Lipstick the makeup item that takes your look from barefaced to bold in a single swipe. The right shade can boost your confidence, brighten your smile, and combine your makeup routine. Luxury lipsticks are costly, that’s where the magic of best drugstore lipstick comes into play.
It’s just that these affordable beauties are no longer an afterthought; they offer excellent quality, a wide array of colors and finishes.
We know, the lipstick aisle at a drugstore is an infinite nightmare, so chop that in half for yourself. That’s why we’ve assembled the very best drugstore lipsticks to shop this season.
Whether you’re after creamy nudes, a bright red lip, or something long-wearing and matte, this article has all the answers.
Photo by: Karolina Kaboompics
We’re going to break down why it’s necessary for you to get that perfect drugstore lipstick to add to your makeup bag and save some coins.
Criteria for Choosing the Perfect Drugstore Lipstick
Choosing the perfect drugstore lipstick will involve checking a few factors that are pretty much pivotal so that you can ensure you have in your hands is a safe and effective product that also augurs well with your taste and preference. Here is an in-depth guide to help you know what to consider:
1. Quality and Ingredients
Formulation:
- Natural Ingredients: Look for natural ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, and beeswax in lipsticks, which are very mild on the skin.
- Free from Harmful Chemicals: Say no to lipsticks with parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. They might cause irritation and health-related issues in the long run, or so they say.
- Dermatologist-Tested: Choose lipsticks that can be dermatologist-tested in associating safe applications to any skin type comprising sensitive skin.
Safety:
- Allergy Tested: Make sure that the lipstick is hypoallergenic, especially when one has sensitive skin.
- Non-Comedogenic: Non-comedogenic, meaning that it is not going to clog your pores, and more importantly, if you have skin prone to acne.
2. Longevity and Wear
Staying Power:
- Long-Lasting Formula: Long-lasting lipsticks shall kept for hours without needing much application.
- Non-Transfer: Look for non-transfer or smudge-proof formulations with less touch-up and resist color transfer to fabric or masks.
- Fading: So, it’s probably best to look for a lipstick that fades very gracefully without leaving those hard lines.
3. Color Range and Pigmentation
Variety of Shades:
- Inclusivity: This comes in shades that fit all skins and personal preferences, from nudes, pinks, bold reds, deep purples.
- Current Trends: Verify that the brand remains current by offering trending, fashionable, and seasonal shades and classic colors.
Pigmentation Quality:
- High Pigmentation: Exceptionally high color, almost without a brush swipe or two, can reveal the light.
- Consistency: The pigmentation should consistently apply without streaks or patches.
4. Hydration and Comfort
Moisturizing Properties:
- Hydrating Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and natural oils to keep lips moist.
- Creaminess: A creamy product is likely more emollient and has a more excellent feel.
Comfort:
- Lightweight Feel: The lipstick should not feel heavy and cakey on your lips.
- Non-Irritating: Stay away from formulations that tingle and feel weird on your lips, especially sensitive.
5. Price Point
Affordability:
- Value for Money: Quality-wise, an ideal drugstore lipstick should be at par or comparable to high-end brands, with only a fraction of the price. Think of the cost per wear.
- Budget-Friendly: This will be cheap, considering you get a lipstick that will afford you various colors, so you don’t have to feel like it will constrain your budget by prominent figures.
Quality vs. Cost:
- Compromise: Affordability should not be at the expense of quality. Sometimes, spending more within the drugstore range would get you a much superior product.
6. User Reviews and Ratings
Feedback:
- Honest Opinions: Insights into how the lipstick in question performs and lasts, collected from overall satisfaction through user reviews
- Common Complaints: Most common complaints include drying out lips, poor wear time, and uneven pigmentation.
Ratings:
- High Ratings: Quality assurance Ratings above four stars typically reflect high reliability and performance according to users’ expectations.
