appeal. Treat USD 290 as the price reported in that 2023-era coverage, not a verified current offer.
Rank #3
- Modern Matte Lipstick Finish - Achieve fuller-looking, lit-from-within lips with a soft matte texture enriched with 3D glow pigments for a luminous, wearable glow.
- Hydrating Formula with Lipstick Tree Extract - Infused with nourishing Lipstick Tree Extract and Vitamin E, this long wear lipstick softens and conditions for a smooth, comfortable feel.
- Angled Square Tip for Precision Application - Designed to mimic a lip brush, the unique square-shaped bullet allows effortless, expert-level definition and fuller-looking lips.
- How to Apply - Start by lining your lips with Lip Cheat to create a fuller-looking pout. Apple Matte Revolution onto your lips for fuller, wider-looking lips in seconds.
- Charlotte's Magic Story - Inspired by her iconic artistry and passion for innovation, Charlotte's mission is to empower everyone to look and feel like the most confident, beautiful version of themselves through makeup's transformative power. Charlotte Tilbury is highly regarded as an industry icon, trend trailblazer and beauty innovator across makeup, skincare and fragrance.
4. Chanel 31 Le Rouge: USD 150 at its September 2023 launch
Bougeoir reported that Chanel unveiled 31 Le Rouge in September 2023 at a USD 150 price, with 12 shades and a refillable design. It is the clearest example in this ranking of a dated 2023 retail launch. The report describes packaging inspired by a perfume bottle and the distinctive click of a Chanel compact. Chanel Beauty packaging director Sylvie Legastelois said the inspiration began with an extrait de parfum bottle and the N°5 spray, including its golden ring and opening-and-closing “click.”
Refillability is relevant to the cost comparison, but it does not by itself establish long-term savings: that would depend on refill prices, how long the case is used and current availability, none of which is established by the launch-price report. Check the brand or an authorized retailer for a current price before buying.
Rank #4
- LUSCIOUS COMFORT: Formulated with 80% conditioning ingredients
- LUXURIOUS COLOR: Made with microfine pigments for lipstick shades that are rich with color yet lightweight in feel
- SOFT, FULLER-LOOKING LIPS: Glides on smoothly to visibly minimize lines for soft, fuller-looking lips
- MORE SHADES, MORE PLAY: 12 NEW colors, 72 iconic shades in all
5. Christian Louboutin Silky Satin Lip Colour: around USD 90, but not a verified 2023 price
A later Glamour ’n Glow roundup gave an approximate USD 90 figure and linked to an Amazon listing. Because the page carries 2025 updates, this price does not establish what the product cost in 2023. Nor does the link establish a current listing price, seller or stock status.
It belongs here only as a later price point for comparison, not as a confirmed 2023 ranking entry. The reviewed information also does not establish that it was cheaper or more expensive than any particular retailer’s current offer.
What these prices do—and do not—say about value
A high reported price can reflect several different things: a lipstick formula, presentation and packaging, brand positioning, limited availability, custom design, or the value attributed to precious materials. These entries do not provide a like-for-like test of formulas, so the ranking cannot show that the most expensive lipstick performs best.
Danny Griffin, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty’s vice president of product development, told The List, attributing the comment to Beautylish, that higher price points can open up ingredient options unavailable at the lowest price point. He also said that in many cases a higher-priced lipstick will outperform a drugstore counterpart. Those are his industry views, not independent comparative test findings—and they do not demonstrate the performance of the products ranked here.
Quick Recap
Before treating a headline price as a buying price
- Check what is being priced. The $14 million report covers a custom lipstick-and-mascara set; the $62,000 figure is an estimate for a collector lipstick and case.
- Separate a dated report from a live offer. The figures here do not confirm current prices or stock. Look for a current brand or retailer listing before budgeting for a purchase.
- Compare like with like. Retail lipstick prices are more directly comparable to one another than either is to a custom commission or an estimated collector value.
- Account for refills only when prices are known. A refillable case may be reused, but without refill prices and expected use, the total cost cannot be calculated from the launch price alone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
