As a beauty and lifestyle writer, I’ve tested dozens of lipsticks—some luxury tubes with expensive pricetags as well as a handful of drugstore picks. The latter, which was previously thought of as subpar, has come a long way. In fact, I’ve found that drugstore lipstick can be just as good as, if not better, than some of the designer options. I theorize that’s because of how many more brands are on shelves now, and I share some of my favorite drugstore lipsticks below.
To be sure, I’m a huge fan of drugstore beauty and I’m a stan of lavish cosmetics. Read: You’ll catch me at Target looking for the best drugstore eyeshadow as frequently as you’ll see me testing the newest (and priciest) brands, like Ogee Makeup. In my experience, just because something has a steeper cost doesn’t mean it’s better.
And that’s certainly true of the 12 best drugstore lipstick options currently on the market. Keep reading to get the full list.
Based on the formula alone, this highly pigmented lipstick deserves the top spot on this list. moisturizing ingredients, like vitamin E and aloe vera. Add to that the fact that the shade range is expansive (more than 130 shades, thank you very much!) and you’ve got plenty of reasons to purchase a Super Lustrous Lipstick.
Available on Amazon ($8) | Also available on Ulta
I usually face the world with little to no makeup on. When I’m feeling edgy, I’ll apply lipstick—and, reader, that’ll usually be one of the 40 lip colors from Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick. This pick provides full coverage and still has a smooth finish as opposed to matte.
Available on Amazon ($7) | Also available on Target
I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is one of my favorite drugstore beauty products of all time. It’s great because it comes in more than 30 shades, lasts the entire night, is highly pigmented, and Total Baller is great on darker skin tones. I also love that you can wear it as intended—with a whole lot of gloss and shine—or as a matte lipstick.
In terms of ingredients, this 0.22-ounce tube contains macadamia seed oil and coriander fruit oil, which are great for the skin on your lips. Considering that it’s only $12, you couldn’t go wrong buying a shade or 5. After all, that’s what you’d be spending on luxury lipsticks.
Available on Amazon ($12)
L’Oréal is probably one of the most popular drugstore brands out there. They’ve got mascara, blush, foundation—you name it. However, one of the standout products is this Colour Riche Satin Lipstick. It’s available in 52 shades, but if you’re a brunette like me, I’d recommend 760 Silverstone.
Available on Amazon ($9) | Also available on Ulta and Target
The girls who know about beauty go wild when you bring up this product. For real—social media loves it, editors love it, and I love it. What sets this apart from the rest of the pack is that, as its name states, it’s almost lipstick. It’s not super pigmented, but it provides an undeniably chic tint.
Available on Amazon ($23) | Also available on Sephora and Ulta
One of the biggest concerns with matte lipsticks is that a formula dries out your lips. However, Covergirl’s Queen Matte Lipstick contains castor seed oil as the first ingredient—which actually hydrates your kisser. If you’ve been blessed with deeply melanated skin, I’d suggest you purchase the shade called Plum Palace.
Available on Amazon ($8)
This might be the best overall drugstore lipstick there is. It’s got more than 12,000 (!!!) reviews on Amazon and averages 4.4 stars. Also noteworthy is that it contains castor seed oil as well as vitamins A and C. As far as the best shade for medium skin? Perfect Peach.
Available on Amazon ($9) | Also available on Ulta and Target
One of my favorite things about Honest Beauty is that it lives up to its name and contains clean ingredients, like avocado oil and hyaluronic acid in this lipstick. The bad news: there are only eight shades of this lipstick. The good news: the shade called Off Duty is great for olive skin.
Available on Amazon ($15) | Also available on Target
Aside from the fact that this name rolls right off the tongue, the formula here is top-notch. As I previously mentioned, I tend to shop budget when I’m getting one of the few makeup products on my roster. And, reader, Elf is one of my favorite drugstore brands to shop. Plus, this is the red I always envision when I say I’m doing to don a red lip.
Available on Amazon ($8) | Also available on Elf Cosmetics
When I ask someone for a budget-conscious or affordable option, what I actually mean is I want the price point to be under $10. In case you’re in that camp with me, meet NYX’s suede matte lipstick. As you can tell, I’m a big fan of NYX—and that’s because they make long-lasting products at affordable prices.
Available on Amazon ($8) | Also available on Ulta and Target
I used to exclusively have Wet n Wild products growing up. Part of that was because it’s a budget-friendly option and the other part was because the products are good. This liquid lipstick also lasts for hours and, at $5, this lipstick’s price at time of publish is the lowest on this list.
Available on Amazon ($5) | Also available on Ulta
I love me some Burt’s Bees. I always feel good about using the products on my skin—and their lipstick is no different. This formula is infused with vitamin E, raspberry seed oil, and, of course, beeswax.
Available on Amazon ($9)
There’s nothing I love more than a good affordable lipstick or lipgloss. Back in the day I thought you had to spend a ton of money on lipstick for it to feel good and last a long time. Boy has that changed for me. I’m now obsessed with several drugstore favorites that are under $10. They can all be picked up at your local drugstore or Target. From glossy favorites, to everyday colors, to even one that survived a full night of eating and drinking, shower and 8 hours of sleep. You read that right.
Sure I have my favorite Mary Kay lipsticks, and fancy D&G lipsticks that are amazing, but sometimes it just makes sense to spend a few bucks on a great product you can keep in your bag at all times. Here are some of my personal favorites that you can find scattered around my purses, bathroom and car. Never without lipstick options!
A few weeks ago on my Instastories I shared this lipgloss with you all. I shared it A LOT because I was shocked with the staying power. I washed my face, scrubbed my lips, slept a full 8 hours and still had a bold red lip the next day. If you need a super long lasting lip this is it! I love the Matador color for a great red, and also Angora for an everyday lip.
The original L’Oréal lipgloss that kick started my obsession and seen in today’s featured image. I received a big package of these in every single color. I have a few all over my house in purses, little trinket trays and so on because I use them so often. My personal favorite colors are Spicy Blush, Wild Rose and Nude Star.
I had an event last summer and JennySue Makeup came and did my makeup for it. She did such a fabulous job and I took home two major tips. A great primer (you may remember this post) and then this lipgloss in Trés Leches. Another amazing everyday color that goes with everything. I also love how glossy it is. I’m about due for a new tube of this stuff.
While in Athens, I realized I totally forgot a lipstick for our day of shooting. Luckily Cathy had a plethora of options in her bag for me to choose from and this was what I went with. It had serious staying power and was such a good punch of red. It’s not as powerful as the L’Oréal Matte that survived a full nights sleep, but it’s not far behind!
If you’re into lipstick, you’re probably familiar with NARS Schiap. A popular hot hot pink that’s just so fun to wear. You’ve seen me wear it over and over again here and here. This lipstick in Matte Mandate is the best knock off I’ve seen of it. It also, in my opinion, wears so much better over a few hours than NARS’ pricier version.
Photo by Sydney Bruton Photography