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If you are on the lookout for the best drugstore matte lipsticks to fill your collection with a mix of diverse textures, shades, and finishes, then you are in the right place. In this post, we apprise you of some tried-and-tested and expert-recommended options available in the market.
The options on this list are long-lasting and affordable. So, keep scrolling and find the one your heart desires because it is time to flaunt that perfect pout.
Top Picks
What Is A Matte Lipstick Made Of?
Each matte lipstick brand has a different composition. Any matte lipstick has a base formulation with three main ingredients: wax, oils, and pigments. However, in matte lipsticks, oils are in less quantity, and wax and pigments are more in ratio than in regular lipsticks.
Pigments help create different lipstick shades, while wax helps in the consistency that can glide over your lips easily. Oils help hydrate your lips, keep them soft, and add shine to the lips. Castor and Jojoba oil are commonly used in matte lipsticks.
15 Best Drugstore Matte Lipsticks
1. Best Long-Lasting:Maybelline New York Super Stay Matte Lipstick
This long-lasting matte liquid lipstick has a highly pigmented color and comes in different nude shades to give your lips a transformed look. It glides on smoothly, delivering the desired matte texture and visible results that stay intact all day. For better results, you may apply a lip gloss or a lip balm over the shade. Whether you want to pull off a casual or party look, this lipstick could be what you need. Check out this review video to learn about a reviewer’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- Can be removed with ease
- Transfer-proof
- Flawless finish
- Lasts for up to 16 hours
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
- May be less moisturizing
2. Best Feather-Free:The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick
The Lip Bar liquid lipstick is highly pigmented and infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E to nourish your lips. The liquid lipstick can be applied like a gloss, and it dries down to a soft matte finish. The matte lipstick gives visible results, and its lightweight feel is perfect for all-day wear or on a night out. Besides, it is non-drying and feather-free.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- May not be transfer- and smudge-proof
- May be slightly messy
"This lipstick is smooth, opaque, non-drying, and feels comfortingly light. It's the perfect match for my skin tone, and it didn't budge even when I had a greasy meal. I loved it so much that I ordered other shades as soon as I got this one. And the affordable pricing has also kept me returning to this brand."
3. Best For Natural-Looking Lips:Burts Bees Matte Lip Crayon
Achieve a natural-looking, long-lasting color for your lips using the Burt’s Bees matte lip crayon. The lip color contains natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba oil to nourish and hydrate the lips. The smooth, easy-to-apply, and creamy formula lasts hours, gives visible results, and does not dry or irritate the lips. Additionally, the crayon’s twist-up tube design makes it effortless to color your lips while on the go.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight formula
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- May not be vegan-friendly
- May not be smudge-proof
"The vibrant hue of this crayon lipstick has been my go-to for flashy events. Its quality is unmatched, and the colors do not fade quickly. Although slightly drying, a dab of lip balm promptly fixed that issue. Overall, it's been the perfect fit for an outdoorsy person like me."
Do rememberMaybelline New York Super Stay Matte Lipstick | The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick | Burts Bees Matte Lip Crayon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | - | All | All |
| Color | - | Bawse Lady | Napa Vineyard |
| Dimensions | - | - | 4.22 x 0.69 x 0.69 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 0.64 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 76,582 | 374 | 1,289 |
| Price | $7.98 | $13.99 | $10.36 |
4. Best For High-Pigmentation:Nicka K Matte Lipstick
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 3,525 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
Nicka K New York Vivid collection brings you 21 bold and beautiful shades, each of which is made with beeswax and provides a modern matte finish. This affordable matte lipstick offers high pigmentation and gives a trendy and vibrant look to your lips, and also stays on for a long time. Some of the shades include violet-red, fashion fuchsia, lime, slate blue, red, and soft pink nude. Pick any and flaunt your look.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Offers full coverage
- No frequent touch-ups needed
- Matte lip color ensures smooth application
Cons
- May be a tad waxy
- Size may be tiny
"I found this lipstick dark and richly pigmented. The smooth glide makes the application process easy, and the shade is perfect for formal and informal occasions. I did experience some color bleed, but a lip liner fixed that issue. And the irritation-free removal process is a big plus."
