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When it comes to super intense, super long-lasting color, liquid lipsticks reign supreme in the lippie world. No other type of formula packs quite as much pigment and simultaneously stays put as long as a liquid option does. And the even better news? There’s an amazing array of liquid lipsticks to be found at the drugstore, meaning you can get that gorgeous, opaque coverage and staying power without having to shell out the big bucks. Plus, more affordable price tags mean you can experiment with a ton of fun shades, guilt-free.
Here, the best drugstore liquid lipsticks.
Best Overall
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
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Courtesy by Amazon
Long-lasting
Works for various skin tones
Precise applicator
Dries and sets very quickly
If we’ve sung the praises of this liquid lipstick once, we’ve sung them a thousand times. Drugstore or not, it’s undoubtedly the longest-lasting formula we’ve ever tried, never budging no matter what you eat, drink, or whom you smooch. (Seriously, it’s make-out-proof). It also comes in a whopping array of 46 different hues, with options for everyone’s color preference and to flatter every skin tone. Plus, the arrow-shaped applicator makes precise application super easy.
Price at time of publish: $11
Shades: 46 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.17 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Red
NYX Professional Makeup Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Kitten Heels
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Courtesy of Amazon
Comfortable wear
Works for various skin tones
Makes teeth appear whiter
Reviewers say the removal process is tricky
There are two dozen shades to choose from, but it’s the true red that really gets us going. With the best combination of both cool blue and warmer orange undertones, it flatters almost every skin tone (not to mention it has the added benefit of making your teeth appear whiter and brighter, too). And per the name, the finish is more velvety than truly matte and feels nice and creamy on lips, thanks to the addition of avocado oil and vitamin E.
Price at time of publish: $10
Shades: 24 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.13 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Nude
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Moisturizing Lipstick in HD Seduction
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Courtesy of Walmart
Comfortable wear
Smells good
Works for various skin tones
Not as long-lasting as other options
This aptly-named pick boasts a much more hydrating, cushiony feel than many other mattes; credit a wax-free, gel formula that glides on super smoothly. You really can’t go wrong with any of the 16 shades, though this cool-toned nude is one of our favorites. While not all nudes are created equal, this one blends enough cooler brown undertones with just a touch of pink to work surprisingly well on a wide range of complexions. On top of that, the mango and vanilla scent is a nice added bonus.
Price at time of publish: $9
Shades: 16 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Berry
Flower Beauty Miracle Matte Liquid Lip Color in Merlot Kiss
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Courtesy of Flower Beauty
Blurring effect improves the look of lips
Comfortable wear
Can be messy
Those who prefer deeper shades of lipstick will love this rich red, a cross between raspberry and Bordeaux. And anyone will love the cushiony matte formula, which has the added benefit of a subtle blurring effect that leaves your lips looking both fuller and lips looking smoother sans lines or creases.
Price at time of publish: $10
Shades: 14 | Finish: Cushiony matte | Size: 0.18 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Metallic
Wet n Wild Catsuit Megalast Liquid Catsuit Metallic Lipstick
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Courtesy of Walmart
Precise applicator
Long-lasting
Comfortable wear
Leaves a sticky texture
When you want to rock a metallic lip, a liquid formula is the way to go, and this one is an especially choice option. No, your mouth won’t look like it’s covered in glitter. Instead, the metallic sheen creates a multi-dimensional effect that gives you just enough of that extra wow factor, particularly when it’s this peachy-champagne color. Not to mention, it’s even cheaper than many other drugstore options.
Price at time of publish: $5
Shades: 5 | Finish: Ultra matte | Size: 0.21 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Matte
The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Lipstick
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Amazon
Long-lasting
Vegan
Great color payoff
Reviewers say the removal process is tricky
More often than not, liquid lipstick is going to have a finish that skews towards the matte end of the spectrum, meaning there are plenty of picks to choose from. But this is a real winner for Jo Levy, a conscious beauty artist and educator. “It has a vibrant, beautiful, and bold velvet matte finish and is created with clean ingredients,” she says, adding that it also lasts all day.
