The more specialized today’s lip colors get (stains! gels! matte pencils! powdered tints! liquid pigments!), the more I just want to revert to a simple, classic lipstick — although it would be nice if said lipstick could also meet several needs at once.

Rimmel must understand this way of thinking, because they recently launched The Only 1 Lipstick — an all-in-one product that claims to offer the “perfect balance of high impact colour, moisture, all day comfort, and staying power.”

I’ve been trying The Only 1 in shade 200, It’s a Keeper, for the past week or so. It’s a Keeper is a cool-toned medium pink, very close to mauve. It has a shimmery finish that’s more visible in the stick than it is on lips.

I wear The Only 1 over a light application of lip balm (given time to absorb) and a quick outlining with Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Rose Quartz (007), my new favorite liner. Then, on goes It’s a Keeper: one swipe along upper lips, one swipe along lower lip, a gentle press together, and I’m set.

It’s a Keeper gives medium-to-full coverage and very good color payoff. It lasts well through coffee and a snack, although I needed a touch-up after a full lunch. It strikes a decent balance between moisture and longevity — it doesn’t actually nourish or protect lips like a good balm, but it’s not drying like most long-wear lipsticks.

I doubt that I’ll ever be happy with just one lipstick in my life, any more than I’d be happy with just one album or just one flavor of ice cream in my life, but The Only 1 is definitely useful and versatile, and it deserves to stay in the Rimmel lineup for a while.

Images: first and second photos via Rimmel, third photo by Tinsel Creation

Product source: I received this product as a press sample