Is lipstick bad for your lips?

In general, lipstick isn't bad for your lips, unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to some ingredients. Some lipstick ingredients can lead to dryness, however, and some brands might contain toxins that you may wish to avoid such as chromium, lead, aluminum, and/or cadmium. Look for products without these metals if you are concerned.

Which lipstick is best for daily use?

To choose a daily lipstick, consider your routines. The lipstick you choose should be in a shade that you feel comfortable wearing to work and social activities. You may also wish to choose a formula that offers skin-boosting benefits, such as moisture and UV protection.

How do I know my lipstick shade?

Your undertones can also help you choose the best color. Certain shades are more complementary for cool, warm, or neutral undertones . Blue and purple hues work well with cool skin tones, red and orange are lovely for warmer tones, and those with neutral undertones can choose almost anything.

The 12 Most Popular Lipsticks on Amazon in 2023

Best Lipsticks — Byrdie / Michela Buttignol

Real talk: You can never have too many lipsticks. And that's a good thing, because temptation is everywhere. Take Amazon, for example. You could scroll through dozens upon dozens of lipsticks in nearly every shade under the sun. And those very same formulas could go from your screen to your doorstep a day or two later (thanks, Amazon Prime!).

Choosing the ideal lipstick for you depends on what shade, consistency, formula, and price tag you have in mind. Choosing only one will be the trickiest part!

So without further ado, here are the best lipsticks on Amazon.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Maybelline New York Creamy Matte Lip Color at Amazon

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Best Luxury :

By Terry Matte Liquid Lipstick at Amazon

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Best Shine:

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick at Amazon

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Best Matte:

Peripera Velvet Lip Tint at Amazon

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Best Pencil:

Maybelline Crayon Lipstick at Amazon

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Best for Dark Skin:

The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Lipstick at Amazon

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Best for Medium Skin:

NYX Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick at Amazon

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Best for Fair Skin:

Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lipstick in Spiced Petal at Amazon

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Best Nude for Fair Skin:

L'Oreal Lip Color in Fairest Nude at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
How Do I Apply Lipstick Perfectly?
What to Look for in a Lipstick
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.9

View On Amazon

What We Like

Transfer-resistant
12 hours of wear
Color-rich

What We Don't Like

Feels sticky to some

Time and time again, this lipstick comes out on top. “This is in my kit because it really does stay all day without drying," says makeup artist Nyssa Green. "From the lightest nude to the hottest red, there is such a good range to choose from." When applying, it starts as a liquid but dries down matte and tends to stay on for hours through eating, drinking, or kissing.

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 3 | Size: 0.35 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Courtesy by Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Wallet-friendly
24-hour wear
Ultra-hydrating formula

What We Don't Like

Looks cheap to some

“Best bang for your buck,” says Green of this matte option.“This lipstick not only has a great range, but it's under $6 and really does last.” Unlike other matte lip colors, this one goes on creamy and stays soft on lips.

Price at time of publish: $6

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 30 | Size: 0.15 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

View On Amazon

What We Like

Easily applies
Bold look
Smudge-proof

What We Don't Like

Feels drying on the lips

Green calls the purple-toned Orchid shade “the color you never knew you needed.” The matte liquid lipstick is highly pigmented and balances long wear with comfort. “Everyone I've ever used it on has loved it…literally everyone,” she adds.

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Matte/Velvet | Shades: 16 | Size: 0.14 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

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What We Like

Wallet-friendly
High impact color
Infused with vitamin E and avocado oil

What We Don't Like

Feels tingly to some

If you prefer a bit of shine with your color, try this lipstick from Revlon. The creamy formula hydrates with vitamin E and avocado oil for super comfortable wear. There are over 80 colors to choose from, and the low price tag means it’s easy to stock up on a few.

Price at time of publish: $16

Form: Cream | Finish Type: Sheer | Shades: 80+ | Size: 0.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Silky smooth
Emollient finish
Leaves an even stain

What We Don't Like

Not much staying power

This liquid lip dries to a matte stain with staying power (but you may need a touch-up after eating). The 13 colors range from oranges to brick reds and deep pinks. The applicator allows you to draw on a smooth line or blur out the edges for a casual-cool look.

Price at time of publish: $11

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Velvet | Shades: 14 | Size: 0.14 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick

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What We Like

Precise application
Easy to use
Over 30 shade options

What We Don't Like

Very drying to some

Lip pencils make it easy to draw on a precise lip, and this crayon-like lipstick from Maybelline even comes with a built-in sharpener, so it’s always ready to go. The color should last for around eight hours before needing a touchup.

Price at time of publish: $11

Form: Crayon | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 32 | Size: 0.04 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

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What We Like

High-performing
Nourishing
Intense pigmentation

What We Don't Like

Red shades look more like orange

“The Lip Bar has the best shades for women of color. The hues are rich and so pigmented,” says Green. The brand is Black women-owned, and the matte formula of this lipstick has an amazing color payoff. You can’t go wrong with any of the shade options.

Price at time of publish: $13

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 12 | Size: 0.24 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Matte Lipstick in Indie Flick

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What We Like

Over 40 shades available
Very smoothing
Glides on

What We Don't Like

Not very true-to-color

The bright Indie Flick has a slightly warm undertone that pops on medium skin tones. The cream formula has a not-quite-matte finish and can be applied lightly or with a heavier hand, depending on what kind of statement you want to make.

