Our editors try hundreds of new beauty products each year, which means we've swiped on our fair share of lipsticks and can tell a good formula from a bad one with our eyes closed. The best lipsticks have staying power, high-impact pigment, and a wearable feel that sits comfortably on the lips. If you're on the hunt for a new lippie, we've got plenty of recommendations to help you narrow down your options. We've tried everything from the best eye-catching red lipsticks to TikTok-viral products that you can only snag if you're lucky to catch them in stock.
The right lip can make all the difference in pulling your makeup together. It can make you feel effortless, confident, and beautiful with one swipe. We curated the ultimate list of top-tier options to fit every preference under the sun. Whether you're looking for a long-lasting formula or one with a matte, creamy, or high-shine finish, we've got a shade for you. You'll also find everything from moody maroons and mauves to flattering neutrals and statement-making bright pinks and purples galore. Trying to save money? No problem — we found a ton of high-quality drugstore lipsticks, proving there's something for every budget. plastic mascara packaging
Shop the best lipsticks to add a few to your collection in 2024.
— Additional reporting by Renee Rodriguez and Jessica Harrington
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick ($11)
The glides on smoothly and promises to last eight hours. It is a product that doubles as a lip liner and has a built-in sharpener, so you'll never be unprepared. It's smudge-proof with a long-lasting wear, and it's truly a hidden gem.
The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick ($13)
The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick in Bawse Lady is one editor's go-to red shade. The formula is smooth and soft delivering a bold and pigmented matte finish without drying out the lips. It has a staying power for up to eight hours. It's so good, it even won a PS Beauty Award in 2021. Read our review of The Lip Bar Vegan Matte Liquid Lipstick.
Editor Quote: "Of all the reds I've tried — and there have been a lot — this has to be the one that gets the most use. It's made with a formula that applies so smoothly and doesn't leave my lips feeling parched, and the deep-red color really does something to me when it comes to bringing out my inner boss b*tch." — Danielle Jackson, former assistant editor
Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick ($14, originally $24)
The Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick is not just an editor-favorite but also congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's go-to, specifically in the shade Beso. The long-lasting liquid lipstick has a matte finish but won't dry out the lips. It comes in 24 different colors from bright red to rosy pink. Read our in-depth review of the Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick.
Editor Quote: "The color applies so smoothly and evenly that I didn't need to swipe it over my lips more than once, and knowing how drying matte lipsticks can be, I love that this one didn't make my lips feel chapped or heavy. While it's not 100 percent transfer-proof, I was very impressed with its staying power and the way it was able to hold up even after eating and drinking throughout the day." — DJ
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($16)
The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick has both moisture and staying power. It's a full-coverage, pigmented formula with a matte finish that will actually stain your lips for a flush of color the next day. It comes in so many different shades, including blues, greens, and more. The shade 78 Chili Pepper is also Jenny Lyons's go-to lipstick. Read our full Sephora Collection Cream Lip review.
Editor Quote: "It has a small doe-foot applicator that makes it easy to line your lips perfectly, especially the cupid's bow. The whipped, creamy texture of the lip cream spreads evenly and offers full coverage with a single swipe, but a second coat really punches up the color. It goes on smoothly but quickly dries to a matte finish." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty
About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color ($16)
The About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color has a formula so light and flexible, you won't even feel it on your lips. It's a long-wearing, non-drying liquid lipstick with a color payoff that doesn't disappoint. It's an editor-favorite as well; read our in-depth review of the About Face Paint-It Matte Lip Color.
Editor Quote: "The formula is so light and flexible, you can't even feel it on your mouth. And that pigment? Wow, the color payoff is impressive for such a weightless consistency. I also appreciate the touch of peppermint oil that keeps my lips moisturized. I wore this with my face mask over it for about 30 minutes, and the lipstick didn't smudge or fade. Clearly it's a winner." — Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce
Lys Beauty Speak Love Lipstick ($20)
This matte lipstick is a 2023 PS Beauty Award winner, and it's easy to see why. It moisturizes like a balm but is as long-lasting as your favorite long-wear lipstick. It comes in seven different shades, but Moody, a warm mauve, is our absolute favorite.
Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick ($20)
Selena Gomez's favorite will be your new favorite. It's a weightless matte lipstick that feels velvety soft on your lips. It's nondrying as well, and it comes in a ton of different shades. Gomez's go-to shade is Inspire, which is a bold red, and editor loves the shades Fearless, a deep, cool-tone brown, Heroic, a berry magenta shade, and Brave, a muted terracotta. Read our in-depth review of the Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick.
Editor Quote: "This particular product's texture is unique in the world of matte lipsticks — creamy and buildable, while still feeling surprisingly lightweight and breathable. After a few minutes of wear, the suede-like finish starts to feel barely there, almost like a powder and far more comfortable than the tacky, glue-like texture common in other liquid lip products." — Lisa Robinson, director, distribution
Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo ($22, originally $29)
Our editors agree, the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo is our new favorite budge-proof lipstick formula. Each super-flattering color will last you from your first sip of coffee in the morning all the way to the end of dinner (and then some). The 25-shade range has the perfect neutral and nude for your skin tone, even taking into account undertones. One side of this dual-ended lipstick is a creamy matte lipstick while the other side is a hydrating lip gloss, so you'll have a go-to nude for any occasion. Read our in-depth review of the Ctzn Cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duo.
Editor Quote: "I only needed one swipe of the matte lipstick side of the lip duo for an opaque, bold color. The lipstick is velvety soft, moisturizing, and lightweight. Even though it has a matte finish, it did not feel drying at all. I noticed that the lipstick moved with my lips rather than giving that cracked look you traditionally get from matte liquid lipsticks." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Commerce
Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has gone viral time and time again, and it's worth the hype. Although the shade looks different across skin tones, it's still very flattering. It offers sheer but buildable coverage that's in between a lipstick and a gloss. You can read more about the history of the iconic shade and see swatches on different skin tones in this Clinique Almost Lipstick review.