Price at time of publish: $13
Shades: 8 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.24 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best High-Shine
L'Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain
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Courtesy by Amazon
Great color payoff
Precise applicator
Comfortable wear
Not as long-lasting as other options
Since most liquid lipsticks have a matte finish, this is one of the rare alternatives that it’s actually shiny, more akin to a gloss. It’s lightweight and non-sticky: “It feels like a balm, but delivers full coverage and is super easy to blend,” says Levy of another one of her picks. “It’s great for those new to liquid lipsticks,” she adds.
Price at time of publish: $12
Shades: 12 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.23 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Budget
Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour
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Walmart
Long-lasting
Great color payoff
Waterproof
Reviewers say it doesn't smell good
Sure, all drugstore liquid lipsticks are going to be affordable, but this one rings in at less than $5, a true steal of a deal. One coat delivers complete coverage that lasts up to 12 hours.
Price at time of publish: $5
Shades: 27 | Finish: Velvet matte | Size: 0.21 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Hydrating
Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick
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Target
Adds a bit of shine
Comfortable wear
Long-lasting
Reviewers say it doesn't smell good
Not as long-lasting as other options
“I love this for its nourishing and hydrating ingredients,” says Levy. That includes things such as hyaluronic acid and avocado oil, which ensure this keeps your lips stay nice and moisturized—and prevents the color from ever cracking or looking cakey. Similarly, it has a semi-matte finish, slightly shinier than a true matte.
Price at time of publish: $15
Shades: 6 | Finish: Velvet matte | Size: 0.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Mini
Beauty Bakerie Bite Size Lip Whip Lip Makeup
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Courtesy of Target
Travel-friendly
Long-lasting
Great color payoff
Reviewers say the removal process is tricky
Hands down, Beauty Bakerie makes some of the best long-lasting matte liquid lipsticks around, its Lip Whips gracing many of our Best Of lists. Whether you need to free up precious purse space or you’re looking for something small to pack in your travel bag, these bite-size versions of the iconic formula are a must. However, we guarantee that after trying the formula, you’ll want to get your hands on a full-size tube, too.
Price at time of publish: $12
Shades: 11 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.08 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Liquid lipsticks take the cake when it comes to impactful, long-lasting color, and there are plenty of great ones to be found at the drugstore. The Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick earns the top spot on our list, a tried-and-true favorite in our makeup bag with unparalleled staying power. Most liquid lipsticks are matte, though if you prefer a shiny finish, the L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain is well worth a try, a lightweight formula with a glossy texture. The Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick is another great choice, a very hydrating pick that touts a semi-matte finish.
Meet the Expert
- Conscious beauty artist and educator Jo Levy has spent nearly two decades working in the beauty industry. Working with brands such as Armani, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, and BECCA Cosmetics, Levy has extensive experience in the bridal and editorial space.
- Steve Kassajikian is Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist.
What to Look For in a Liquid Lipstick
Comfort
Urban Decay’s Global Makeup Artist Steve Kassajikian says that the comfort of a liquid lipstick formula is an important thing to keep in mind. Liquid lipsticks are notoriously drying (though today’s iterations have come a long way), so he suggests finding one that is hydrating and moves with your lips. Levy agrees, noting that a non-drying feel is paramount.
Wear
“The main purpose of liquid lipstick is longevity, so you want one that will wear all day to avoid constant touch-ups,” says Kassajikian. In fact, constantly touching up can leave the lipstick clumpy, so the longer it lasts after the first application, the better.
Adjustable Color
Liquid lipsticks do pack bold color, though Levy says ideally you want one that packs saturated pigment—but can still be adjusted. That means that you can easily blot it down if you want it slightly more subtle or layer another coat if you want to pack even more of a punch.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She reaches for a liquid lipstick anytime she doesn’t want to deal with touch-ups; the Maybelline New York product featured on this list is a staple in her arsenal. (Yes, it really does last forever.)
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