The 10 Drugstore Liquid Lipsticks We're Fully Obsessed With

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.

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.)