5. Best For Cruelty-Free:Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick
The high-quality liquid lipstick by Honest Beauty delivers vibrant, long-lasting color without drying out your lips. Its full-coverage matte formula stays put all day with an ultralight texture that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. Formulated with avocado oil and hyaluronic acid, the expert-approved lipstick nourishes and hydrates your lips. Further, it is cruelty-free and vegan, so you can feel good about using it every day.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Free of silicones, synthetics, carmines
- Requires minimal touch ups
- Available in multiple shades
Cons
- May not be smudge-proof
- May not be transfer-proof matte lipstick
"This lip shade looks gorgeous whether worn during the day or night. The shade is perfect for getting that no-makeup look, and although it might lack a bit in keeping my lips hydrated, it has great ingredients and doesn't feel sticky, which was a significant requirement of mine."
6. Best Intense:L. A. Girl Matte Velvet Lipstick
This intense matte lipstick from L.A. Girl is bold and bright. It is enriched with butter to keep your lips hydrated all day. You may pick any from an assortment of 25 vibrant shades available. The lipstick offers a rich, highly pigmented color and ensures a smooth and soft application. It also contains moisture to give your lips a velvety matte finish.
Pros
- Best for combination skin
- Provides good coverage
- Lightweight
- Makes your lips appear fuller
Cons
- May be slightly lighter than expected
- Lipstick may be prone to breakage
"I've always been impressed by the diverse shades offered by L.A. Girl, and this vibrant pink shade has been the same. It provides a velvety soft finish, and the rich pigment payoff makes my lips pop. I can't wait to try out more shades from this brand."
7. Best Matte Finishing:Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick
Infused with moringa oil, cupuacu butter, and agave, this drugstore lip cream with a matte finish makes your lips look smooth and supple. It comes in 24 shades of red, nude, plum, and brown, offering a perfect shade for every woman. The long-lasting matte lipstick glides smoothly and is comfortable to wear all day long. It gives you a stunning lip color with the perfect matte finish that you want to have.
Pros
- Light and creamy
- Diverse shade range
- Non-drying formula
- Velvet matte lip color
- Offers a smooth finish
- Ideal for special occasions and everyday use
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
- May peel off or crack on dry lips
"Although initially skeptical, I found the Revlon matte lipstick to be a delightful surprise. The vibrant pink shade, "Heartbreaker," suits my skin tone beautifully. Though some might argue the color isn't accurately portrayed in the chart, I find it charming and comfortable to wear."
Do remember8. Best Lightweight:Wet ‘n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit
It is a lightweight lipstick that smoothly glides on your lips and gives you an ultra-matte finish. The budget-friendly matte lipstick has a liquid formula and is highly pigmented, weighs six grams, and provides an intense look to make your lips look beautiful. This rebel red lipstick shade is a comfortable wear, doesn’t smudge or flake, and stays long.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy applicator wand
- Non-drying formula
- Bright shade makes lips appealing
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May take a couple of minutes to dry
- May not be transfer-resistant
"With just one coat, this vibrant lipstick gives a tinted matt finish to my lips. Its quick-dry formula lacks hydrating properties, but using a moisturizer beforehand kept my lips from drying out. Despite the minor flaws, it's still a good product due to its color and durability."
Quick tip9. Best For All Skin Tones: NYX Professional Matte Lipstick
The NYX Professional matte lipstick is ideal for those seeking a bold, long-lasting look. This creamy, full-coverage formula has a velvety matte finish that is not drying on the lips and can be worn for hours with minor touch-ups. It comes in multiple shades, from classic reds to blues, to suit all skin tones.
Pros
- Smudge-proof matte lipstick
- Highly pigmented
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Some shades may be a bit patchy
- Might be slightly drying
"I was looking for a matte lipstick, and this has been a perfect find. The shade looks elegant on my skin tone, and the non-drying matte finish is much-loved. It's very long-lasting and made my lips pop in just a couple of swipes. Hence, it has been a very cherished find."
10. Best Waterproof:Covergirl Exhibitionist Ultra-Matte Lipstick
Covergirl’s Exhibitionist lipstick has a creamy texture that glides on effortlessly, leaving a velvety ultra-matte finish on your lips. Its formula is transfer-proof and waterproof, making the lipstick last for over 24 hours with a single application. Moreover, this no-budge matte lipstick for all day wear has moisturizing elements to keep your lips healthy and tinted all day long. With a range of bold and classic shades, there’s something for everyone.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Lightweight formula
- Crack-free formula
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Some might find the colors dark
- Some might find it chalky
"This lipstick stayed on well even when I was gulping down glasses of water due to the scorching heat. Although slightly drying, a touch of moisturizer before wearing the lipstick takes care of that inconvenience. All in all, this smooth gliding formula has been a perfect find."
