“This lipstick punches well above its price point. I won’t name names, but it does remind me quite a bit of a much fancier glossy balm that I also love dearly. Revlon is always on it when it comes to their range of lip shades too—consistently nuanced and chic, which is what the drugstore girlies deserve!” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
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Best Red: Essence Makeup The Slim Stick
Essence
Makeup The Slim Stick
Why it’s worth it: Essence’s The Slim Stick snagged a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Matte Lipstick—and at just $5, it’s an extra impressive win. The formula delivers rich, velvety color without any of the dryness matte lipsticks are notorious for, and the shade range is full of deep, pigmented reds we can’t get enough of. Fall-ready Brick Red offers warm brown undertones, while Nice Spice brings a brighter, orange-red pop.
Packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, and macadamia, the lipstick glides on smoothly and feels comfortable. And despite the soft, creamy feel, the staying power is seriously impressive: During Best of Beauty trials, testers reported up to eight hours of wear with no fading.
Tester feedback from Allure senior copy manager Leslie Lipton
“For literally pennies—well, 499 of them—this lipstick has a creamy, matte finish with the staying power of others that cost 10 times more. The velvety, saturated color (loving Nice Spice right now) goes on after my morning coffee and lasts through lunch. Plus, the skinny, angled tip makes precise application a breeze—lip liner not required. —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager
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Best Stain: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Why it’s worth it: Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain does double duty: It starts as a glossy shine but dries down to a stain-like finish, so your color sticks around well after the initial shine fades. The weightless, cooling formula glides on smoothly without any tackiness, hydrating lips with coconut water, magnesium, and vitamin B12. With 16 shades—from everyday mauves to bold reds—it’s an easy, one-swipe formula way for long-lasting, fuss-free color that works for just about any occasion.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
“The Nyx Lip IV gives that juicy, glossy look—but feels more like a serum. It’s hydrating, super comfortable, and never sticky. What I love most is how it lasts; even after the shine wears down, it leaves behind this subtle tint that kind of works like a lip stain. My favorite shade is Caramel Drip because it pairs so nicely like a nude liner, which is something I wear every day.”—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
