15 Best Drugstore Lipsticks You Can Order on Amazon—All Under $10
Updated: Nov. 30, 2022Add a pop to your pout, without breaking the bank.
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Affordable and amazing
A great lipstick can be your greatest accessory. Depending on your mood or where you’re going, selecting the right shade or formula can really enhance your look. For example, a pinky nude can make you appear more polished, while a matte formula can have serious staying power on a long night out. But finding the best lipstick for your skin tone isn’t always easy—or affordable. Or is it? Once you check out our list of the best drugstore lipsticks, you’ll change your mind. They’re all under $10 (and some are even less than $4!), and they don’t sacrifice quality or style one bit.
“Many of the big iconic brands share the same manufacturer as more affordable brands,” reveals makeup artist Anthony Giles. “Certain colors may be formulated for certain brands, but often the formulas are the same.” That means these inexpensive finds may have the exact same formula as some of the fancier brands. The question is: Which ones are best?
How we narrowed down our lipstick picks
We know—there are so many options out there, from the best nude lipsticks to the best highly pigmented glosses to the best tinted lip balms. Or maybe you’re looking for something from a natural makeup brand or a Black-owned makeup brand. We consulted top makeup artists for their favorites, as well as scoured the products with thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon to bring you the best of the best, in every category. Buy one or buy a bunch—they’re so inexpensive, you can afford to go a little crazy!
Best long-lasting formula: L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Lip Color
Perfect for work, date night, and everything in between, this drugstore lipstick involves a two-step application with color and a sealing balm that promises to last 24 hours—and it really does. “This stuff doesn’t come off until you take it off with makeup remover or soap and water,” says verified Amazon reviewer Riki, one of the 1,800-plus happy customers who gave it five stars. Makeup that stays put without smudging? Yes, please! If you’re looking for more products that go the distance, check out the best sweatproof makeup that stands up to even the hottest days.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented color
- Long-lasting formula
- 19 shades to choose from
Con:
- Can be tough to remove
Best red: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Ravish Me Red
You can’t go wrong with a bright red lipstick—especially one that’s under five bucks! This high-definition lip color from Revlon is moisturizing but doesn’t feel heavy, thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil. But it’s the color that really makes this pick a standout. “A cooler-toned red has the tendency to be universally flattering on most skin tones,” says Emily Brafford, a makeup artist in Telluride, Colorado, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Ravish Me Red. Cool undertones, by the way, have blue and pink bases; warm undertones have peachy and yellow hues.
Pros:
- Moisturizing
- Buildable color
Con:
- The creamy formula may wear off after a while
Best matte lipstick: Milani Amore Matte Lip Crème
A matte finish is oh-so-chic. The only problem? It can also be drying, and that can make lips look cakey and feel less than amazing. But that’s not the case with Milani’s Amore Matte Lip Crème, according to 3,400 five-star Amazon reviewers. The liquid-to-matte formula slicks on easily and dries to look velvety and smooth—without cracking or creasing. Another way to ensure a matte lipstick doesn’t look chalky or dry? Slather on a lip balm first. Dr. Pawpaw’s multipurpose soothing balm is one of the most popular and hydrating options out there.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use contoured applicator
- Long-lasting
Con:
- Dries quickly, sometimes making it hard to clean up mistakes
Best range of deep shades: IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick
Rock a dark lip with confidence. IMAN Cosmetics specializes in deep lip shades—think plum, brick red, chocolate, and more. This makes them a terrific option for women with medium to deep skin tones, earning them a top spot on this list of the best drugstore lipsticks. Since the shades are so dark, you can dab on just a little for a softer, diffused look. Want more coverage? “Glide the hydrating formula on, then blot to help prevent your lipstick from bleeding. Add another coat, and blot again,” advises Shanell Sorrells, a makeup artist in New York City.
Pros:
- Great for deeper skin tones
- Moisturizing, creamy formula
- Semi-matte finish
Con:
- Limited range of lighter shades
Best natural brand: Burt’s Bees Matte Lip Crayon
Burt’s Bees is a favorite among those looking for more natural makeup, and this colored matte crayon uses 100 percent natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba oil. It also doesn’t have any added flavors or fragrances. Why might you want a lip crayon as opposed to a traditional lipstick? “A crayon applicator gives you great control and allows you to be precise,” says Brafford. This one comes in six stunning shades from pink and red to purple.
Pros:
- Goes on smoothly
- Moisturizing
- Free of harmful ingredients
Con:
- Limited shade range
Best pink: Palladio Velvet Matte Cream Lip Color in Cashmere
This soft pink shade is minimalistic, but it’s truly all you need to look more put together instantly. And it looks good on just about every skin tone. Perhaps even better, the matte texture shines effortlessly. “It’s a really nice dupe for more expensive liquid lipsticks,” says Giles. The lipstick glides on and then dries to a velvet finish without cracking or flaking.
Pros:
- Universally flattering shade
- Matte finish
Con:
- Not completely transfer-proof
Best crayon: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick
Add a pretty sheen to your pout while hydrating it at the same time. These crayons go on more like a balm than a lipstick—but that doesn’t mean the colors are snoozy. They have a slight shimmer to them to give your lips a nice glow, and the pointed tip also makes application a breeze. Verified Amazon reviewer Cat says it’s her go-to. “It leaves lips soft and doesn’t dry out,” she writes. “I put it on and don’t have to reapply for hours.” Choosing the right lip color and formulation is just one of the makeup rules you should know by the time you’re 40.
