5 Best Drugstore Lipsticks That Rival Your Designer Favorites

23.12.2025, 16:13 allure.com

Finding a lipstick that’s both high-performing and budget-friendly can feel like striking gold—but the best drugstore lipsticks prove it’s totally possible. From long-lasting mattes to hydrating satins and everything in between, we’ve tested hundreds of lipstick formulas to determine the few that deliver rich pigment and comfortable wear without sacrificing your budget. We tested each formula based on color payoff, texture, feel on the lips, and wear time, so consider this your ultimate guide to the best drugstore lipsticks to add to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revlon

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Why it’s worth it: Revlon reintroduced its viral Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm with a sleek new look, but don’t worry, the formula that’s won over beauty lovers for years is exactly the same—and now it’s earned a 2025 Best of Beauty nod from our editors. One swipe instantly explains the hype: a sheer, glassy finish that catches the light beautifully while feeling weightless. And because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and aloe, it hydrates as it glides on, leaving lips soft and smooth. The 10 buildable shades—from cult-favorite Rum Raisin to fresh, everyday nudes—prove their versatility across all types of looks, from subtle daytime to bold statements. For a drugstore lipstick that delivers luxury-level shine, comfort, and sheer, flattering color, it’s hard to beat.

Hoffman before applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Hoffman after applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

“This lipstick punches well above its price point. I won't name names, but it does remind me quite a bit of a much fancier glossy balm that I also love dearly. Revlon is always on it when it comes to their range of lip shades too—consistently nuanced and chic, which is what the drugstore girlies deserve!” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

Essence

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Essence’s The Slim Stick snagged a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Matte Lipstick—and at just $5, it’s an extra impressive win. The formula delivers rich, velvety color without any of the dryness matte lipsticks are notorious for, and the shade range is full of deep, pigmented reds we can’t get enough of. Fall-ready Brick Red offers warm brown undertones, while Nice Spice brings a brighter, orange-red pop.

Packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, and macadamia, the lipstick glides on smoothly and feels comfortable. And despite the soft, creamy feel, the staying power is seriously impressive: During Best of Beauty trials, testers reported up to eight hours of wear with no fading.

Allure senior copy manager Leslie Lipton before applying the Essence Makeup The Slim Stick

Lipton after applying the Essence Makeup The Slim Stick

Tester feedback from Allure senior copy manager Leslie Lipton

“For literally pennies—well, 499 of them—this lipstick has a creamy, matte finish with the staying power of others that cost 10 times more. The velvety, saturated color (loving Nice Spice right now) goes on after my morning coffee and lasts through lunch. Plus, the skinny, angled tip makes precise application a breeze—lip liner not required. —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager

More to know

Nyx Professional Makeup

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

Why it’s worth it: Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain does double duty: It starts as a glossy shine but dries down to a stain-like finish, so your color sticks around well after the initial shine fades. The weightless, cooling formula glides on smoothly without any tackiness, hydrating lips with coconut water, magnesium, and vitamin B12. With 16 shades—from everyday mauves to bold reds—it’s an easy, one-swipe formula way for long-lasting, fuss-free color that works for just about any occasion.

Trakoshis before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.

Trakoshis after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

“The Nyx Lip IV gives that juicy, glossy look—but feels more like a serum. It’s hydrating, super comfortable, and never sticky. What I love most is how it lasts; even after the shine wears down, it leaves behind this subtle tint that kind of works like a lip stain. My favorite shade is Caramel Drip because it pairs so nicely like a nude liner, which is something I wear every day.”—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

Maybelline New York

Target

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Why it’s worth it: Whether you prefer a matte or satin finish, the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick delivers, but whichever you choose, your lips stay hydrated. The “serum” is a nod to hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils like jojoba and moringa seed, which leave lips with a plump, healthy look. Despite its moisturizing formula, the lipstick doesn’t sacrifice color: Both finishes deliver rich, pigmented coverage without the accompanying dryness or cakiness that many matte-leaning formulas have. The satin shades offer soft, buildable shine, while the matte shades pack intense pigment with zero gloss—think all the drama of a liquid lip without the stiffness. With 16 shades to choose from, there’s a perfect option for every skin tone (and mood!).

Wohlner before applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Wohlner after applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

“If you know me, you know I can’t stand a long-wearing matte that leaves my lips looking like the Sahara. But I do love a natural-looking matte that actually hydrates—and this one hits the mark. Shade Maybe It’s (Miley Cyrus’s favorite, by the way) is my go-to everyday nude: It lasts for hours without that dry, flat matte finish. Layer a hydrating gloss on top, and you get double the moisture and a soft, polished look that feels effortless.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

Milani

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: You may not think a long-wearing liquid lipstick can also be hydrating, but Milani’s Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick flips that script. Formulated with vitamin E and avocado oil, it has a lightweight, airy texture that glides on smoothly and feels flexible. However, the color still lasts for up to 12 hours and is fully transfer-proof, giving you a true matte that feels nothing like the harsh formulas of yesteryear. It’s the perfect mix of staying power, comfort, and color payoff.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick in Main Character

Han after applying Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick in Main Character

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Milani lipsticks and I go way back, and I'm convinced the drugstore darling has some of the best formulas, period. As far as liquid lipsticks go—and I've tried my fair share—these are definitely on the more comfortable end of the spectrum, but at the end of the day, I don't expect it to be totally weightless and hydrating. I love the whipped texture and slightly softer-matte finish of Stay Put and the colors are unapologetically bold—which is what I'm here for. Like, hell yes, I'll wear Main Character and carry that energy forward.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

Kiko Milano

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Kiko Milano’s Unlimited Double Touch Lipstick is the two-in-one lippie you never knew you needed. One side features a smudge-proof liquid lipstick you’ll apply as a base, and the other side features a clear gloss you can layer on top for a shiny finish. The liquid lip has a pointed applicator for drawing precise lines, while the gloss comes with a brush for effortless swiping. Beyond the convenience, it’s also seriously long-lasting. Houston-based makeup artist Rose Siard calls Unlimited Double Touch her go-to when she needs a “bulletproof” lip color that truly lasts all day. “It feels super comfortable and holds up beautifully through eating and drinking,” she says.

More to know

According to Siard, drugstore and high-end lipsticks both have their place; the latter simply has a more elegant feel. “Drugstore formulas are easy, dependable, and great when you want to play with color without spending a lot, whereas high-end lipsticks usually feel a little smoother, more refined, and the shades tend to have more depth,” she says. An example: “Drugstore long-wearing options can last forever but may feel drier, while high-end usually focuses on comfort and a softer fade.” Packaging is another big difference: Drugstore keeps it simple, while high-end gives you that little luxury moment every time you touch up. In the end, Siard says neither is “better;” it just depends on whether you’re in the mood for something practical or something a bit more special.

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best lip oils, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and board-certified dermatologists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process