These Are The Best Lipstick Formulas Of All Time

We can probably all agree that lipstick is the icing on the cake of any makeup look and can take your look from day to night in just one swipe. But with so many out there, plus the plethora of formulas and finishes, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect lippie. Collectively, the Milabu Team has tried thousands of lip products over the years and have rounded up the best of the best, the crème de la crème. Regardless of what formula you’re looking for, these are our best lipstick picks.

MILABU RATING

(4.5)

VALUE

(4.6)

PIGMENT

(5)

FINISH

(4.7)

LONGEVITY

(4)

_{Price: $22.00 (Satin + Cream) >}

_{$22.00 (Matte) >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Buildable medium to full coverage

Finish: Satin, Matte, Lustre, Cremesheen, Soft Matte

Longevity: 8-10 hours (Satin & Matte only)

Shade Range: Over 150 shades across multiple finishes

Extra Benefits: Moisturizing; Free of phthalates, parabens, retinyl palmitate, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, polyethylene, hydroquinone, triclosan, coal tar, and toluene

Why We Love It: From matte to satin, lustre to creme, MAC Lipstick is the most iconic lippie out there. Not only does she come in every finish, but she’s available in over 150 colors too. Chances are, you’ll be find a favorite color and finish combo. Some of the most iconic shades are Velvet Teddy, Whirl, and, of course, Taylor Swift’s favorite red – Ruby Woo. Aside from the bomb shade range, the lipsticks are apply easily, have great pigment, and have a decent wear time without drying out the lips.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.4)

VALUE

(4.7)

PIGMENT

(4.5)

FINISH

(4.5)

_{Price: $9.99 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Full coverage

Finish: Satin, pearl

Longevity: No claims

Shade Range: Over 91 shades

Extra Benefits: Infused with vitamin E and avocado oil for hydration

Why We Love It: Regardless of the formula, Revlon lipsticks are some of the most iconic at the drugstore. The infamous Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick is making its way around TikTok currently – and for good reason! This one is an oldie, but a goodie that provides high impact color that is comfortable to wear. You get medium to full coverage pigment with a single swipe, and the formula doesn’t accentuate lip texture/dryness/lines. With over 91 shades across satin and pearl finishes, there’s a lip color for every look and skin tone in this range.

MILABU RATING

(4.8)

VALUE

(4.7)

PIGMENT

(4.5)

FINISH

(4.5)

_{Price: $26.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Sheer

Finish: Satin

Longevity: No claims

Shade Range: 6 shades

Extra Benefits: Cruelty free; Vegan; Infused with plant derived squalane, sunflower seed oil, papain enzyme, and stabilized vitamin C; Clean + EU Compliant

Why We Love It: We haven’t met a lipstick we love more than Merit Signature Lip (other than the Dior Transfer Proof formulas, but more on that below). If you want the most comfortable, creamy, hydrating, clean lipstick – look no further. Signature Lip claims sheer coverage, but we find it provides closer to medium coverage. The formula glides on effortless, never accentuating dryness, lines, or texture. Plus, it actually nourishes the lips thanks to its hydrating formula of squalane, sunflower seed oil, and stabilized vitamin C.

Bonus points, because the colors are so versatile and flattering on all skin tones. They’re even lipstick dupes for some iconic shades (Millennial = Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and L’Avenue = Clinique Black Honey!).

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.3)

VALUE

(3.5)

PIGMENT

(5)

FINISH

(4.7)

LONGEVITY

(4.5)

_{Price: $45.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Finish: Matte

Pigment: Buildable medium to full coverage

Longevity: Transfer proof, 16 hour wear

Shade Range: 28 shades

Extra Benefits: 16 hours of comfort wear

Why We Love It: Long lasting meets comfort wear with the new formulation of Dior Transfer Proof Lipstick. This Dior lipstick promises 16 hours of transfer proof wear with a barely-there feel and intense pigment in just one swipe. While it doesn’t quite last a full 16 hours, it does wear beautifully for over 8 before it starts fading. It withstands eating greasy food, drinking, and talking. Don’t believe us? Check out the video below where Milana does a kiss of the hand test that results in barely any transfer.

Note: Because it is a matte formula, it can accentuate dryness/texture on the lips. We recommend prepping the lips by exfoliating and using a balm before applying. But, for a matte formula, this one wears with minimal exaggeration of dryness/texture or settling into lines. Winner, winner!

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4)

VALUE

(4.5)

PIGMENT

(4)

FINISH

(4.8)

LONGEVITY

(4)

_{Price: $27.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Buildable medium to full coverage

Finish: Velvet matte

Longevity: Long wearing

Shade Range: 29 shades

Extra Benefits: Infused with vitamin E and emollients

Why We Love It: These lip crayons are exactly what NARS claims them to be: long wearing and nondrying with intense pigment that gives solid coverage in just one swipe. And, all in a convenient crayon packaging that makes it easy to use this product to line, define, and fill in lips. We think they could be a bit more long lasting (for a matte lipstick, that is), but for one that doesn’t dry out my lips, a bit of fading after eating and drinking is OK. It also helps that they are easy to throw in any bag and make reapplying a breeze!

