When it comes to lipstick, you don’t have to break the bank on luxury brands. Some of the best drugstore lipsticks offer premium quality at a fraction of the price. With a wide range of colors and finishes to choose from, including matte, satin, and high-shine, the drugstore aisle is a treasure trove of options.
As a frequent visitor to the drugstore beauty aisle, I’ve discovered many favorite lipsticks at my local CVS. However, not all options are created equal in terms of wear, longevity, and the desired look. To make your lipstick shopping easier, I consulted makeup artists Elaina Badro and Jackie Alves for their expert advice on selecting the best drugstore lipsticks and personally tested numerous options to bring you the top picks below.
I focused on formulas that were easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and long-lasting, with most options priced at $15 or less. Below are the best drugstore lipsticks based on different criteria:
Best drugstore lipsticks, at a glance
- Best overall: L’Oréal, Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick, $11
- Best pigmentation: e.l.f. Cosmetics, O Face Satin Lipstick, $9
- Best matte: Maybelline, Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick, $7
- Best long-lasting: Maybelline, Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor, $13
- Best glossy: NYX, Butter Gloss, $6
- Best shade range: Revlon, Super Lustrous Lipstick, $10
- Best moisturizing: Neutrogena, MoistureSmooth Color Stick, $8
Best overall: L’Oréal, Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick — $11.00
Finish: Satin | Format: Bullet | Shades: 52
One tradeoff is that the lipstick has a potent fragrance, which might be unpleasant for people with sensitive skin or nose. Overall, a solid choice for a drugstore lipstick.
Best pigmentation: e.l.f. Cosmetics, O Face Satin Lipstick — $9.00
Finish: Satin | Format: Bullet | Shades: 20
This lipstick offers impressive pigmentation and long-lasting wear, making it a standout choice for those looking for intense color payoff.
