The 10 Best Drugstore Lipsticks Under $20
The 10 Best Drugstore Lipsticks Under $20
There’s a method for choosing the perfect lipstick. First, find the color. It should be rich in pigment with the correct undertones that pair perfectly with your skin tone. Second: The formula. You want a creamy lipstick that stays put for hours, better yet, all day long. And finally, the cost. While there are some lippies worth the investment, there’s something oddly satisfying about getting a quality lip color that doesn’t break the bank. Enter: Drugstore lipsticks.
Often overlooked and under-appreciated, there are some drugstore lipsticks that truly deliver. Celebrity makeup artist, Andrew Sotomayor says finding a good lipstick, no matter the price, depends on what’s good for you. “It should feel comfortable on your lips and look beautiful,” he says. “Good lipsticks should also stay put for a reasonable amount of time and be made of non-toxic ingredients.” And even though you can’t swatch on colors before buying in the drugstore, most mass retailers do allow for returns if you’re not satisfied. That way, you’re not stuck with a formula you don’t like.
To help ease your search (and save you money, too), here are the 10 creamiest, most hydrating, smudge-free lipsticks drugstore can offer.
1) Maybelline Color Sensational Made For All Lipstick
Maybelline
ulta.com
$5.94
We’ve all been there—swiping on a new lipstick that doesn’t quite look right against our skin tone. This collection was made to solve that problem. Every shade was tested on 50 different skin tones so you're almost guaranteed it'll look good on yours too. Plus it’s available in satin and matte finishes.
2) NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Lipstick
NYX Professional Makeup
target.com
$6.99
If lipstick and lip gloss had a baby, it’d be this hydrating formula. It applies like a gloss, but finishes like a matte lipstick and lasts all day long. It’s also infused with avocado oil and vitamin E so you don’t have to worry about cracking or peeling mid-day. Another perk: It's waterproof!
3) Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
Maybelline
ulta.com
$9.49
This lippie can be applied like a crayon which makes it practically fool-proof. The lasting ink technology keeps the color locked in place no matter how much you eat or sip.
4) Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Revlon
amazon.com
$4.97
Thanks to avocado oil and vitamin E, this lipstick gives your pout a natural-looking sheen. And TBH, it feels ah-mazing while you wear it too. It’s also available in 44 shades so the options are endless.
5) Neutrogena Moisturesmooth Color Stick
Neutrogena
amazon.com
$9.89
If you’re not huge into bold lips, this one is for you. It gives a hint of color without looking like you’re actually wearing lipstick. And since it’s uber hydrating, it doubles as a balm, too.
6) Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick
Burt's Bees
amazon.com
$5.99
If you’re opting to clean up your cosmetics, this natural lipstick is worth a try. It’s rich in pigment and infused with beeswax, moringa oil, and raspberry seed oil that help to soften and nourish your pout.
7) WINKY LUX Flower Balm
WINKY LUX
nordstrom.com
$16.00
It looks like a transparent lip balm, but this stain actually reacts with the pH levels in your lips to give you a truly unique flush of pink on your pout. It’s great for days when you want to sport a no-makeup makeup look. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
8) The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick
The Lip Bar
target.com
$12.99
All of this black-owned brand’s lippies are award-worthy, but the matte version is the real winner, IMHO. Unlike other matte formulas, this liquid lipstick is super hydrating so it doesn’t make lips look flakey or textured. Bonus: There’s a shade to match every outfit or mood.
9) CoverGirl Online Only Exhibitionist Metallic Lipstick
CoverGirl
ulta.com
$7.99
Metallic finishes can be tricky to wear. You want glimmer and shine, but looking like a preteen playing in your Mom’s makeup is completely out of the question. This collection has just enough shimmer without going overboard and look great with a clear gloss on top.
10) L'Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor
lorealparisusa.com
$12.99
If color bleeding and fading is your top concern, this two-fer is definitely worth swiping on. One side is a rich pigment lipstick and the other is a color sealing balm that locks the formula into place for up to 24 hours. And if you feel your lips getting dry throughout the day, simply reapply the color sealing balm for extra hydration.
Collect 'em all.