Editor Quote: "Just one swipe was only a tad darker than my natural lip color. I found the application to be ultra smooth, and I loved that the color was buildable. Yes, it went on practically sheer, but I could add more if I wanted to. My only gripe with this product is that it didn't work well when I had chapped lips. As the brand suggests, it won't work in place of a lip balm but instead should be combined with one if you experience dry lips like I do." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick ($26)
The Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick has the pigment of a liquid lipstick, the feel of a lip balm, and the finish of a lip gloss. It has a buildable color payoff with a buttery soft, moisturizing texture, perfect for those who have dry lips. The lipstick has comfortable wear that is lightweight and flexible on the lips. It comes in seven shades ranging from neutrals and browns to pinks and reds. Read our in-depth review of the Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick. One editor's favorite shades are Tiger, a brick red, 1990, a deep brown, and L'avenue, a berry-brown.
Editor Quote: "Merit's Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick is perfect for a night out and everyday use. This one product can replace your lip balm, lip gloss, and lipstick in your handbag. It has a lovely and elegant feel on the lips that feels hydrating and lightweight. The lipstick has a color payoff that lasts for quite some time, and it keeps my lips feeling conditioned." — AR
Ilia Lip Sketch Hydrating Lipstick + Lip Liner Crayon ($26)
The Ilia Beauty Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon is ideal for those looking for an easy yet precise application. It has the creamy texture of a lipstick but the thin point tip is like a lip liner. It is formulated with sea succulent, hyaluronic acid, seaweed extract, and rosehip oil to help hydrate and deliver a smooth appearance to your lips. It comes in 12 different shades, and our editor loves Banquette, Gala, and Night Bloom in particular. Check out her in-depth Ilia Beauty Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon review for more.
Editor Quote: "I typically prime my lips with a balm or chapstick before using liner or lipstick, but with these crayons I didn't have to. The lip crayon was hydrating and glided on effortlessly. . . As far as wear-time goes, I found that the lip crayon had better staying power compared to other lipsticks I own. I was impressed when I drank a hot cup of coffee and could still see remnants of my lip color left behind." — Alida Araica, manager, newsletter
The Heirloom Satin Lipstick from Kulfi is a must-have for your makeup bag. It's a comfortable, hydrating lipstick with a satin finish that comes in seven flattering shades for all skin tones. The formula contains vitamin E and a candelilla wax blend, which gives it that moisturizing, smooth consistency. Read our full review of the Kulfi lipstick line for more information.
Editor Quote: "The shade First Sari is the perfect berry shade for me, but it's more approachable and wearable for everyday looks. If you want something that's flirty and cute but also is a more neutral vibe, First Sari is a versatile option." — AR
Pat McGrath Labs Liquilust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick ($34)
The Pat McGrath Labs Liquilust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick is one of Taylor Swift's go-to red lipstick formulas, and it doesn't disappoint. The shade she uses is Elson 4, a blue-based red, however it is constantly sold out. It comes in five other shades, and our editor claims it is one of the most comfortable (and kiss-proof) formulas. Check out her in-depth review of the Pat McGrath Labs Liquilust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick to see it in action.
Editor Quote: "I liked how opaque the formula was after just one swipe. Additionally, the tear-drop shape of the applicator made it easy to get to the corners of my lips without having to deposit a ton of color that I'd later have to wipe off. While I was waiting for it to dry, I enjoyed how velvety smooth the lipstick felt. I've tried my fair share of formulas that have been matte but to the detriment of my lip's moisture levels. My experience with this one was noticeably more comfortable." — Ariel Baker, associate editor, Beauty
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick ($35)
The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick is famous for its cult-favorite Pillow Talk shade, but it also comes in a ton of universally flattering shades. It has a matte finish with a long-wearing, buildable formula. It's hydrating and pigmented, and it's the finishing touch to a glam look. Pillow Talk is a stunning nude pink shade for those with lighter skin tones, however, the shade Pillow Talk Medium is perfect for those with darker skin tones. Read our review of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick.
Editor Quote: "The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick hasn't left my bag since I first got my hands on it six years ago. It's the perfect neutral for my naturally bright, pink lips and it matches with every makeup look." — JH
Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick ($50)
Available in 10 shades ranging from deep brown to light peach, this hydrating matte lipstick from Westman Atelier is one of the most comfortable formulas we've tried. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and meadowfoam extract to hydrate, while kaolin clay mattifies without feathering. Plus, it comes in sleek packaging with a magnetic top. Our editor loves the shade Pique, a taupe-y purple. Read our review of the Westman Atelier Lip Suede Hydrating Matte Lipstick for more.
Editor Quote: "As soon as I swiped on the lipstick, I was immediately impressed with the way it felt on my lips. I have used quite a few matte formulas that tug and skip when you apply. Not only did this one glide on like a satin or high-shine lipstick, but it also felt more comfortable the longer I wore it." — AB
Anvita Reddy is an assistant editor for PS Shopping. She has a passion for products and is an avid reviewer of everything including furniture, mattresses, home gadgets, cookware, tech, and more. Having dealt with acne as a teenager and into adulthood, her expertise lies in beauty. She has tried and tested plenty of skin care, makeup, hair care, and countless other beauty products.
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for PS's TikTok and Instagram accounts.
colorful lipbalm packaging Jessica Harrington is the senior beauty editor at PS, where she writes about hair, makeup, skin care, piercings, tattoos, and more. As a New York City-based writer and editor with a degree in journalism and over eight years of industry experience, she loves to interview industry experts, keep up with the latest trends, and test new products.