Pros:
- Shimmery finish
- Sheer coverage
- Hydrating
Con:
- Available in just five shades
Best nude: CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Honeyed
Nude hues don’t have to be boring, and this shade from CoverGirl proves it. “True nude lipstick can wash you out,” says Rachel Hill, a makeup artist in Austin, Texas. “That’s why you want one that has hints of another color—like caramel or pink.” This one has a bit of a honey hue that is subtle but impactful thanks to a slight shimmer. It also lasts for up to 24 hours (yes, you read that right!), and that’s partly due to its two-step application process. First, you slick on the color; then you apply the included balm to keep lips looking dewy. It has been said that women who wear nude lipstick are warm and caring—find out what your favorite lipstick hue says about you.
Pros:
- Extremely long-lasting
- Moisturizing
Con:
- Can be drying without the top coat
Best gloss: NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss
More than 43,000 five-star ratings don’t lie. This gloss comes in a wide range of sweet-sounding shades like Tiramisu and Angel Food Cake, and each one gives a sheer flush to your pout. But Crème Brûlée is our current favorite for its poppy coral hue. That said, whichever shade you choose, you’ll love the formulation. Giles notes that it feels way more high-end than its affordable, under-$5 price point. Another perk of this pick: Glosses usually leave a sticky residue, but reviewers note that this one doesn’t. You get loads of sheen without the gloppy feeling.
Pros:
- Glossy finish
- Not sticky
- Available in 28 shades
Con:
- Not highly pigmented
Best deal: e.l.f. Srsly Satin Lipstick
For less than the price of a fancy latte, you can score yourself a great everyday lipstick. We’re talking $3! The satin finish looks elegant at all times, and the creamy formula, which is made with macadamia seed oil, helps infuse your pout with hydration. Oh, and the colors really make a statement. Just ask verified Amazon shopper Meredith. “The formulas are excellent and opaque,” she shares. They also happen to be vegan, cruelty-free, and free of toxins.
Pros:
- Highly pigmented
- Moisturizing
Con:
- Limited shade range
Best plumping pick: Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit High-Shine Lipstick
The affordable drugstore lipstick brand of your youth is actually an excellent choice in your later years, too. A blend of argan oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E makes it supremely hydrating. But it’s the creamy, pillowy formula that has given this lipstick a cult-like following and nearly 5,000 five-star reviews. The slightly thicker consistency fills in fine lines, giving lips a fuller appearance and camouflaging signs of aging. Reviewers also rave that it has a sweet, cotton candy-like taste. Here are more products with a cult following that are 100 percent worth it.
Pros:
- Moisturizing
- Plumping
- Slightly wet-feeling finish
Con:
- The rounded applicator tip can make precise application tricky
Best sheer: Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss
Want just a subtle hit of color to take a natural makeup look up a notch? Look no further. The natural colors in this Almay line give lips a slightly flushed look—almost like you just got smooched. The formula is also really hydrating due to shea butter and coconut oil, which sink into your lips to keep them in tip-top shape. One five-star reviewer raves, “These lipsticks are so unlike anything I have ever owned before, and I’ve repurchased these more times than I can remember! They have a shine, but aren’t sticky like a gloss. Butter Kiss is a perfect name for them—they’re soft and moisturizing, like Chapstick.”
Pros:
- Hydrating
- Shiny finish
Con:
- Needs to be reapplied regularly
Best multitasker: Physicians Formula Rosé Kiss All Day Lip Gloss
This multipurpose wonder can be used on your lips, cheeks, and eyes. And when you do, it adds a dewy prettiness to your appearance. On your pout, in particular, it blurs any signs of aging in that area. The formula is ultra-blendable, too, which means you can mix it with other shades to really customize your look. “Layer one color on top of another to create a unique shade,” says Brafford.
Pros:
- Reduces signs of aging
- Gloss formula
- Highly blendable
Con:
- Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
Best shade range: Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lipstick
With more than 20 available colors, Drew Barrymore’s makeup line has something for everyone. Flattering nudes, cheery pinks, and vampy burgundies—just determine what mood you’re in and let your lip shade broadcast it. The lipstick is also cruelty-free and comes in both matte and creamy formulations. Plus, it contains antioxidants to protect and nourish the skin on your lips.
What to know:
- Available in more than 20 colors
- Cruelty-free
- Highly pigmented
Con:
- The number of options can be overwhelming
Best berry hue: Rimmel London Provocolalips 16-Hour Kiss Proof Lip Color in Just Teasing
This kit from Rimmel London includes two products—one to add color, the other to add gloss. Skip the gloss for a more traditional lipstick look, or slick it on for shiny lips. But the real star is the juicy berry shade it leaves behind. Just Teasing is the perfect mix of purple and pink, and it’s deep without being overwhelming. Amazon reviewer Jennifer B. recommends layering on two coats for maximum staying power. Not in the market for a berry shade? No problem—it comes in a variety of other colors, too. Now that you’re well-versed in the best drugstore lipsticks available, check out the best nail polishes for a gorgeous manicure that lasts.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Transfer-proof
- Comes with a gloss to add shine
Con:
- Can be tough to take off
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