15 Best Expert-Recommended Drugstore Lip Products
Protect your lips with the most gentle formulas without spending a great deal.
Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda is an American entrepreneur, model, philanthropist, and a staunch advocate of self-love and body positivity. She was born with a deformity in her left eye but did not let that deter her from realizing her dreams. Daisi began modeling at a young age and then later won the title of Miss Jamaica International.
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Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Lips are the most delicate and have the softest skin than the rest of your face, and that is why they are often prone to getting chapped, flaky, and dry easily. This is where the best drugstore lip products come into the picture. Also, overexposure to the sun and environmental aggressors causes pigmentation. But, to address all these concerns and get soft, smooth lips, you don’t have to dig a hole in your pocket. Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda, a fashion influencer and model, says, “I always recommend having a variety of affordable drugstore lip products on hand for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a subtle tint, vibrant color, or intensive hydration, this roundup has you covered without breaking the bank. So, keep scrolling to check out the 15 highest-rated drugstore lip products!
In This Article
15 Best Drugstore Lip Products That Are Affordable
1.Best Lip Gloss:NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss is a creamy, non-sticky lip gloss that offers a smooth and silky application to your delicate lips. It melts onto your lips, providing sheer to medium coverage. It is available in a wide shade range. Glide your favorite shade and get kissable lips instantly. This product has received positive reviews on several online forums for its long-lasting coverage and beautiful shade.
Key Ingredients: Mineral Oil, Beeswax
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Featherproof
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy
Cons
- Might not be long-lasting
2.Best Lip Lacquer:e.l.f Lip Lacquer
The e.l.f Lip Lacquer is a lightweight formula enriched with vitamin E. It moisturizes the lips and delivers pigmented color with amazing shine. The gorgeous bold and vibrant color options can be worn alone or layered on lipsticks. If you are looking for a toxin-free option, this will be your best choice. This product is not tested on animals, making it a perfect option for people looking for cruelty-free formulas.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Shiny finish
- Affordable option
Cons
- Sticky formula
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 24,765 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3.Best Non-Sticky Gloss:Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss
The Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss is everything you need to look glam during those golden hours. This hyaluronic acid-infused gloss gets bronzed and makes your lips look luscious and fuller. Moreover, the XL wand of the lip gloss contours your lips and adds a high-shine effect in just a single swipe. Achieve non-sticky, fully lifted lips instantly with this celebrity-endorsed product that additionally offers precise application.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Dermatologist-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Long-lasting hydration
- Available in 5 shades
- Easy to apply
Cons
- None
| NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss Best Lip Gloss | e.l.f Lip Lacquer Best Lip Lacquer | Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss Best Non-Sticky Gloss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | - | Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
| Color | - | Bubbles | SUN |
| Dimensions | - | 1.6 x 1.6 x 11.51 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 0.64 Ounces. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 24,765 | - |
| Price | - | $3 | $7.98 |
4.Best Transfer-Proof:Rimmel Provocalips Kiss Proof Lip Color
Who doesn’t want a kiss-proof lip colour? The Rimmel London Provocalips Kiss Proof Lip Colour is a lightweight formula that delivers a glossy finish for 16 long hours. The food-proof and transfer-proof formula make it a die-hard favorite among makeup enthusiasts. Several reviews on Amazon highly praise this product for its staying power.
Key Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Beeswax
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dual-ended
- Food-proof
- Transfer-proof
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May be a bit drying
ProTip5.Best Multipurpose Lip Balm:Smith’s Rosebud Salve
If your lips are dry and chapped, the Smith’s Rosebud Salve is the one for you. Its comfortable formula prevents dryness and moisturizes the lips, making them smooth and soft. It is a multipurpose balm that can be used for chapped skin to relieve dryness and soothe irritation. It is available in a cute little tin packaging.
Key Ingredients: Pure White Petrolatum (Surgical Grade), Cotton Seed Oil, Trade Secret Blend of Essential Oils, Botanicals
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Non-drying
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Can be used on the skin
Cons
- Contains petroleum
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,713 great reviews on Amazon.
