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Updated! The Best Lipsticks on a Budget

Most of the time, you shouldn’t really spend more than $15 on a lipstick. (Unless it’s MAC, because we love MAC.) And while you do have plenty of budget lipstick options available at Target and Walgreen’s, not all low-priced lip colors are created equal.

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To help you spend less time staring and comparing in the makeup aisle, here’s a round of budget fashionista approved lipsticks — all priced under $11.

Budget Lipsticks for Women of Color

BLK/OPL Colorsplurge

This highly moisturizing lipstick is right up there with the more expensive MAC brand lipsticks in terms of value. You get rich pigmentation (necessary for women of color and white sisters with darker skin tones) without the high price.

IMAN Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick

Iman lipstick
Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick, $8, ImanCosmetics.com

This is a semi-matte formula that provides long-lasting full coverage. Choose from 19 rich shades that are designed for darker skin tones. You can find Iman Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick at ImanCosmetics and also on Amazon.

Best All-Purpose Budget Lipsticks

Revlon Super Lustrous Creme

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Yeah, Revlon has been around FOREVER, but the brand’s had staying power for a reason…their products are that good. Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipsticks make our list because they are scentless (why do they put scents in lipstick?) and come in 80+ colors.

Maybelline Color Sensational Made for All

In a former version of this post, we included Maybelline Color Sensational lip color on this list — for its color selection and moisturizing properties. But then a new era of lipcolor dawned with the Made for All line.

Made for All is available in just seven shades, but these seven have been designed to complement all skin tones. So you know when you buy a lipcolor, bring it home, put it on…and hate it? Well, that’s far less likely to happen with Made for All.

Best All-Day Wear Budget Lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

If you want your color to last through morning coffee, lunch and maybe even brushing your teeth, Revlon’s ColorStay is your pick. Know that this isn’t going to be a creamy, moisturizing formula — that’s the trade-off you make with all-day color. But it will stay put.

I use this product in Iconic Iris, and here’s my story about how well it stays. I tried to wipe it off one day before heading out to the barn to ride my horse — it seems silly to be dolled up for horse riding — and I literally couldn’t wipe this color off with a dry tissue.

What is your favorite budget lip color? Share in the comments!

BellaBlue

Friday 4th of November 2011

My favorite budget lipstick is anything maybelline and another good one is boots from Target or CVS Pharmacy. I must say I am a diehard Nars fan and when it comes to red lipsticks, look no further!

NancyB

Friday 15th of February 2008

My favorite budget lipstick is MegaColors from Wet n Wild, believe it or not!!  It has a creamy, moisturizing formula with shea butter and vitamin E that feels great and stays on for a surprisingly long time (I’m sure it helps that I use a lipliner, though - but then I use lipliner with ALL of my lipsticks).  I like it every bit as much as the Prescriptives lipstick I used to pay $18 for in the department store.  Plus, it comes in 20 great colors. 

The best part, though, is the price - I can usually find it for $1.99!!!  Most drugstores have Wet n Wild, so I don’t have to go to the mall if I run out.  :)

sunnygoddes

Wednesday 13th of February 2008

I love the Sonia Kushuk lipsticks from Target.  a tip for making them stay is putting a pressed powder over.  or even a shimmery blush lightly dusted over the lipstick then you get even more shimmer!!

stroupc

Wednesday 13th of February 2008

MaxFactor Lipfinity has been a very successful one for me.  You apply the lip “paint” when you are doing your make-up and then apply the clear gloss stick over it to keep it shiny.  Because all the color has been applied at home in front of a mirror, touch up is really easy.  All you are doing is putting on a clear gloss.

The down side is that is does get dry if you don’t keep the gloss on.  And at the end of the day, it doesn’t feel as fresh on your lips.  But I have been very happy to be able to eat and drink and still have lip gloss on when everyone else’s has come off.  I also like that I don’t leave lipstick marks everywhere.

They run about $8.

eulalia

Wednesday 13th of February 2008

And if you wait until your local drugstore has a sale, you’ll save even more.

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