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A guide to buying the best drugstore lipsticks

Published: September 26, 2023 |7 minute read

Written by: Rebecca Norris

Several swatches of drugstore lipsticks spread out on a pink background.

No makeup look is complete without the perfect lip. This insider's guide for top picks at the drugstore that rival high-end counterparts.

The right lipstick can set the tone of your whole look. If you need to add a few new options to your bag of tricks - but don't want to spend a fortune - drugstore lipsticks can be a smart way to go. They give luxury formulas a run for their money, both in terms of pigment and wear.

The trick is to be savvy when you shop. A few key attributes will point you to the right products, says celebrity makeup artist and L'Oréal Paris League Expert Allan Avendaño.1 Pay attention to color payoff, a bleed-resistant formula and an impressive shade range.

Start by figuring out the colors and formulations you'll need, then see what options are out there. To help you find some (not so) hidden gems, this buying guide offers some selections from salon pros as well as tips to make the most of the products you choose.

In this article

Best drugstore matte lipsticks

Matte lipsticks are free of any shine and come in both stick and liquid forms. Since they tend to be more drying than cream and satin finishes, Avendaño recommends looking for lipstick that offers rich pigment paired with comfortable, hydrating wear.

One of the most popular drugstore matte lipsticks is the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Les Macarons Scented Liquid Lipstick. Mentions of this cult favorite have racked up more than 300 million views on TikTok.2 Avendaño credits its popularity to the wand applicator, the range of shades, the comfortably-wearing formula and a delectable scent. "I'm a sucker for scents," he says, "and applying something with a comforting macaron-vanilla scent on the lip makes the makeup process more enjoyable."

Another great choice is the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick, which recently debuted and is already making traction on social media. TikTokers seem to be swooning over shade 113, Le Nude Admirable, which is said to be the perfect swap for Charlotte Tilbury's iconic Pillowtalk Original Lipstick.3

Pro tip:

According to celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli,4 you should prep lips prior to applying matte lipstick for long-lasting, comfortable wear. To keep flaky lips from ruining a flawless look, consider a lip scrub or an overnight lip mask to slough away dead skin and lock in hydration, he says. "Another option would be to use a moisturizer under your lipstick, whether it be a lip balm or even Aquaphor, to act as an emollient base," he adds.

Best drugstore cream lipsticks

Cream lipsticks are known for their soft, hydrating nature. Where some offer a more natural finish, others really pack in the color. Of all the drugstore products, few are as beloved as the Lápiz labial Revlon Super Lustrous which has gone viral on TikTok.5 This lipstick has an impressive 72-shade range and hydrating formula and is infused with avocado oil and vitamin E.

Pro tip:

Since cream lipsticks are heavy on moisture, they can sometimes fade and smudge more easily. To keep your cream pout looking its best, Avendaño recommends starting with lip liner, then applying lipstick on top. "I then blot off the lipstick with a tissue and reapply again," he says. "This really saturates the lips with color and fills in all the lines for an opaque, bold finish."

Best drugstore liquid lipsticks

In terms of application, liquid lipsticks tend to offer the most precision thanks to their slim wand design. That said, not all applicators are created equal.

El Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink No-Budge Longwear Liquid Lip Color, which has 20 shades and a handy tapered applicator that helps you achieve clean lines, has become many TikTokers must-have.6 The shiny lipstick gets high marks not only for its applicator but also for convenient wear that remains transfer proof for hours on end.

If you’re not a fan of shiny liquid lipsticks, you can always opt for the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, which also earns high TikTok praise.7

Pro tip:

For a lipstick that packs a punch of hydration, Avendaño adds to look for ingredients like argan oil, ácido hialurónico and vitamin E. “They all help keep your lips soft and hydrated,” he says.

Matte versus cream versus liquid lipstick

  • A smear of matte lipstick has a flat finish with a no-shine texture.

    Matte lipstick

    Best for: A uniform lip without shine or glossiness

    Application tip: It tends to be more drying, so use a moisturizer underneath.

  • A smear of cream lipstick goes on smooth with a deep color that’s in between a matte and gloss finish

    Cream lipstick

    Best for: A soft, hydrated lip

    Application tip: It can sometimes smudge, so use a lip liner to really define your edges.

  • A liquid lipstick applicator lets you control how deep the color finish is from light to heavy.

    Liquid lipstick

    Best for: A precise lip, with or without shine

    Application tip: The slim wands make achieving clean lines a breeze, but some are better than others.

Best drugstore long-lasting lipsticks

One of the most popular long-lasting drugstore lipsticks on TikTok is the CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Moisturizing Topcoat.8 This lipstick promises to be transfer resistant for up to 24 hours of wear, with a two-step lip kit that the online crowd says lives up to its hype. An easy-to-apply liquid lipstick is followed by a clear topcoat lip balm designed to lock in hydration (and color).

Pro tip:

“For an exaggerated look, first you’ll likely go for bolder, more pigmented formulas,” Scibelli says. “But I'd also suggest using a lip liner to achieve this, which will define the lip and create that initial shape. Then go for a bold, long-wearing formula so that you don't risk any smudging or transferring.”

Best drugstore lipsticks with a natural look

Avendaño notes that tinted lip balms may be your best option for achieving a natural-looking lip. Another is to reach for a sheer lipstick, such as the L'Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick or the cult-favorite L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump & Shine Sheer Lipstick, which is said online to be an Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm stand in. “They give your lips such a soft and luscious feel, and over time can help improve the appearance and feel of your lips,” Avendaño says.

Prefer a liquid formula? Consider the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Lip Gloss. “This is a great option for a natural tint of color, especially if you like a glossy finish,” Scibelli says, noting that they’re nonsticky and super hydrating and even offer a slight plumping effect thanks to being formulated with hyaluronic acid.

Pro tip:

Looking to make your existing lipsticks look more natural? “You can start by lightly dabbing the color across the lips and then pressing your lips together to blend, instead of applying in the usual, swiping way,” Scibelli says. “This will give a more sheer tint of the color. You can also use a lip brush and dip it into your lipstick to achieve a light finish.”

The bottom line on drugstore lipsticks

No matter your preference for wear or the look you're aiming to achieve, the drugstore has your back. With a huge array of options to choose from - at prices that won't break the bank - use this buying guide to start your journey to a new lip look today.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.