Top Drugstore Lipstick Brands in 2024
This can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the perfect drugstore lipstick. But worry no more! Here are the 10 most popular drugstore lipstick brands in 2024. That each has a rich history, excellent reputation, and unique standouts:
Maybelline
- History: Since 1915, Maybelline has been a drugstore powerhouse. Some say the company should be credited with producing the first mascara cake in the early 1900s!
- Reputation: Maybelline is well known for formula innovation, on-trend color collections, and service in terms of price point. They are consistently awarded by beauty editors and receive consumer acclaim.
- Lipstick Highlights: Maybelline offers some of the best shades in lipsticks, catering to both glossy and matte lovers. Simultaneously, their Baby Lips balm range offers colors with moisture in perfect balance.
Revlon
- History: Revlon has been a household name in beauty since the year 1932. They are famous for their innovative marketing campaigns starring powerhouse celebrities such as Lauren Bacall and Halle Berry.
- Reputation: Revlon is a reputed and respected brand known for its high-quality formulae, extended wear, and comfort features. The lipsticks give good color payoff and a texture described as creamy.
- Lipstick Highlights: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick has always been in the hall of fame of drugstores. It’s a cult classic providing rich color with that luxurious feeling, which is great for every day or at night out on the town. Available in neutral or in wild matte and glossy finishes.
L’Oréal Paris
- History: Launched in 1909, the L’Oréal Paris brand was created to bring a touch of Parisian luxury to the drugstore aisle. Science-based beauty has been the hallmark of the L’Oréal brand since its inception; products would always be based on the latest research.
- Reputation: L’Oréal knows how to combine affordability with premium-quality ingredients and advanced technology. Their lipsticks are loved for the feel of luxury and a range of color palettes, along with durability.
- Lipstick Highlights: L’Oréal’s line carries thousands of colors that please every whim. Find out more with the Colour Riche Lipsticks, giving a moisturizing satin finish, or get the best of both worlds with its Infallible Pro Mat Gloss to dominate your statement lip.
NYX Professional Makeup
- History: Created in 1991, NYX was launched to develop a high-quality professional makeup line based on providing cruelty-free cosmetics, mostly at budget-friendly prices. They quickly developed an enthusiastic customer base that included professional makeup artists and beauty lovers.
- Reputation: NYX is the brand for trendsetting makeup that follows the high horizon of quality, enabling it to create its product range that remains very affordable. With a vast range of shades and products, everyone will find their match made in heaven.
- Lipstick Highlights: NYX is a haven for lipstick junkies. Soft Matte Lip Cream oozes an insatiable, comfortable matte in many colors. Shine Loud Liquid Lip Color gives a bold and rich color to those who love an ultra-shine finish with lots of glossy, vinyl-like finishes.
e.l.f. Cosmetics
- History: Ee.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face) Founded in 2004, this company became very disruptive in the beauty scene with high-quality, on-trend makeup that was priced incredibly affordably. Indeed, it operates under the mission of making quality beauty products available to every person.
- Reputation: e.l.f. provides a lot for the budget-minded beauty junkie. It has a line of effective and trendy makeup products that are of great number yet do not compromise in quality.
- Lipstick Highlights: The very best affordable lipsticks that still offer quality are right here at e.l.f. These ultra-hydrating lipsticks come in a range of finishes, from sheer to full-coverage, so they are perfect for everyday use while still being able to build upon more creative or bold statement lip looks.
CoverGirl
- History: It was in 1932 when CoverGirl first took the initiative of putting diversity in the face of beauty. They were among the first to use models from various ethnic backgrounds during the advertising period.
- Reputation: CoverGirl is known for the provision of cosmetics made for a variety of skin types and for quality makeup available at drugstore price points.
- Lipstick Highlights: CoverGirl has a lot to offer in lipstick shades. Their Outlast All Day Lipcolor lasts long, and their Exhibition.
Perfect Drugstore Lipstick Picks
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink is best drugstore long lasting lipstick and a huge amount of bold matte. Here’s what you need to know about them: features, pros and cons, price point, and some of the most popular shades.
Price at time of publish: $10.99 USD Buy from Maybelline.
