Maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I’m just annoying or overly self-conscious or annoyingly over self-conscious. It’s very silly to think about but essentially I have a pseudo-stalker, middle school crush-esque relationship with lipstick.
If you show my picture to the cashiers at any CVS or Target and ask if they recognize me, they’d reply “Oh, you mean the girl who lives in the makeup aisle?” without even batting an eye.
It is there where I stare longingly at the gorgeous lipsticks on display, picking up the tubes one by one and fantasizing about the day I’d be cool enough to actually wear them. I’ve always been envious of girls who wear lipstick, admiring their confidence and fashion ferocity. But me? The colors are so beautiful but I’d just look stupid. It was comical to even think I could ever be allowed to graduate from my tinted lip balm training wheels. No matter how much I wished it, it was not in my cards to be a Girl Who Wears Lipstick.
TRIVIA TIME: Do you know what separates Girls Who Wear Lipstick from women who don’t?
Wearing lipstick.
This whole thing sounds positively ludicrous, I know. But when life is stressful, overwhelming and often confusing, it gets easier and easier to feel unenthusiastic about yourself. And that sucks. Top it all off with chronically chapped lips that don’t look supple and glamorous despite all the water consumed and super-strength chapstick purchased and I’ve been feeling like all sorts of nasty grossness.
A realization struck. It was time to kill two birds with one stone pet multiple dogs with one hand. I could infuse more fun into my life, make my lips pretty, and actualize my personal style/makeup aisle fantasies in one simple and cost-effective way:
Wearing lipstick.
Drugstore lipsticks are a wonderful way to boost your look, mood, and confidence without spending a whole lot (compared to fancy makeup brands, at least). A little pop of color can certainly go a long way! Here are the ones I picked up:
I researched the hell out of my options before unleashing my beast in the closest makeup aisle, ultimately deciding on the shades above. Sure, I could make my selections just based on what struck my fancy in the store, but then
a) my shopping basket would overfloweth, and
b) I’d be broke.
My lips are pretty pigmented to start with (I think that’s the terminology? Please excuse the newbie) and my Norwegian skin is not unlike a ball of fresh mozzarella. So, I thank the beauty bloggers with similar skin/lip tones whose pictures I stalked for three days straight to ensure I was making okay choices.
1. Closed mouth smiles are really hard. Like, really hard. Am I in pain? Disgusted? Uncomfortable? About to burst into tears? No, I’m just trying to smile with my mouth shut so you can actually see the lipstick. While apparently looking like a Grade A goober.
2. No lip liner was used in the making of this blog post. I’m the queen of simplicity and winging it. And I don’t have the attention span or patience yet.
3. Lipstick shades look different depending on the lighting, camera, and computer monitor. I tried to show you multiple pictures — from both my digital camera and smartphone — for the shades I felt weren’t accurately represented in my initial photos. Annoyingly, that may have been for naught because they all look different depending on what computer/phone screen you’re using. Hmph!
4. There are a lot of awkward selfie armpits. Avoiding them was a struggle. Also, please excuse my wild, frizzy hair — I took these photos #straightoutta the shower.
Let’s go!
Getting a “nude” lipstick shade was on my to-do list, and I feel surprisingly satisfied with my first pick! “Nude and the City” doesn’t appear too brown, wash me out too much, or look generally heinous — so, good things all around. I feel that the shade looks natural and subtle enough on me to the point where I’d be comfortable wearing it most places. It’s like my bare lips but photoshopped for smoothness and consistency!
Unfortunately the smell is not the best; it’s a little sunscreen-y. But Rimmel’s Moisture Renew formula applies very easily and is forgiving of lip imperfections, so the pros outweigh the stank.
The shade “Nude and the City” isn’t included on Rimmel’s website, but you can visit the page to check out some of the other Moisture Renew Lipstick colors.