11. Best For Any Occasion:L’Oréal Paris Riche Matte
If you’re an all-time fan of traditional lipsticks, lay your hands on this rich, creamy, and long-wear drugstore matte lipstick from L’Oréal Paris. It provides an easy, smooth, and soft application and also hydrates your lips. You may choose any shade from a collection of 16 different lip colors, including berry matte pink, mette-jestic, and matte-traction red. The celebrity-favorite matte lipstick is suitable for wearing long hours and gives you a bold and beautiful finish suitable for any occasion.
Pros
- Keeps lips moisturized all through the day
- Velvety finish
- Enriched with oils
- Silky finish
Cons
- Shade may appear somewhat different
- May slightly transfer and stain
"I was drawn to this lipstick due to its rich shade, and I am so glad I got it. It has a creamy texture that does not dry out my lips, and its longevity is very impressive. And when paired with a similar lip liner, the feathering issues also got eliminated."
12. Best Nourishing:e.l.f. Liquid Matte Lipstick
Matte does not have to mean drying when you use the e.l.f. liquid matte lipstick that offers a long-lasting wear with a nourishing formula. It provides excellent coverage that lasts for hours–the lightweight formula doesn’t dry out or flake off. Infused with vitamin E and sunflower seed oil, the liquid formula glides smoothly and leaves your lips feeling soft and hydrated.
Pros
- Diamond-shaped applicator for a precise application
- Slim design to fit your pocket or purse
- Diverse shade range
- Ultra-pigmented
- Smudge-proof
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
- Color may slightly vary from the images
"Unlike other matte lipstick, this one does not feel heavy on the lips. Although it does have a drying effect and requires a bit of moisturizing, its lasting power is impressive. And the pleasant smell is another positive feature that keeps me returning to this lipstick."
13. Best For Easy Application:Beauty Glazed Matte Lipstick
This matte drugstore lipstick pack contains six shades, including deep burgundy, pale pink, mid-tone beige, warm brown berry, and deep beige rude. Each of them is infused with ingredients that keep your lips moisturized for long. Pick any of the six and apply it to experience a silky feel on your lips without any dryness. The matte lipstick with a range of shades enables easy application and offers an improved look.
Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Waterproof
- Non-sticky formula
- Flattering colors
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Lipstick may be slightly fragile
"This lipstick doesn't fade, smudge, or transfer to napkins or glasses. There was a slight stickiness, but that felt more like a moisturizing effect than a hassle. I also love the matte finish and am pretty pleased with the overall performance of the lipstick."
14. Best Vegan Formula:Ambreesh 24 Karat Lips
Vegan and 100% cruelty-free, this drugstore matte lipstick not only adds color to your lips but also hydrates and keeps them moist. It contains apricot, avocado, and macadamia oils to give you vibrant colors. The lightweight and waterproof 24K lipstick comes in 21 bright and gorgeous colors. The unique formula gives you long-lasting, smudge-proof, and smooch-proof wear. Pick any of your favorite lip colors and get a pretty pout.
Pros
- Intense color
- Full coverage
- Lightweight feel
- Glides smoothly
Cons
- Petal shaped applicator may consume more lipstick
- May not be intensely pigmented
"This lipstick offers a superb matte finish and lasts long even when eating and drinking are involved. It does require moisturization to keep the lips from drying out, but the deep color pay off more than makes up for it. This brand has become one of my favorites, and I can't wait to try out more shades in this range."
15. Best Affordable:Revlon Matte Lipstick
It is one of the best drugstore matte lipsticks that comes in a value pack of two. It glides on your lips smoothly and gives you a perfect pink matte finish pout. The lipstick does not make your lips dry and offers a long-lasting application. It isn’t cakey and blends well on your lips to offer maximum color. You may use a lip liner or a lip gloss with this matte lipstick for an enhanced look.
How To Choose The Right Drugstore Lipstick?
Here are a few tips that may help you cut down the confusion and pick a suitable matte lipstick for yourself.
- Look for ingredients such as shea butter or pure oils that can hydrate your lips.