MILABU RATING

(3.5)

VALUE

(2.7)

PIGMENT

(4.2)

FINISH

(5)

_{Price: $45.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Buildable medium to full coverage

Finish: High shine

Longevity: No claims

Shade Range: 28 shades

Extra Benefits: Infused with a blend of oils to moisturize and exclusive Hydraboost Complex of mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower waxes

Why We Love It: Chanel Coco Flash Lipstick may not be the best value lipstick, but that’s why it’s our pick for best splurge. This iconic Chanel lipstick formula is just stunning. It’s comfortable and hydrating on the lips, but it is one that has to be reapplied throughout the day. Its pigmented in just one swipe, leaving behind a high shine, lustrous finish. And you can’t go wrong with the beautiful black and gold Chanel packaging tucked in your makeup bag.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(3.6)

VALUE

(1)

PIGMENT

(5)

FINISH

(4.9)

LONGEVITY

(4)

_{Price: $34.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Finish: Matte

Application: One swipe, instant payoff

Pigment: Buildable medium to full coverage

Longevity: 10 hours of transfer resistant wear

Shade Range: 15 shades

Extra Benefits: Weightless feel; Features Power Pigment Complex, a blend of pure pigments suspended in rich, emollient oils and color-locking ingredients

Why We Love It: NARS lipstick formulas are *chefs kiss,* so it’s no surprise they are now home to the best matte lipstick. The NARS Powermatte Lipstick features light-as-air, transfer-resistant, highly pigmented color. And, these babies do pack a punch! The combination of the high pigment and matte finish is one of the best in prograde beauty. The formula resists settling into fine lines, feathering, and clinging to dry spots/texture on the lips. Surprisingly, they’re not drying one bit! They just give the most beautiful airbrushed matte lip look.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.6)

VALUE

(4.4)

PIGMENT

(4.6)

FINISH

(4.8)

_{Price: $32.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Cream

Pigment: Buildable coverage

Finish: Radiant

Longevity: Long wearing

Shade Range: 12 shades

Extra Benefits: Cruelty free; Vegan; Infused with plant derived squalane, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid; Recyclable & refillable packaging

Why We Love It: Easy, multi use makeup is becoming huge these days. Not only does it give the clean girl makeup, monochromatic vibe, but it also leads to a less cluttered makeup bug and vanity. Our favorite 2-in-1 lip and cheek product these days is ROSE INC Blush Divine. Not only is one of our favorite cream blush formulas, but it is stunning on the lips too. It gives the perfect wash of color and is über comfortable to wear.

Tip: Once you’ve hit pan, don’t throw out the compact! ROSE INC products are refillable. A blush refill is just $18, which will save you money in the long run.

See Lip + Cheek in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.4)

VALUE

(3.9)

PIGMENT

(5)

FINISH

(4.5)

LONGEVITY

(5)

_{Price: $15.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Liquid

Pigment: Full coverage

Finish: Matte

Longevity: Long wearing

Shade Range: 90+ shades

Extra Benefits: Transfer-proof; Infused with avocado oil to nourish

Why We Love It: Dare we say the Sephora Liquid Lipstick is better than the classic Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick? It has a more comfortable wear, bigger shade range (over 90!), and is truly a last-all-day lip stain. The Sephora Lip Stain glides on effortlessly and has a weightless feel that doesn’t look crepey or settle into lines – and doesn’t bleed/feather either! They dry down to a non-sticky, matte finish that is virtually life proof.

MILABU RATING

(4)

VALUE

(3.5)

PIGMENT

(4.3)

FINISH

(5)

_{Price: $39.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

Formula: Lipstick balm

Pigment: Medium coverage

Finish: High shine

Longevity: No claims

Shade Range: 34 shades

Extra Benefits: Oil-infused lipstick with balm like texture; Made with 65% essential oils

Why We Love It: Pair the stunning gold YSL packaging with a phenomenal lipstick balm formula and what do you get? The YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm, a creamy lip balm with pigment and a high shine finish. Its formula promises hydrated, nourished lips thanks to its 65% essential oil formula for all-day comfort. This particular YSL lipstick comes in 34 shades of various pinks, nudes, and reds for the perfect everyday pop of color.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.4)

VALUE

(3.5)

PIGMENT

(4.3)

FINISH

(5)

_{Price: $45.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

^{Formula: Liquid}

^{Pigment: Full coverage}

^{Finish: Matte}

^{Longevity: Up to 12 hours}

^{Shade Range: 16 shades}

^{Extra Benefits: No settling, fading, smudging, or feathering; Transfer proof; Promises comfortable wear}