Features
- Liquid Lipstick: This formula is based on an applicator to allow exact application and dries down super comfortably to a matte finish.
- High-Pigment Color: SuperStay Matte Ink delivers one-stroke and full-coverage application of vivacious color without tons of coats.
- Long-Wearing: It can last on your lips for up to 16 hours without smudging or transferring.
- Comfortable Wear: Surprisingly comfortable for a matte finish, the SuperStay Matte Ink feels very lightweight on the lips.
Pros and Cons
Price:
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink is usually around $10, which is quite a good deal for high-performance wear.
Best Shades:
- Heroine: True red, universally flattering on many skin tones.
- Fighter: A deep, vampy plum lipstick that’s great for emphasis on the lips..
- Lover: A soft, dusty rose perfect for everyday wear.
- Voyager: A warm, brown-nude to pull off that natural, but put-together look.
- Annihilator: Classic, bold blue-red that will literally take their breath away.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick is the best drugstore red lipstick. A fan favorite since 1952, it gives a lush feel, high color payoff, and the comfort of lips. Here are the main features, pros, cons, price point, and some of the best shades to try:
Price at time of publish: $9.99 USD buy from Revlon.
Features
- Creamy Formula: The Super Lustrous lipsticks are known for their smooth, moisture-infused feel that glides onto lips easily. Infused with vitamin E, it helps keep lips soft and moisturized.
- Rich Color Payoff: With one swipe, you get an intense opaque color that will look good on most skin tones. Buildable formula: You can play around with the intensity for a sheer wash or bold, dramatic look.
- Classic Satin Finish: This Super Lustrous comes in a beautifully smooth finish that gives off that shining effect without being greasy or tacky.
- Wide Shade Range: From timeless nudes and pretty pinks to bold reds and vampy plums, you name it. There is a shade for every perfect mood and moment.
Pros and Cons
Price
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick would have usually retailed for $8-10.
Best Shades
- Black Cherry: It has the classic red color, which flatters everyone, with just a slight hint of blue undertone.
- Super Lustrous: The debut red in the range, this gives a vibrantly energetic pop of color.
- Pink in the Afternoon:A soft, everyday pink that’s perfect for going with natural makeup.
- Stone Ground: A warm, rich nude fit for all skin tones.
- Storm Warning: A deep plum color that is just right for a powerfully dramatic and bold lip.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick is best drugstore nude lipstick. Remains within reach of all beauty lovers with its high-impact color and hydrating formula.
Price at time of publish: $9.99 USD buy from lorealparisusa.
Features
- Hydrating Formula: Made with vitamin E and omega three fatty acids, this lipstick keeps the lips moisturized to avoid cracking and drying.
- Satin Finish: Colour Riche’s classic satin finish gives you a touch of luminescence for a voluptuous, rich look.
- Wide Shade Range: L’Oréal provides an extensive range. There is something for everybody, from classic nudes and everyday pinks to bold reds and on-trend berry tones.
Pros and Cons
Price
The price of L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick can vary depending on the retailer, but it typically falls within the range of $8-$12 USD.
Best Shades
Choosing the perfect shade depends on your skin tone and preference. However, here are some of the most popular Colour Riche shades:
- For Nudes: Nude (Beige)” and “Guise incognito (Incognito Beige)” are the perfect colors.
- For Pinks: Pink in Paris” and Pink) ” bring a touch of sweetness.
- For Reds: Pure Rouge” is the classic red lip, and (Temptation Red)” is a bolder, statement red.
- For Berries: “Fairest Nude” and “Beguiling Berry” work great in any berry shade for a touch of color.
NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
Price at time of publish: $5.95 USD to $7 USD buy from Amazon, $7 USD buy from nyxcosmetics.
The NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream is best drugstore matte lipstick. A beloved product by makeup fanatics and regular trend followers. Comfortable formula, which you can wear all day, exists with dozens of colors in options—everyday wearable to those reserved for days with a dramatic flair.