- Do read the labels to avoid any harmful substances that can damage your lips or make it dry.
- You may also check if the products are vegan and cruelty-free to make an informed decision.
- Pick shades based on skin undertone. For instance, nude or soft mocha shares look well on cool undertones. Similarly, peach or pink nudes or brown shades are suitable for warm undertones.
- Some other features you may look for include long-lasting, waterproof, and smudge-proof.
Looking at so many choices of drugstore matte lipsticks could be puzzling. But if we figure out what features we are looking for in a lipstick, then it may become easier to make the decision. You may even compare the prices of different lipsticks and pick the one that not only fits in your budget but also provides you with all the features you were looking for.
How To Apply Matte Lipstick For Long-Lasting Performance?
Follow the below simple steps to make your matte lipstick last longer.
- Exfoliate: Your lipstick clings when applied to dead skin cells. So, use a suitable lip scrub to remove the dead skin cells on your lips. If you don’t scrub the dead layers, your drugstore matte lipstick can look messy when applied.
- Moisturize: Hydrate your lips after you scrub off the dead layers. You can use any lip balm to apply to your lips. Allow the lip balm to absorb into the skin well. By moisturizing, your lips look smooth and clean.
- Primer and liner: Apply primer to give an even finish to your lips. It helps the lipstick stay on your lips without cracking and falling off. Use a liner that matches your matte lipstick shade. It prevents your lipstick from smudging out of the lip line.
- Lipstick: Focus on the bottom lips and slowly move on to the top lips. Never apply more than one layer, as it can turn patchy. Pout or bring your lips together with tissue in between your lips to remove excess lipstick.
- Clean the edges: After removing the excess lipstick, seal your lip lines with a concealer. Create a sharp seamless edge touching the lip line to prevent the lipstick from smudging.
a beauty blogger, says, “If you have dry or chapped lips, matte lipsticks may be tricky for you. Matte formulas can be drying and emphasize any texture or lines on the lips. However, regular moisturization and exfoliation may help.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a drugstore matte lipstick every day?
Yes, you can use drugstore matte lipsticks every day. Just make sure to choose a matte lipstick with a non-drying formula that includes oils like castor and jojoba oil, and always moisturize your lips before applying the lipstick.
2. How long do drugstore matte lipsticks last?
It depends on the formulation of the lipstick. If the lipstick is smudge-proof and waterproof, it tends to last longer than others. Some drugstore lipsticks can last up to 16 hours.
3. Are drugstore matte lipsticks safe?
Most drugstore lipsticks are safe to use unless they contain lead or other harmful chemicals. However, it is recommended that you check the ingredients before buying any product.
4. Are drugstore matte lipsticks worth it?
Drugstore lipsticks are definitely worth it because they are more affordable than high-end matte lipsticks, and they are much more long-lasting than glossy or creamy matte lipsticks.
5. Can I keep drugstore matte lipsticks in the fridge?
You can keep drugstore matte lipsticks in the fridge for some time if they are melting due to the hot temperature of the room. However, do not keep them in the fridge for a longer duration because it might disturb the viscosity of the lipsticks, and then they won’t spread properly across your lips.
6. How can I store my lipstick for a long time?
You should store your lipstick in a dry place at room temperature and keep it out of direct sunlight to increase its shelf life. You can also keep it in the fridge for some time if it’s too hot outside to prevent it from melting.
7. Can I put a lip balm over matte lipstick?
It is recommended not to apply lip balm over matte lipstick because it will affect its longevity and can often make your lipstick smudge. Therefore, you should always apply lip balm before applying lipstick to ensure that you don’t need it after the lipstick’s application.
If you want to experiment with new makeup looks and shades while staying on budget, drugstore lipsticks can be suitable. When choosing the right one, ensure it is well-pigmented, waterproof, transfer-proof, and safe for long-lasting wear. You can apply lip balm before applying the lipstick to prevent chapped lips. Consider your skin tone and undertone while buying a suitable lipstick to ensure it complements your look. We hope our list of the best drugstore matte lipsticks can help you understand your needs and the current trends.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is an experienced writer and reviewer working on skincare, haircare, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys exploring new trends and the latest products to give you detailed information and product reviews. Her list of the best drugstore matte lipsticks includes multiple shades and high-quality formula for long-lasting performance. The list also includes a buying guide to help you choose the right one that suits your needs.
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