Why We Love It: If you want the best, longest lasting liquid lipstick with the most comfortable wear, look no further than Dior. This Dior lipstick formula promises zero transfer and up to 12 hours of wear that doesn’t settle into lines, feather, fade, or smudge. The teardrop-shaped doe foot applicator lends itself to a precise, easy application and medium coverage in just one swipe. Dior recommends letting this lippie dry for 3-5 minutes before it becomes transfer proof. And – they’re right! Whether you’re eating or drinking, this one doesn’t fade or smudge for at least 8 hours.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4)

VALUE

(4)

PIGMENT

(5)

FINISH

(3.5)

LONGEVITY

(5)

_{Price: $10.99 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

^{Formula: Liquid}

^{Pigment: Buildable coverage}

^{Finish: Matte}

^{Longevity: Up to 16 hours}

^{Shade Range: 36 shades}

^{Extra Benefits: Dermatologist tested; Transfer proof; Unique arrow applicator for precise application}

Why We Love It: Ah, Maybelline, another makeup brand full of iconic drugstore lipstick formulas. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink is a liquid lipstick with mega pigment and mega staying power. The formula promises up to 16 hours of transfer free wear. But, this does come with a caveat: this Maybelline SuperStay Lipstick can look dry on the lips. Definitely prep lips beforehand with a good scrub and hydrating balm to lock in moisture. It isn’t fully settle proof and can accentuate lip lines, texture, and dryness a good bit if not careful.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(3.9)

VALUE

(4.1)

PIGMENT

(4.5)

FINISH

(4)

LONGEVITY

(3.5)

_{Price: $34.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

^{Formula: Cream}

^{Pigment: Medium coverage}

^{Finish: Matte}

^{Longevity: Up to 10 hourss}

^{Shade Range: 16 shades}

^{Extra Benefits: Paraben free; Vegan; Contains 3D glowing pigments; Antioxidant Lipstick Tree & Orchid extract help to soften and condition lips; Contains vitamin E}

Why We Love It: We all know and love the iconic Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk, the iconic pink lipstick that is coveted by all. And, for good reason! Pillow Talk is the perfect everyday nude lipstick. It’s designed to enhance the natural hue of lips, unique to your skin tone and natural lip color. There’s Pillow Talk Original and Pillow Talk Medium to suit all tones for the perfect everyday pink lip. The formula is designed to be nourishing on lips, but it is a thicker formula that can cling to dry spots and settle into lines. For best results, prep lips with an exfoliator + hydrating lip mask. Charlotte Tilbury claims up to 10 hours of wear, but, at best, this lipstick wears for about 6 hours. Though, it is still that perfect everyday nude lipstick that most of us look for.

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4)

VALUE

(3.3)

PIGMENT

(4.5)

FINISH

(5)

_{Price: $23.00 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

^{Formula: Cream}

^{Pigment: Sheer coverage}

^{Finish: Soft shine}

^{Longevity: No claims}

^{Shade Range: 2 shades}

^{Extra Benefits: Free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance; Universally flattering shade; Balm like texture}

Why We Love It: It’s true, Clinique Almost Lipstick Black Honey is the most universal lipstick. Don’t let the dark pigment in the tube fool you, because this lipstick goes on sheer and can be layered for more color. The balmy texture glides on effortlessly, providing a soft shine finish and comfortable feel. Clinique Black Honey has a “chameleon-like ability” to flatter any skin tone, looking different on everyone’s unique lip color. And, somehow, Clinique is right! This shade flatters literally everyone and is so versatile to wear.

Looking for a Clinique Black Honey dupe with a cleaner formula? Check out Merit Signature Lip in L’Avenue!

See Lipstick in Action ▶️

MILABU RATING

(4.2)

VALUE

(5)

PIGMENT

(4.6)

FINISH

(4.7)

LONGEVITY

(4)

_{Price: $6.50 >}

HIGHLIGHTS

^{Formula: Cream}

^{Pigment: Full coverage}

^{Finish: Soft matte}

^{Longevity: All day}

^{Shade Range: 34 shades}

^{Extra Benefits: Cruelty free; Lightweight}

Why We Love It: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream should be a staple in everyone’s makeup collection. These creamy liquid lipsticks have a soft matte finish, are lightweight, and comfortable to wear. This lip product comes in 34 shades of buildable pigment from everyday nude to bold berry. Plus, they’re comfortable to wear. There’s minimal settling into lines, bleeding, or feathering, making for a non-dry looking lip look. The only thing is, these aren’t the longest wearing. In our experience, they wear for a solid 4-6 hours without touch-ups. But for $6.50 a pop, you can’t beat the value and peformance!

^{Edited by Maddie}

_{*Some links to purchase are affiliate.}