I was a little wary of picking a true pink-y lipstick because of a bad, clown-like experience I had many moons ago. Baby Kelsey went to the store and spontaneously purchased a tube of lipstick, solely because it was in the deep discount bin. Needless to say, it turned out to be a horrific, overly-saturated and cheapy-looking BRIGHT PINK when applied. So then I thought, “Oh, that’s probably why it was in the deep discount bin.” But looking at my receipt, it became clear that someone had placed it there by accident. It was a terrible and terribly expensive mishap.
Luckily, there are nicer true pink-y shades out there. Revlon’s “Pink in the Afternoon” is rumored to be the closest color you can get to the famous lipstick Audrey Hepburn wears in Breakfast at Tiffany’s — if it’s not the color itself. Word on the street is that this shade was discontinued and therefore very difficult to locate. Interestingly, I found a healthy stock of them in the CVS down the street. Who knows!
This is a cute color. “Pink in the Afternoon” has a slight peach pop to it that gives off a classy summer vibe. Now that fall is officially here I’ll probably have to put this one away, but I do enjoy it! You can visit Revlon’s website to look through more shades from the Super Lustrous lipstick line (yup, there are 82 of them).
Okay, I’m just going to jump right into this one. Maybelline’s “Touch of Spice” is probably the loveliest lipstick shade I have ever seen.
It may not translate well in the photos, but the mauve-y tones in “Touch of Spice” play off my green eyes nicely — each making the other pop just a bit more.
Contrasting with my pale baby skin, the shade is probably a bit too deep for everyday/work wear (which you can see more in the smartphone photo included on the left). However, you can bet that I’m wearing “Touch of Spice” to any special event I attend this fall! It’s just way too pretty, especially for this time of year.
You can visit Maybelline’s website to check out more Color Sensational Creamy Matte lipstick shades.
Nyx’s Butter Lipstick formula is something special (unlike those dork-o photos above). It’s so light and creamy that after a few minutes I completely forgot that I was wearing lipstick.
The shade “Pops Explosif” is sort of a mix between “Touch of Spice” and “Pink in the Afternoon.” It’s a more everyday mauve that also has a distinct pink hue. Definitely another good one.
I’m for sure going to go back to the store for more Butter Lipsticks because the formula is so nice and the colors so fun! Like Rimmel’s Moisture Renew line, it’s also pretty forgiving of lip imperfections when applied. You can see more of Nyx’s Butter Lipstick shades on their website.
I picked up “Divine Wine” as a wild card, thinking it would be WAY too dark for my skin. But… I can dig it.
In real life, “Divine Wine” looks less like the red berry color captured by my digital camera above and more like a deep brick red, closer to the smartphone photo on the left. Reminder: Closed mouth smiles are really hard.
While it’s definitely not for everyday wear (on me at least), I can’t wait to feel like a super classy fancy lady rocking this red at a suave affair.
“Divine Wine” is also one of Maybelline’s Color Sensational Creamy Mattes, which you can see here.
Last but not least, I decided to buy a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid for some casual, sheerer color. Revlon’s Colorburst Lip Butter collection is great! (Again, unlike those utterly attractive pictures above). “Creme Brulee” adds a caramel tint to my lips, slightly muting their natural bright pinkness. This is the only product I bought with shimmer — I definitely prefer mattes, but since this is more of a gloss I don’t mind too much.
This was my first experience with the Colorburst Lip Butter line, and I really like it! I’m definitely going back to the store to get more shades. Perhaps… all the shades… This gloss line may replace my Maybelline Baby Lips obsession of yesteryear. Too bad it’s twice the price (#womp). It might be worth it!
Take a look at Revlon’s website to explore more Colorburst Lip Butter shades.
Lipstick obviously can’t solve all your problems. But venturing outside your comfort zone and dropping a few bucks at your local drugstore can certainly provide a priceless, unexpected pick-me-up.
It’s honestly really stupid that I denied myself something just because I decided somewhere along the way, without proper evidence, that it’s for everyone else but me. That the most I can do is watch everyone else from afar because I can’t pull it off. It doesn’t make any sense.
