This $6 Drugstore Find Gives Me Expensive-Looking Lips Every Time
Okay, here's the tea: Any time I get compliments on my lipstick, it's actually a drugstore formula. I swear. I'll be the first to admit that drugstore lipstick shade ranges are pretty meh, but whenever I do find that gorgeous neutral or vibrant shade that really suits me from the discount bin, look out, world—I can't be stopped. Usually, I'm a ride-or-die pencil-and-lipstick kind of gal, but recently, I've been looking to branch out.
I hadn't really dabbled in the world of drugstore liquid lipsticks just yet and decided it was time to give them a chance. After sifting through quite a few formulas, I definitely found some serious winners. If you're looking for a way to get that luxurious, elegant look for a few bucks less, scroll through for my favorite drugstore liquid lipsticks plus a few that earned honorable mention.
1. Nyx Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick
This shade is almost an exact dupe for MAC's Lipstick in Cyber ($19), and I'm not really mad at it. It has a few more burgundy undertones than the MAC shade, but I digress. The applicator is a bit wonky, so tread carefully, but overall, I would love this shade for a special occasion or when I want to create a dramatic, smoky look. I do have to say, lipstick got on my teeth pretty quickly after application, but it's still a really nice formula that glides on pretty well and doesn't take a lot of effort to clean up if you need to.
2. Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick
I really loved this one, not just because it's called Liquid Catsuit but also because it dries so nicely after you apply it. It dries enough to be a matte shade but doesn't make your lips feel crusty or parched, which I really appreciate in a lipstick.
3. E.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Matte Lipstick
I love this neutral, beigey pink shade. It's actually great for everyday wear if you're about that and applies really easily. I don't normally go for pink lipstick, in general, but I'm glad I opted for this E.l.f. formula. It adds the perfect subtle pop of color to a brown eye shadow look, which I do pretty often.
4. Joah T.M.I. Velvet Lip Color
5. Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick
6. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
7. Nyx Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
8. Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink Liquid Lipstick
9. Physicians Formula The Healthy Lip Velvet Liquid Lipstick
10. Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color Liquid Lipstick
11. L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick
12. Essence Stay 8H Matte Liquid Lipstick
Up Next: This $9 Gem Simultaneously Hydrates, Protects, and Evens Out Your Complexion
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
-
We Rigorously Tested 13 of the Best BB Creams—These 8 Passed
We test, you trust.
-
Ilona Maher's Pregame Must-Have Is Something We All Need
It's the drugstore product of the summer.
-
According to Celebrity Manicurists (and Hailey Bieber), "Soft Serve" Nails Are Taking Over Summer 2025
So yummy.
-
F1 Academy Driver Lia Block Spills All Her Beauty Secrets
As it turns out, fast cars and skincare go hand in hand.
-
This Is Going to Be *the* Biggest (and Most Elegant) Pedicure Trend of the Summer, According to My Nail Artist
Got milk?
-
Dua Lipa's Grand Prix Manicure Combines Two of the Chicest Nail Trends of the Summer
Swooning!
-
Remember Jelly Shoes? This Juicy Manicure Is the '90s-Inspired Nail Equivalent
Ooey-gooey and oh so fabulous.
-
Carrie Bradshaw (I Mean, Sarah Jessica Parker) Just Posted This TikTok-Viral Lip Product on Her IG
And just like that, I have a new lip product to buy.