Some women have monogamous relationships with their lipstick. They find a signature lip color that becomes almost as much a part of their look as their skin or eye color. Others are promiscuous, choosing a different shade and finish depending on the season, the occasion, their outfit, or their mood. Assembling a Crayola box worth of colors quickly becomes expensive if you choose high-end brands, which charge as much as $50 for each tube. Whether you gravitate toward hot-off-the-runway reds or subtle glosses, you can find lip color with appealing texture, long-lasting coverage, and even all-natural ingredients for less than $6.
Revlon Super Lustrous (starting at $4.74)
This classic lipstick comes in a vast array of hues. Consumer and expert reviewers consider it an exemplar of cream lipstick, striking just the right balance between the rich, lasting color of a matte lipstick and the moisturizing sheen of a gloss.
Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids (starting at $5.50)
The shades number only 10, but reviewers rave about the bright, bold palette. Colors such as Pink Pop inspire some women who generally make more demure choices to try something new. Users appreciate that they don’t need lip liner to keep the color from bleeding.
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Revlon Super Lustrous (starting at $4.97)
Here, again, the Revlon Super Lustrous line stands out, although the matte formula comes in only seven colors. Consumers turn to this lipstick for long-wearing, saturated color with a flat finish. Matte lip color is inherently more drying than conventional cream lipstick, but reviewers suggest combining this one with lip balm or clear gloss for an easy remedy.
Nyx (starting at $5.99)
This smooth lipstick attracts consumers with an alluring spectrum of 22 colors and impresses with its longevity. Reviewers have found that the product doesn’t dry out their lips as much as other mattes and several wearers favor it over premium brands.
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CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers (starting at $3)
Available in 12 shades/flavors ranging from Caramel Apple to Raspberry Splash, this lip gloss supplies moisturizing shine and a subtle tint. Some of the legions of fans who have posted reviews online also observe that it’s not sticky like some cheap glosses.
Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother SPF 20 (starting at $5.97)
This lip gloss earns brownie points for providing sun protection in addition to hydrating shimmer and just a touch of color. Reviewers say the nine shades go on smoothly and stay in place. This gloss also functions well as a topcoat over more deeply pigmented lipstick.
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Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer Stick (starting at $4.99)
Ingredients such as beeswax and sunflower oil deliver soft, glimmering color in 12 understated shades. Devotees report that this product moisturizes and invigorates lips with a slight tingling sensation and shows respectable staying power.
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