The 12 Best Drugstore Lipsticks That Money Can Buy
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.
12 Best Drugstore Lipstick Picks
1. Best drugstore lipstick for fair skin
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
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
2. Best drugstore lipstick for blondes
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick
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
3. Best drugstore lipstick for brown skin
NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color
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)
4. Best drugstore lipstick for brunettes
L’Oréal Colour Riche Satin Lipstick
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
5. Best drugstore lipstick for cool undertones
Clinique Almost Lipstick
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
6. Best drugstore lipstick for dark skin
Covergirl Queen Matte Lipstick
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)
7. Best drugstore lipstick for medium skin
Milani Color Statement Lipstick
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
8. Best drugstore lipstick for olive skin
Honest Beauty Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick
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
9. Best matte drugstore lipstick
Elf Liquid Matte Lipstick
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
10. Best drugstore lipstick under $10
NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lipstick
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
11. Best liquid drugstore lipstick
Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick
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
12. Best natural drugstore lipstick
Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick
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)