If you feel that way about anything, just give it a try — okay? I’m pretty happy with my lipstick selections, and am definitely glad I took the plunge.
Anyway, let me know which shade you like best in the poll below! Also feel free to comment with your favorite drugstore lipstick brand, line, and/or shade that I didn’t explore yet!
I’m excited to see your thoughts!
Happy lipstick exploring!
Kelsey
Updated on
Feb 22, 2024
Written by Sayantani Deb , Makeup & Beauty Writer
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process
Peep into a woman’s makeup vanity and boom, you will find that it is populated with favorite lipsticks of every shade for all occasions. However, finding the perfect one is no less than a daunting task, especially when you are tight on your budget. So, we have got you covered with the best drugstore lipsticks.
Such lipsticks are easy on the pocket but trust us, they offer enchanting results just as the high-end brands. Our contributor Maya Adivi, a certified makeup artist, says, “I think there are a lot of drugstore lipsticks that are just as good as high-end ones! From Maybelline to Essence, there are a lot of drugstore lipsticks with beautiful colors, formulas, and longevity. That said, I do find that the packaging is a lot more elegant when shopping high-end, but that doesn’t make drugstore lipsticks less charismatic.”
Drawing from our experiences, drugstore lipsticks are available in a variety of types, shades, formulations, and finishes to suit your needs and personal preferences. You will find drugstore liquid lipsticks for some affordable yet commendable glam, long-wear lipsticks to rock your pout throughout the day, and matte lipsticks to suit all of your everyday sassy looks.
Let us also tell you that drugstore lipsticks are a great addition to the lip products that you have been using for months as some of them are loaded with the goodness of vitamins and oils. Having said that, considering factors like color payoff, texture, finish, formula, pigmentation, and wear, we have created a comprehensive list of the finest lipsticks for you.
Come along with us to check out all of the budget-friendly options and explore the world of astounding drugstore lipsticks! We bet you won’t leave empty-handed!
This lipstick is bound to make you fall in love with its creamy and sheer finish. Living up to its name, Revlon’s Super lustrous lipstick adds the perfect bling to your lips while keeping them moisturized with avocado oil and vitamin E. It comes in many shades that are suitable for various skin tones. And the best part is, its formula is also highly pigmented and long-lasting, making it the best fit for everyday use!
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a lipstick that stays on your lips all day long without smudging or smearing, then your search ends with L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche lipsticks. This range comes in a variety of gorgeous creamy and super-pigmented shades that can be worn for an everyday look or for creating bold statement looks. It’s infused with the goodness of argan oil and vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated and plump.
Pros
Cons
Cult’s favorite for all the right reasons, this crayon lipstick by Maybelline comes with a precise tip, so you can outline and fill your lips with the same product. It has a rich and creamy formula that glides like butter. You will love its long-lasting formula that doesn’t smudge or fade even for long hours. The Super Stay Ink crayon lipstick comes in numerous shade options, all so astounding that it is hard to choose just one.
Pros
Cons
This one’s for my matte lover girlies! Made to create the flawless dream pout, NYX’s Lip Lingerie XXL is the best drugstore liquid lipstick, which stays on your lips for up to 16 hours and doesn’t crack or fade. It has multiple color options to choose from that complement all skin tones and occasions. It has a creamy formula for easy application and a smooth finish. The cherry on top is that the lipstick is also vegan and cruelty-free. It comes in small bottles that will surely fit your pocket and budget.
Pros
Cons
Who doesn’t love lipstick that’s made with ingredients that your lips will love? Made with natural and hydrating ingredients like beeswax, moringa oil, raspberry seed oil, and vitamin E, Burt’s Bees’ Natural moisturizing lipstick gives the perfect satin finish. It lasts up to 8 hours and comes in beautiful shades, varying from everyday nudes to classic reds and everything in between. Another reason to buy it — the lipstick does not contain parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum.