Features
- Creamy Formula: This Soft Matte Lip Cream is in stark opposition to the usual matte lipstick; it has a buttery formula that feels very creamy and goes smoothly without feeling cakey.
- Soft Matte Finish: Get an utterly pretty soft matte finish that looks sophisticated without sinking into lines or drying out your lips like a complete matte finish.
- Highly Pigmented: This formula is fully saturated with rich, dense pigments, giving full coverage of color in each swipe.
- Vast Shade Range: NYX has the most beautiful range, starting from everyday nudes and muted pinks to bold reds, then edgier blues and of-the-moment vampy hues.
Pros and Cons
Price
The NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream is a steal, typically priced between $6-$8 USD
Best Shades
With such a vast shade range, choosing the perfect color can be overwhelming. Here are some of the most popular Soft Matte Lip Cream shades to get you started:
- For Nudes: “Stockholm” and “Abu Dhabi” are perfect for everyday wear.
- For Pinks: “Copenhagen” and “Pink Slip” offer a variety of pink tones for different preferences.
- For Reds: “Amsterdam” is a classic red, while “Monte Carlo” provides a bolder, blue-toned red.
E.L.F. Cosmetics SRSLY Satin Lipstick
e.l.f. Cosmetics is a best drugstore lipstick for fair skin. It is popular to provide top-tier makeup at the lowest of prices, and their SRSLY Satin Lipstick is no exception. Any beauty aficionado will appreciate this creamy, comfortable satin finish for everyday wear and a night out on the town.
Price at time of publish: $3 USD buy from elfcosmetics, Check price at Amazon.
Features
- Satin Finish: The fully creamed, cushiony feel of SRSLY Satin Lipstick gives a luxuriously creamy, comfortable satin finish that leaves lips with light-reflecting benefits to enhance the look.
- Creamy Formula: Creamy formula enriched with shea butter and vitamin E lightly hydrates and glides effortlessly across the lips, never pulling or tugging.
- Buildable Color: The formula allows the color to be built up. It’s a one-swipe layer for a sheer wash of color or a multiple-layer application for an intense and utterly opaque look.
- Diverse Shade Range: e.l.f. SRSLY Satin Lipstick comes in a bevy of shades, accommodating an intensive yet widely varying range of skin tones and color preferences. Nobody should lack a shade, from bare nude beiges to daring plums.
Pros and Cons
Price
True to its budget-friendly nature, the e.l.f. Cosmetics SRSLY Satin Lipstick is priced incredibly well, typically ranging between $3-$5 USD.
Best Shades
With a vast shade range, picking the perfect shade can be overwhelming. Here are some popular options to get you started:
- For Nudes: “Buff” and “Teddy Bare’ both give a fabulous subtle shade for daily wear.
- For Pinks: “Pink Suede” and “Perfect Pink,” soft and feminine.
- For Reds: Pink lovers will have Berry Sangria, your timeless, more wearable red, versus Ruby Rush, a more dramatic statement red.
- For Berries:“Black Cherry” is an ideal deep berry shade, while “Mulberry Mayhem” provides a less dense version of fruitiness
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color with Topcoat
Price at time of publish: $8.19 USD buy from Amazon.
Best drugstore liquid lipstick in drugstores; this one offers comfort and stays on. This long-lasting lipstick will last the whole of your busy day. It is also best drugstore lipstick for mature lips.
Features
- Long-lasting Formula: The central star is the highly long-wearing formula that promises to stay on for up to 24 hours with minimum touch-ups.
- Two-Step System: Apply the Outlast All-Day Lip Color with a color coat before applying the clear topcoat. The topcoat fixes the color and holds it in place.
- Comfortable Wear: Outlast All-Day Lip Color, even with its long-wearing formulation, is surprisingly comfortable. It is formulated with moistening agents so one’s lips do not become dry and cracked.
- Shade Range: CoverGirl has a good range of shades, with nudes, pinks, and reds most easily found, for use in everyday or classic looks.
Pros and Cons
Price
CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color is a budget-friendly option, typically priced around $7-$10 USD
Best Shades
- For Nudes: “Natural Rose” and “Tawny Beige” are great for everyday.