6.Best Satin Finish:Milani Amore Satin Matte Lip Crème
The Milani Amore Satin Matte Lip Creme hydrates your lips and offers them a matte finish. It has a long-lasting buttery-soft formula that feels comfortable on the lips. The matte lipstick formula is infused with a built-in primer that hides lip lines and imparts smoother-looking lips. The lip creme is enriched with shea butter and soybean oil that prevent moisture loss and smoothen out your lip texture. Doubled up as a nourishing treatment, this liquid lipstick formula delivers a refreshing sensation to your lips.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter and Soybean oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free formula
- Comfortable wear
- Lightweight
- Matte formula
- Long-lasting wear
- Infused with a built-in primer
- Easy to apply
- Available in many colors
Cons
- Not transfer-free
7.Best Finish:Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
is an ultra-moisturizing formula that smoothly glides over the lips and settles in a creamy finish. The rich pigmentation delivers true color while laying lightweight on your lips. This affordable lipstick offers an extensive shade range and is also available in pearl, matte, and glass shine finishes.
Key Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Vitamin E
Pros
- Available in 4 finishes
- Lightweight
- Creamy and smooth finish
- Available in 130+ shades
Cons
- Blotchy
8.Best SPF:Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm
The Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm is the perfect restorative formula your lips need. Apart from moisturizing the lips, it also protects the lips from harmful sun rays and sunburns with a broad spectrum of SPF 20. It softens the lips, imparts a plumping effect, and improves their texture while adding a gentle tint. The pleasant scent of the lip balm makes it an all-time favorite. It is available in various tinted shades and hence can be your go-to for all occasions.
Key Ingredients: Ion2Complex
Pros
- SPF protection
- Available in tinted shades
- Creamy texture
- Pleasant smell
Cons
- May have a stinging sensation
9.Best Lip Scrub:Chapstick Total Hydration Natural Lip Scrub
You could put on a great lip gloss or lipstick, but nothing would look good if your lips aren’t healthy and smooth. This conditioning lip scrub from Chapstick exfoliates the lips, removes dry skin, and reveals smooth and soft lips. It is formulated with naturally sourced ingredients that are gentle on the lips. The refreshing peppermint flavor makes it a favorite scrub.
Key Ingredients: Sugar Crystals, Maracuja Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E
Pros
- Pleasant flavor
- Naturally sourced ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Portable jar
Cons
- May leave a greasy feeling
10.Best Hydrating:Palladio Lip Stain
The Palladio Lip Stain applies as gorgeously as it looks. The chiseled tip outlines and fills the lips with highly pigmented, long-lasting color, and delivers precise application. It is formulated with aloe and coconut oil to hydrate your lips. Apply this hydrating lipstick only on product-free, oil-free lips to get a bold and natural finish.
Key Ingredients: Limonene, Aloe vera, Coconut Oil
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Smudge-proof
- Buildable coverage
- Paraben-free
- Botanical extracts
- Chisel precise tip
Cons
- Difficult to remove
11.Best Lightweight:COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain
The COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain is made of water-based colorants that deliver a natural, lightweight flush of color. The moisturizing formula smoothes the lips and provides luscious coverage. The pen-like precision applicator lines the lips properly, making them look fuller.
Key Ingredients: Water/EAU, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Polysorbate 80, PEG-150, Phenoxyethanol, Flavor/Aroma, PVP, Potassium Sorbate, Triethanolamine, Acacia Senegal Gum, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Benzophenone-4, Sodium Saccharin, Propylparaben, Sodium Hyaluronate
Pros
- True color
- Soft glossy finish
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Doesn’t last long
Caution12.Best Nourishing:Physicians Formula Organic Wear Nourishing Lipstick
This ultra-hydrating formula from Physicians settles into a velvety-smooth finish with a great pop of color. It is enriched with nourishing oils and antioxidants that moisturize the lips and protect them. The blend of organic shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil instantly gives you soft and smooth lips.
Key Ingredients: Organic Shea butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Smooth formula
- High impact color
Cons
- Shades may differ in reality
13.Best For Dry Lips:Aquaphor Lip Repair
If nothing seems to heal your dry lips, get The Aquaphor Lip Repair. Infused with shea butter, chamomile essence, and nourishing vitamins, it soothes chapped lips and immediately relieves lips from dryness. It is gently formulated for sensitive lips.
Key Ingredients: Chamomile Essence, Shea Butter, Vitamin E
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for sensitive lips
- Immediate relief
Cons
- None
Remember14.Best Softening:Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips
Vaseline has been the healer of dry lips since forever. This Lip Therapy seals in moisture and relieves dull, dry, and cracked lips. Its creamy formula soothes and softens dry lips, making them look and feel super healthy. The sheer rosy tint on the lips is like cherries on blossoms. The tin case is easy to use and travel with.