Pros
Cons
Infused with SPF 25, L'Paige lipsticks are also hypo-allergenic so people with sensitive skin don’t have to worry. They come in a frosted finish and different shades that go well with various skin tones. What’s more? It is formulated with aloe vera and beeswax for keeping your lips moisturized and full. We loved how smoothly this lipstick goes on the lips! It is truly lightweight as well, making it perfect for everyday use!
Pros
Cons
Another astounding range of matte lipstick on our list, this one surely needs a place in your makeup box. It applies smoothly and dries to give a soft matte finish that won’t crack or transfer and will surely stay on your lips for 8-12 hours. It gets its moisturizing silky formula from jojoba oil and vitamin E which will give your lips the care and nourishment they deserve. Also, as one of the best drugstore matte lipsticks, Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free too, in case you are not convinced already.
Pros
Cons
Made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that your lips will love, this lipstick from Gabriel Cosmetics is a hidden gem. It comes in a diverse range of shades with a velvety finish that is guaranteed to look good on whoever applies it. It has a long-lasting and enriching formula made with a petrochemical-free base of Candelilla wax and honest ingredients like jojoba seed and aloe vera. You surely won’t have to worry about chapped lips or faded lipstick after using this product.
Pros
Cons
A hydrating creamy-finish lipstick, that comes in the coolest packaging? Yes, please! Unhesitatingly a great pick as it is super pigmented and lasts on your lips all day long. It comes in 35 impressive shades which is enough to pick an everyday favorite or the perfect date night lip combo. It is made with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and avocado oil so your lips feel and look moisturized even with a single swipe.
Pros
Cons
This might be your go-to lipstick crayon from now, as it acts as both a lip liner and a lipstick. Also a great choice if you don’t want to go for liquid lipsticks but still want something in a matte and cream finish. It provides smooth and full coverage for up to 12 hours and doesn’t smudge or smear. It's lightweight and moisturizing and perfect if you love to play around with various shades to achieve a bold and different color.
Pros
Cons
This set of liquid matte lipstick from Aromi comes in unique bold shades perfect for every mood. It has a long-lasting formula that stays put and doesn’t crack even after long hours of wearing. What’s the best part? It also comes in a few beautiful metallic shades that are perfect for party looks. Topping it all off, this enchanting lipstick is cruelty-free so that your lips and environment both are loved.
Pros
Cons
The classic, never disappointing, Charlotte Tilbury’s matte revolution lipstick is truly a revolution in drugstore lipsticks. The application creates the illusion of fuller lips thanks to its 3D glowing pigments. It comes in a matte finish and has a unique square tip that works like a lip brush. Made with soothing and moisturizing ingredients without parabens, it glides easily on your lips and stays on for up to 10 hours. If you miss buying this, you are at a great loss!
Pros
Cons
While on our quest to find the best drugstore long-lasting lipstick, we bumped into this one from Bossy Cosmetics. This perfect shade is a combination of everything that is bright, bold, and beautiful. Enriched with vitamin E and vegetal glycerol, it replenishes your lips and protects it against free radicals. Secondly, it has an extra matte finish that’s comfortable and ideal for everyday wear. We agree with the Amazon reviewer who said that it doesn’t smear and its rich pigmentation is highly appreciated.
Pros
Cons
That was our comprehensive list of the best drugstore lipsticks. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.
Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best drugstore lipstick:
Ingredients: First things first — Make sure you pay heed to the list of ingredients before snagging up a good drugstore lipstick. Based on our observation, lipsticks that are enriched with lip-nourishing and hydrating ingredients like fruit extracts, vitamin E, glycerol, avocado oil, shea butter, mango butter, coconut oil, or moringa oil tend to be more moisturizing, just like Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick.
Sharing her take on the ingredients of drugstore lipsticks, our contributor Maya Adivi says, “There aren’t any specific ingredients to avoid in lipsticks. Drugstore brands are usually quite reputable, which means you can trust them to only contain safe ingredients. I do recommend watching out for any ingredients you know you’re allergic to.”