- For Pinks: “Pink Blush” and “Spiced Rose” offer a touch of color great on endless skin tones.
- For Reds: “Classic Red” offers a timeless red lip, while “Crimson” is your slightly bolder option.
Tips for Applying and Maintaining Lipstick
Detailed lip work is a key to making your whole makeup perfect. Here is a guide to ensure your lips are perfectly prepped, your color goes on flawlessly, and your lipstick stays put all day long:
Prep Your Lips
- Exfoliation is Key: Dry, flaky lips make lipstick apply unevenly. One to two times a week, gently exfoliate the lips with a sugar scrub or a wet washcloth to remove dead skin cells and keep lips smooth.
- Moisture Makes a Difference: Happy lips are hydrated lips! Put lip balm with sun protection factor on 15 minutes before putting lipstick on. It will plump your lips, keep them from drying out, and let your lipstick go on much smoother and last longer.
Application Techniques
- Line and Define: Sharpen your lip liner and line the outside of your natural lip line for fuller-looking lips. Choose a nude pencil color that matches or is just a bit darker than your lipstick to define.
- Fill It In: For extended wear, fill the whole lip with the lip liner. This could be a base for the lipstick, and keep the lipstick in check to not bleed outside the line.
- Brush for Precision: Use a lip brush for added precision when applying your lipstick. This will allow you to control the application and work your way to clean lines. Start by blending out from the middle of your lips.
- Blot for Perfection: Blot your lips on a tissue to remove extra product. This ensures that the color does not feather and bleed, making it look good and natural. Apply a second coat of lipstick if you want something more intense.
Making It Last
- Setting the Stage: Ever careful, dust over your lips with the sheerest of setting powders through a tissue to put the lip pencil and help along your matte finish.
- Oil is the Enemy: Avoid oily or greasy foods. They will only break down your lipstick. Go with finger foods, or use that straw for your drinks.
Touch-Up Tips
- Carry a Compact Mirror: Carry a compact that can be used for re-application. Keep the compact close to your lipstick in your bag so you can easily do this on impulse.
- Strategic Touches: Target the areas where the lipstick may have rubbed off first, e.g., in the center of your lips. Reapply with a light color on the lip brush and blend it outward to prevent a cakey mess.
- Blotting Before Reapplication: Just like previously mentioned, blot lips again before reapplying to eliminate excess oil and any build-up of product on the lip from the last application. Doing this provides a smooth and even re-application.
Conclusion
In the final act, the correct 2024 drugstore lipstick will embrace a triad: quality, affordability, and satisfying personal needs. Drugstore lipsticks represent the best opportunity for a beauty lover to own something tremendous but still within their budget.
The main criteria here include the formulation, extended wear, shade range, and hydration. There are performance and value products, and all have established brand names: Maybelline, Revlon, L’Oreal, NYX, e.l.f., and CoverGirl.
You sure will be set with these picks—long-wearing, richly pigmented, or in hydrating comfort. Lastly, learn how to apply and maintain the lipstick to up your makeup game. Depending on good prep, application techniques, and touch-up strategies, the lipstick will stay in place all day.
With these at-your-disposal guides, find yourself the best drugstore lipstick for those pocket-friendly magnificent makeup looks for 2024.
FAQs
In general, yes. The lipsticks sold at the drugstore are subject to safety guidelines. But, if you’ve an irritable skin type, it’s recommended to conduct the test on a patch prior to applying any new lipstick.
Think about the tone of your face, your undertone (cool or warm) neutral) as well as the occasion. Find shades that compliment the natural color of your lips as well as desired appearance.
Matte: The least glossy, highest value of color, but it is drying.
Satin: A balance between gloss and matte, gives a subtle sheen, pleasant to wear.
Glossy: Shiny finish is reflective of light and appears like plumper, but it’s not as durable
Lipstick is a source of bacteria, and it’s excellent to change it every two to three years. If you notice a change in the smell or texture, you should replace it earlier.