Price at time of publish: $6

Form: Cream | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 41 | Size: 0.54 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Flower Beauty Petal Pout Lipstick in Spiced Petal

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What We Like

Intense color payoff
Satin-like feel
Conditioning

What We Don't Like

Not very long-lasting

For a my-lips-but-better look, this color will become your go-to (some say it’s a dupe for the much more expensive cult-favorite Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk). The cream formula is highly pigmented and filled with antioxidants for healthy lips. And you can feel good knowing the brand is cruelty-free.

Price at time of publish: $17

Form: Cream | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 22 | Size: 0.11 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

L'Oreal Colour Riche Lip Colour in Fairest Nude

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What We Like

Creates a supple look
Intense hydration
Infused with omega-3

What We Don't Like

Not true-to-color

Lighter skin tones will love the pinky hues in this nude lipstick. The creamy formula hydrates lips with omega-3, vitamin E, and argan oil, and the slight sheen gives lips a supple look.

Price at time of publish: $7

Form: Cream | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 52 | Size: 0.13 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Dose of Colors Liquid Lipstick in Heartbreaker

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What We Like

High-fashion finish
Dries fast
Rich texture

What We Don't Like

Feels sticky

For darker skin, turn to the shades that Dose of Colors offers. “They make a nude for you, no matter the skin tone,” says Green. There’s plenty of options, but we especially like Heartbreaker, a cool-toned pinky brown. The matte formula is super comfortable on lips and leaves a long-lasting velvety finish. Green recommends pairing it with the brand's lip liner.

Price at time of publish: $19

Form: Liquid | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 29 | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

mac lipstick: Matte lipstick in Candy Yum Yum

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What We Like

Non-feathering
High color payoff
Applies evenly
True-to-color

What We Don't Like

Very small size

Green can’t name just one pink from MAC. “Go for classics like 'Candy Yum Yum' and 'Pink Pigeon,' but also check out 'Breathing Fire' and Ariana Grande's Viva Glam,” she says. The lipstick is classic for a reason—they are easy to apply and wears well on lips. That, and the colors can’t be beaten. “They're bold and bright, so it's all the 'pop' your makeup will need,” says Green.

Price at time of publish: $23

Form: Stick | Finish Type: Matte | Shades: 30 | Size: 0.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Final Verdict

Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick remains a favorite time and time again for good reason—the formula goes on smoothly, feels comfortable, and stays all day. But if you want a good budget option, Maybelline Color Sensational Matte Lipstick is under $6 and has tons of shades to choose from.

How do I apply lipstick perfectly every time?

Start by prepping your lips. “Exfoliate before applying lipstick, especially mattes,” says Green. Her suggestion: “Put a thick layer of vaseline on lips, leave on for 5-10 minutes, then wipe with a warm towel or super-soft toothbrush to remove dead skin. Lipstick will go on smooth, last longer, and will not dry out.”

What to Look for in a Lipstick

Formula and Finish

Deciding on your preferred formula and finish is likely the first step when choosing a lipstick, so you know what to plug into the search bar. Matte lipsticks are subdued and easy to wear anywhere, whereas glossy lipsticks are perfect for a night out. Some last all day, while others are prone to needing re-application.

You can find lipsticks that are liquid, stick, or in a cream pot with varying levels of pigmentation. How you apply your lipstick might help determine what to choose, with some being easier to swipe on and others requiring more precision or tools like a lip brush.

Color

Next, choose your color. Consider where you'll be wearing your lipstick and how well it fits into your lifestyle. Statement-making dark or bright colors are fun, while (depending on your workplace) a nude that compliments your skin color and undertones might be more versatile for day-to-night. If you've already got the basic colors, look for something lively and exciting for special occasions.

Skin Benefits

Many lipsticks provide additional benefits that you may wish to consider when making a purchase. One important benefit is SPF. Antioxidants and moisturizers are also nice to have, especially if wearing lipstick all day or if your lips tend to get dry with longer wear. Skin-friendly ingredients to look for include vitamin E, botanical oils, and butters.

FAQ

Is lipstick bad for your lips?

In general, lipstick isn't bad for your lips, unless you have an allergy or sensitivity to some ingredients. Some lipstick ingredients can lead to dryness, however, and some brands might contain toxins that you may wish to avoid such as chromium, lead, aluminum, and/or cadmium. Look for products without these metals if you are concerned.
Which lipstick is best for daily use?

To choose a daily lipstick, consider your routines. The lipstick you choose should be in a shade that you feel comfortable wearing to work and social activities. You may also wish to choose a formula that offers skin-boosting benefits, such as moisture and UV protection.
How do I know my lipstick shade?

Your undertones can also help you choose the best color. Certain shades are more complementary for cool, warm, or neutral undertones. Blue and purple hues work well with cool skin tones, red and orange are lovely for warmer tones, and those with neutral undertones can choose almost anything.

How We Researched

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. We then used this research 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?

Joline Buscemi is a Byrdie Contributor and a beauty writer for various publications. She loves testing out new lip colors and formulas and is online shopping-obsessed.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough lipsticks on Amazon from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

The 12 Best Lip Liners to Step Up Your Lipstick Game

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin E and skin health.
Petruk G, Del Giudice R, Rigano MM, Monti DM. Antioxidants from plants protect against skin photoaging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2018;2018:1-11.
Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016;7(4):311-315.
Evaluation of heavy metals in cosmetic products and their health risk assessment. Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 2020;28(7):779-790.