Formula: Now let’s talk about formula! Check the formula of the best long-lasting drugstore lipstick that you are getting your hands on. It is recommended to pick those that are non-toxic, vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, glutens, and other harsh ingredients, like the NYX Professional Makeup’s Lip Lingerie XXL.
Texture: The next important aspect to consider is the texture of the long-lasting drugstore lipstick that you shortlisted for yourself. Ensure that the lipstick possesses an easy-to-glide texture for mess-free application. In addition, it should be light on your lips, pigmented, and comfortable. Based on our findings, it is also wise to pick those that also have a creamy, smooth, and non-clumpy texture just like L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche.
Shade Range And Skin Types: Next, snatch a glimpse of all the shades that lipstick has to offer. You may choose a nude drugstore lipstick for minimalistic, subtle, or neutral makeup looks. It looks best on those who have fair skin tones in addition to pink lipsticks. Whereas you may rely on bold shades like brown, red, dark pink, etc to rock your party avatar. These shades particularly look great on those with darker skin tones or medium skin tones. You can check out URBAN DECAY Vice Hydrating Lipstick which is available in 35 impressive shades to compliment all your makeup looks throughout the year.
Finish Type: Lastly, analyze the finish type of your lipstick. Check whether it has a matte, semi-matte, sheer, or glossy finish. You may choose any from glossy, semi-matte, or matte drugstore lipsticks. Let us tell you that the finish type will impact your final look. For an opaque finish, you may consider URBAN DECAY Vice Hydrating Lipstick whereas matte lipstick lovers may fall in love with L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche.
Contributor: Maya Adivi, Certified Makeup artist, Click here for blog
Conclusion
That was all about the best drugstore lipsticks that you should think of investing in right away. We bet the prices of your favorite shades won’t ever haunt you, allowing you to pick one, two, or three in one go. After all, there is no limitation on the number of lipsticks that a woman can own. So, get your shopping spree started, lend your lips a pop of color, and steal the limelight effortlessly. Talking about our recommendations, you will love each one of them for their fantastic texture, coverage, and formulation. Starting from Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick with 3D glowing pigments and soothing and moisturizing formula to Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick’s natural lip-nourishing ingredients and full coverage — you shall never be disappointed.
How do you choose the best lipstick for your skin tone?
You may swatch it on your wrist or determine on the basis of your undertone. If you possess a cool undertone, then cooler shades will suit you the best. On the other hand, warm shades look more flattering on those with warm undertones.
What's the best way to apply lipstick to make it last?
You may apply a lip liner to make your lipstick last longer.
How do you choose the best lipstick to go with your makeup look?
Makeup look and complexion go hand in hand. For those with a pale complexion pick pink-toned lipsticks. Mauve tones are best for medium skin whereas berry tones are suitable for those that have darker complexion.
Are drugstore lipsticks of good quality, or do they lack in performance?
No, drugstore lipsticks never lack in performance, instead, they deliver high-end results.
Are drugstore lipsticks long-lasting, or do they require frequent reapplication?
It depends on the formulation. But usually, they are long-lasting and do not require frequent reapplication.
Can I find cruelty-free and vegan options among drugstore lipsticks?
Yes, of course, there are a few of the best cruelty-free and vegan options to consider among drugstore lipsticks.
Our certified makeup and beauty expert, Sayantani, owns a huge collection of lipsticks and drugstore brands are often her go-to. To help you add the best of the best lipsticks, she went ahead and tried and tested a few, and then enlisted her top picks. Personally, she is quite impressed with Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick which is highly pigmented, long-lasting, and enriched with lip-nourishing ingredients. If you wish to get the best bang for your buck just like her, consider splurging on her top recommendations without any second thoughts.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Sayantani Deb
Makeup & Beauty Writer
Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More