We Tried 20 Popular Shade-Shifting Lipsticks — and Found 1 Favorite

Lipstick Queen is the crowned, well, queen, of color-changing lipsticks, and Lipstick Queen in Frog Prince ($25) is the brand's best-selling product. In tube-form, the shade is a startling dark green. After a minute on my lips, it became a flattering fuchsia.

If you're committed to going green but Lipstick Queen's price point is a little too high, Essence Kiss the Frog Lipstick ($3) is a great option. The color stained my lips (in a good way) long after the sheen wore off. Note that Essence's lipsticks are scented, and this one tastes like green apples.

Apart from Frog Prince, Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor ($25) is the most jarring of the brand's colors. The deep blue went on sheer, and I didn't notice much of a color-shift. On the plus side, the formula was ultra-hydrating . . . much like the ocean.

Speaking of the ocean, Essence Kiss the Mermaid Lipstick ($3) smells like what I imagine a mermaid would smell like: blue raspberry. The color-change was subtle, but as with Kiss the Frog, the color lingered for a couple hours.

Essence Kiss the Black Sheep Lipstick ($3) may look intimidating, but don't worry — it won't look like Halloween on your lips. Unlike actual black lipsticks, the color is completely sheer and doesn't transform into much of any shade.

Speaking of black lipstick, Kaja Mood Balm Color Changing Lip Moisturizer in Blackout ($14) glides on like a damn dream. I found Kaja's balms tended to be a much creamier formula than any of the other balms — a definite plus.

Looking for the darkest of the dark shades? Try Bésame Ink and Paint Lipstick ($24), a special edition tied to Disney's 90th anniversary. This one turned out to be a lot more purply than the other black shades, and even seemed to have the slightest glimmer.

For the money, Kaja Mood Balm Color Changing Lip Moisturizer in Twilight ($14) is my absolute favorite out of the entire lineup. The color shifted to a rosy pink and because the product is a balm, my lips stayed hydrated for a few hours.

Winky Lux has a truly insane amount of color-changing lip products. The Winky Lux Rainbow Tinted Balm ($18) intrigued me, as the only product in my lineup that featured multiple colors in the same stick. The flat top and color scheme reminded me of a Flintstones Push Up popsicle, and honestly, the product kind of made me look like I'd just eaten one.

You've probably seen Winky Lux Flower Balm in Pink ($16) or other colors — it comes in Purple, Blue, Green, and Yellow. This one was more of a clear balm with no discernible color-changing effect. But hey, it's adorable!

MAC Cosmetics also has some shade-shifting options, though theirs will give you less of a shock when you open the tube. MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Pretty Me Up ($21) is more of a typical balm than anything — but a very pretty one.

Lipstick Queen in Mornin' Sunshine ($25) looks bright yellow, went on sheer, and turned the slightest tinge of coral. It won't give you a hugely impressive color transformation, but with all the vitamin E they packed in here, it'll keep your lips glossy for hours.

Next up: Kaja Mood Balm Color Changing Lip Moisturizer in First Thing ($14). I loved the wash of orange over my lips, and I found this shade made me look actually put-together on a day in which I had no makeup whatsoever.

If you want to spend a little more, opt for the Lipstick Queen in Old Flame ($25). This one proved a more flattering shade than Mornin' Sunshine, as it provided just a touch more color.

Though Beauty By POPSUGAR Lip Bloom ($20) does react to match your pH, it's much more focused on hydration than a dramatic color-change. Jojoba and sunflower oil soothed my chapped lips instantly, and I found myself reaching for this tube repeatedly throughout my week.

Color-wise, MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Candy Wrapped ($21) wasn't wildly transformative, but it was silky smooth and provided just a hint of vanilla scent.

I mean . . . it's Dior. Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviving Lip Balm in Raspberry ($34) didn't provide much of a color-change, but it did elevate my natural color and provided hydration.

The next two options are similar, but with some small differences. Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Unicorn ($16) comes in a baby-pink tube and features edible glitter. On my lips, the color shifted into a subtle pink.

Winky Lux Glimmer pH Balm in Rosé ($16) comes in, what else, a rosé-colored tube, and also contains edible glitter. This one actually provided a deeper color, though it took a few extra minutes to set in.

Of the MAC options, MAC Cosmetics Tendertalk Lip Balm in Play With Me ($21) gave me the most color. This would definitely be my ~going out~ balm.