Key Ingredients: Rosa Damascena Oil
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Sheer and natural shade
- Non-greasy
- Clinically proven
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons
- Overpowering scent
15.Best Long-Lasting:Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner
No matter which lip gloss or lipstick you use, it does smear if you don’t apply a lip liner. The Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lip Liner glides smoothly on the lips for its creamy texture. It contours to the lip shape effortlessly without any dragging or pulling. The pigmented color blends easily and lasts up to 8 hours easily.
Key Ingredients: Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Pros
- Available in many shades
- Blends well
- Rich pigmentation
Cons
- May be drying
What To Look For In A Drugstore Lip Product
There might be a lot of factors you wouldn’t want to compromise on, even if it’s a drugstore product. Here are some of the things you must look for in a drugstore lip product.
- Texture: The texture of a good drugstore lip product must be smooth and creamy to avoid tugging and pulling. Finding the right texture that feels soft but not sticky can be tricky.
- Pigmentation: Drugstore lip products are available from sheer to medium pigmentation to richly pigmented. While subtle sheer shades can give you a natural tint to brighten your appearance, high pigmented shades can give you the lipstick feels with a lot of moisture. So, make your pick carefully on what shades you want.
- Ingredients: Know your skin type and choose your drugstore lip product based on that. If you have dry skin, choose a hydrating lip product. Avoid fragrant/paraben-infused lip products if you have sensitive skin. Also, always choose dermatologist-tested and expert-recommended formulas that are safe for your skin.
Now, you surely have a list of drugstore lip product substitutes for your high-end brands. They are cost-saving and provide you with similar results in terms of quality. All of them come in different shades and finishes. Know what your lips love, and pick your favorite drugstore lip product and be ready to shine.
Infographic: 6 Ingredients To Look For In A Drugstore Lip Product
From vibrant lip colors to hydrating balms, drugstore shelves offer a wide array of options. But, not all products are worth your money. Some contain irritants that can dry out the lips and trigger sensitivities. Thus, knowing what potent nourishing elements you should look for is important when buying a lip product. In the infographic below, we have listed 6 ingredients that are beneficial for your lips. Check it out.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Drugstore lip products are all the rage right now! These lip products can help in restoring the natural moisture of your lips, especially catering to dry areas. They also safeguard your lips from external aggressors including UV or sunrays, and harmful pollutants. Try the NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Butter Gloss for a smooth and buttery texture that comes in various shades. Opt for Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss for a high-shine bronze effect and the Milani Amore Satin Matte Lip Crème for a satin-matte finish with long-lasting color. Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda adds, “I keep the Maybelline Lifter Gloss and NYX Butter Gloss in constant rotation for a shiny pop of gloss. They are my secret to keeping my lips kissably soft all winter long. Consider these in your skin care routine for lush lips without the lofty price tag.” From lip glosses to lipsticks and lip balms, the drugstore products offer smooth application and nourish your lips thoroughly. While choosing these products, you should avoid the ones that have a stinging sensation after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lip balm used for?
Lip balm reduces soreness and dryness in the lips. They also protect your lips from harmful environmental aggressors and UV rays.
What is the best for dry lips?
Lip balm and lip creams are best for dry lips. The Smith’s Rosebud Salve relieves dryness and soothes irritation.
Is Vaseline good for your lips?
Yes, Vaseline works wonders on dry and chapped lips. The Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips seals in moisture, relieves dullness, and smoothens cracked lips.
Is coconut oil good for your lips?
Yes, coconut oil has moisturizing properties and keeps your skin soft, smooth, and supple.
Can lips get bigger naturally?
Yes, well-hydrated lips appear fuller and plumper. Use a nourishing lip balm to keep your lips moisturized and nourished.
Can I use a lip balm every day?
Yes. Use your preferred lip balm daily to keep your lips moisturized.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. Her expertise in makeup helped her to choose the best drugstore lip products for her readers. She has conducted thorough research and filtered out the top-rated lip products to make your job easier. These products will help your lips appear beautiful and full. They keep your lips soft, supple, and nourished without breaking your bank.
Read full bio of Daisi Jo Pollard Sepulveda
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
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