I Tried The Best Drugstore Liquid Lipsticks

In case you hadn't already noticed, liquid lipsticks are everywhere. At first, you could only find them from higher-end brands in department stores and at Sephora, but now they've finally made their way into drugstores. To find out what was really on par with the high-end alternatives, I tried out all the drugstore liquid lipsticks I could find.

First, it's worth saying that this is one of the biggest and lasting formulation trends in recent beauty. Sure, we've seen foundation sticks and sprays, lip stains, and matte powders. But nothing has made waves in the industry like liquid lipstick. It's a long-wearing matte formulation that goes on like a gloss and dries like a matte. The best ones are comfortable to wear, lasting, and kiss-proof. The worst of the bunch are liquid-like, patchy, and easily transferable.

Luckily, you can find some phenomenal liquid lipsticks at the drugstore. But be careful; I've found that color payoff, formulation, and wearability can change depending on the color -- not just the brand or product you choose. Some colors wear great, while others don't. Overall, I found that the lighter shades, like pink and ultra nude, were harder to work with. And these seven? They're my absolute favorites.

1. NYX Lip Lingerie in Bedtime Flirt

I won't save the best for last. This most recent lip launch by NYX is by far my favorite. These liquid lipsticks go on easy thanks to a stiff applicator wand, and dry matte very quickly. They have a mousse-like formula, so they are very comfortable to wear. I don't feel like my lips are drying up. Best of all, it lasts all day long without flaking. This is a quality liquid lipstick, and the price just puts it over the top as the best option.

NYX Lip Lingerie in Bedtime Flirt, $15, Amazon

2. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Rome

This formula from the same brand has been on the market for a bit, but it stands as one of the best mattes. These are also mousse-y, but dry semi-matte instead of fully matte. They act almost like a stain, so as they wear off throughout the day, the color still remains. Super comfortable to wear and available for an incredible price, these are on the top of my list.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Rome, $6, Ulta

3. NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Sandstorm

Can you tell I'm an NYX junkie? This formulation is much more liquid-like than the other two, and great for someone who wants a matte liquid lipstick look but struggles with dry, cracking lips. This will hydrate you all day long, but definitely has a higher chance of transferring when you drink or eat.

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Sandstorm, $10, Amazon

4. Milani Cosmetics Amore Matte Lip Creme in Amore

This is the most matte of all the formulas I tried. It goes on well and wears for a long time, but will eventually crumble on your lips after a few hours. But it is the most pigmented of all the options, and overall a great liquid lipstick. And it smells amazing!

Milani Cosmetics Amore Matte Lip Creme in Amore, $8, Walgreens

5. Maybelline ColorBlur Cream Matte Lip Pencil in Pink Insanity

I don't really get the concept of the "blur" option for these lip pencils, so I just applied it like a regular lip pencil. It's a fairly matte lip crayon which feels great on the lips, but tends to come off patchy. I had to apply a couple of coats, where the other lip products only needed one. I did love this color a lot, though.

Maybelline ColorBlur Cream Matte Lip Pencil in Pink Insanity, $7, Amazon

6. L'Oreal Le Matte Lip Color in She's So Matte

I was really feeling this warm, spicy nude pink. The formulation is super smooth and creamy, and does dry to a matte with a slight satin finish. The overall feel of this product makes it worth the tiny bit of color transfer.

L'Oreal Le Matte Lip Color in She's So Matte, $9, Amazon

7. Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill

This was the only liquid lipstick I tested that didn't dry totally matte. If you're looking for a highly pigmented gloss with a little bit of shine, this is your product.

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in Nude Thrill, $6, Amazon

Overall, I'm just stoked to know that the hottest beauty trend comes in extremely accessible prices with formulations that feel just a nice as the pricier brands.