The 6 Best Drugstore Liquid Lipsticks
It’s been over five years since liquid lipsticks completely took over the beauty scene, and there’s no sign of them slowing down. Usually long lasting and ultra pigmented, they’re perfect for busy days and low maintenance makeup looks. We’ve seen a ton pop in and out of the spotlight, and I’ve tried more than I can count during my time as a beauty blogger.
Believe it or not, it’s been literally half a decade since I rounded up what I consider the best drugstore liquid lipsticks! With so many of my old picks falling off the map, I figured it was time to share my updated favorite budget-friendly favorites.
1. Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
The iconic and most popular drugstore liquid lipstick didn’t even exist last time I wrote this blog post— mind blown! The Super Stay Matte Inks are arguably the most long lasting at the drugstore, and even won my Drugstore Liquid Lipstick Showdown on YouTube. This liquid lipstick coats the lips in intense color in one swipe that will last all day, even through eating and drinking. While it’s one of the most iconic at the drugstore currently, it might be uncomfortable as it’s a slightly heavy formula and does feel dry throughout the day.
2. Rimmel Provocalips 16HR Kissproof Lipstick
I love this formula since it’s on the thinner side, and the two-step application process locks in color while also adding moisture and shine. This is the lipstick I typically bring with me on vacation because of how well it wears throughout the day and feels very lightweight. Step one adds vibrant color, step two adds the topcoat to extend wear time and comfort.
3. L’Oreal Signature Rouge Liquid Lipstick
This is the perfect choice when you want statement colors with a barely-there feel. I’ve got an in-depth review and a ton of swatches in this post, but in case you’re unfamiliar, the Signature Rouge Liquid Lipsticks are a stain-like product with buildable pigmentation for custom color payoff. There’s no transfer or smudging, and even though they wear off slightly throughout the day, they stay looking very even. When I wear these, I completely forget I have lipstick on at all, and despite the matte finish it stays comfortable and flexible without cracking.
4. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick
If you’re looking for something bold, then this line is for you. Yes, you can find your typical everyday shades but also dabble in electric purples, grungy greys, and brilliant blues! The creamy formula is long wearing and infused with avocado oil and Vitamin E so it never feels drying while delivering you a matte finish. They also look smooth on the lips as the formula fills in lines instead of accentuating them.
5. Pixi Mattelast Liquid Lipstick
Pixi Beauty often gets overlooked when it comes to makeup, but the Mattelast Liquid Lipsticks are some of my favorite! Infused with roseship oil, they both look and feel smooth on the lips. They’re lightweight but pack a punch in the color department. I absolutely love the pointed applicator that lets you get really precise with the color, no need for lining. Check out swatches of a few shades in my post here.
6. Revlon Ultra HD Lip Polish
If you like more of a glossy look, but still want long lasting color, the Revlon Ultra HD Lip Polishes will be your jam. See my in-depth review and swatches here. Infused with Vitamin E, these are a hybrid between a gloss and lipstick. You get full coverage color payoff in one swipe, with a cushy feel and shiny finish. Despite their glossiness, they don’t feather. Throughout the day, they’ll dry down slightly and leave a slight lip stain behind as they fade.
What are your picks for the best drugstore liquid lipsticks?
woow the lip tars look like something I can use, they are pricey indeed, but all they offers can be worth it and they are also small great for a less heavy bag 🙂
some day 🙂
You hardly need a pea sized amount for the lip tars, so they can last you YEARS! 🙂
But I can imagine they expire after 12 months?
Not to my knowledge. Since you’re not applying them straight to your lips, you’re not contaminating them!
I picked up a few of the Maybelline ones recently, but haven’t had a chance to try them. The Rimmel and NYX ones are also on my makeup wishlist. I’d love to try the Melted lipsticks, but the price is too high for my tastes. Maybe if Ulta puts them on a Beauty Steal. I was going to pick up some of the LA Color Glazed to see if I liked them, but they apparently have mint in them. Boo!
Are you sensitive to mint? I can notice from the smell but for me it hasn’t caused any sort of tingling sensation or anything. The Rimmel and NYX are some of my most reached for! (Also, I got the Too Faced ones on sale so they came out to BOGO free :))
Yep, I’m allergic to mint. It makes finding a dentist and shopping for dental products really interesting.
Oh! Where/when did you find the Melteds on a BOGO sale?
It was at a beauty convention called PHAMExpo here in California– those expos have incredible markdowns on makeup!
Darn! I’d think we have conventions like that in TX. The best price I’ve seen on the Melteds has been ~$17 when Ulta has the 20% off coupons that work on prestige brands.
BeautyCon is in TX this year! You should look into attending!
Oh, I didn’t even hear about that one! I’ll check my calendar. The tickets are a bit steep, though. Do you (or anyone else who wants to join the conversation) know if the Pro ticket is worth the price or what usually comes in the swag bags? The general tickets are even a bit high for not including swag.
I haven’t been to BeautyCon but swag bags that I’ve gotten previously contain a lot of great stuff, from color cosmetics, to hair, to skin care. The Pro ticket will get you in early so that you’ll have a chance to shop without extraordinarily long lines. When you’re let in with the rest of the crowd, things you want that are discounted can run out quite quickly!
I am a big fan of liquid lipsticks, too — it’s my favorite lippie product to wear! I am ALL about those NYX matte creams, they’re amazing! I haven’t tried the lippies from Milani or Maybelline. I’ll have to check them out the next time I go to Ulta. 😀
I definitely need to get more of the NYX matte creams for sure 🙂 DEFINITELY grab the milani liquid colors, you’ll LOVE em! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Great recommendations! I should really check out the NYX counter next time I’m at Globus.
Yes! They are seriously one of a kind at the drugstore level.
Jcat Wonder Lip Paints are also pretty great, and are only $4.99. Huge variety of colors, too.
I’ve got to try those out! Thanks for the heads up 🙂
I also love the Jessica lip paints. I find those comparable to Too Faced! Those are fabulous!! And NYX lip creams are awesome!
I’ve never heard of the Jessica Lip Paints! I’ll have to hunt them down because I love my Melteds!
ICK! Sorry, My auto correct changed it lol! J.Cat Wonder Lip Paints. Those ones. They are a bit thinner of a texture than Too Faced (I haven’t tried the Lip Tars) but they are SO richly pigmented and they last! You need so very little too. http://jcatbeauty.com/wonder-lip-paint
LOVE my OCC lip tars! Nothing quite compares to them. The Too Faced Melted lipsticks are great too- although I hate the applicator lol.
You know, I really liked the applicator at first and thought it was pretty easy to use, but after a while the product clogs the little pathways so now I’ve got to squeeze it pretty hard to get it to come out of one of the holes.