A guide to buying the best drugstore lipsticks

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

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

Start by figuring out the colors and formulations needed, then see what options are out there. To help find some not-so-hidden gems, this buying guide offers some selections from salon pros as well as tips to make the most of these drugstore lipsticks.

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Best drugstore matte lipsticks

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

One drugstore matte lipstick option is L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance liquid lipstick. Avendaño credits its popularity to the wand applicator, the range of shades and the comfortably wearing formula. Another choice is the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte lipstick, including shade 113, Le Nude Admirable. Infused with a subtle vanilla aroma, this creamy pink-taupe nude glides on sheer and may deliver a radiant finish for a wide range of skin tones.

Pro tip: According to celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli, 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. One option: Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick. This lipstick has an impressive 91-shade range and super-moisturizing formula that feels comfortable throughout the day. Whether it's bold red or deep berry, the formula can be easy to wear and can match across a range of makeup looks.

Pro tip: Since cream lipsticks are heavy on moisture, they can sometimes fade and smudge more easily. To keep a cream pout looking its best, Avendaño recommends starting with lip liner, then applying lipstick on top. "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 has 25 shades. With a quick shake to activate the formula and a swipe across the lips, this liquid pigment might wear for a longer time. Not a fan of glossy lipstick options? Probar Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink liquid lipstick. It's known for its staying power and wide shade appeal. The teardrop-shaped wand helps with application, though the formula may take a moment to set.

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.

Best drugstore long-lasting lipsticks

A popular long-lasting drugstore lipstick is the CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Moisturizing Topcoat. This moisturizing formula is designed to help stay put without transferring, making it a go-to for all-day wear. It's cruelty free and comes in 27 shades, including cinnamon, a terracotta color that can be an option for a sublet twist on the classic red lip. This product includes a liquid matte lipstick and a clear glossy topcoat to finish the look.

Pro tip: "For an exaggerated look, first someone will 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 there's no risk of 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. "They give lips such a soft and luscious feel, and over time, can help improve the appearance and feel of lips," Avendaño says. This balm-like lipstick is formulated with pomegranate extract, known for its nourishing properties that can help support softer-feeling lips. It's available in 10 shades, from neutrals to pinks and reds. It's designed to deliver a soft matte finish that can help enhance the natural look of lips.

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 someone wants 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. It's been named a "best lip tint" by many beauty editors. This lip gloss has been tested across a range of skin types, tones and ages, proving its place among trusted experts and favorites.

Pro tip: Looking to make existing lipsticks look more natural? "Start by lightly dabbing the color across the lips, and then pressing the lips together to blend, instead of applying in the usual, swiping way," Scibelli says. "This will give a more sheer tint of the color. Someone could also use a lip brush and dip it into their lipstick to achieve a light finish."

The bottom line on drugstore lipsticks

No matter a makeup-lover's preference for wear or the look they're aiming to achieve, the drugstore has their back. With a huge array of options to choose from - at prices that won't break the bank - use this buying guide to start a 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.