It’s National Lipstick Day! (lipstick recommendations from $11 to $45)

Published on by Nikki

Let me first just say that you absolutely don’t NEED to buy any lipstick today. There will be another sale in the future when you either want or need a new lipstick.

But, for those who do want to participate, let’s talk recommendations.

UPDATE August 13, 2025: I have an updated lipstick recommendation post that you can check out by clicking here. This post was originally posted in 2021, so although I have updated it with links to more current recommendations, you may want to check out the 2025 version.

This blog uses affiliate links (marked with **).  I may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on my site.  Learn more here.

Drugstore Pick: **Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, $10.99

While this lipstick is technically part of Ulta’s National Lipstick Day promotion, it still costs less to buy this lipstick at Walmart ($6.87) or Target ($6.89) with no special sale required.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick rum raisin, raisin rage, desert escape swatches medium dark skin
L to R: Revlon rum raisin, raisin rage, and desert escape

This is a classic lipstick that has been sold since the 1950s. I’m not sure there can be higher praise than that. The shade Fire and Ice debuted in 1952, and the Super Lustrous Line was introduced in 1957. For more details on the formula, I have a review and swatches posted here.

Update May 19, 2025: I posted a review and swatches of the newly reformulated Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balms in the shades Honey Shine, Nude Illuminator, and Spiced Wine. You can see that by clicking here.

Mid-Range Pick: **MAC Cosmetics Lipsticks, $24.00-$35.00

Update May 19, 2025: Since I published this post in July 2021, MAC Cosmetics has reformulated all its formulas. However, they still do a nice job with their lip products, and I’d recommend checking them out. I’ve done a full review of their new satin formula, which you can see by clicking the link below.

This is a decent discount, but MAC has had 30% off sales before. So, if you are interested in their lipstick in the matte, retro matte, amplified, satin, frost, and cremesheen finishes ($19.00) it may be worth it to hold out for a bigger discount. On the other hand, the more expensive lip products like the Love Me Liquid Lip Color ($25.00) and the Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Color ($25.00) will give you the best deal right now.

MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Colour Swatches (Bated Breath, E for Effortless and Coffee and Cigs)

You can check out my swatches and review of the MAC Love Me Liquid Lip Colors here. I swatched the shades Bated Breath, Coffee and Cigs, and E for Effortless.

While not my absolute favorite lipstick, I do think that $15.00 is a good price for MAC’s lipstick. I prefer a moisturizing lipstick formula, and MAC mattes, satins, and lustres (now discontinued) just fall short in that department for me. However, if you need or want something that isn’t moisturizing but also isn’t drying, then these MAC finishes might be worth a try. I do still tend to wear a lot of MAC lipsticks simply because the color range is unmatched. I have a much easier time finding flattering colors in MAC’s range than in other brands.

The Love Me lipstick finish (bullet version) is an exception; it is incredibly moisturizing, and I would definitely recommend that formula. I also find the cremesheen formula to be moisturizing, but after discovering that I have a wheat allergy, I decided to stop using that finish.

Update May 19,2025: Although these formulas are discontinued, if you are still able to get your hands on them, here are links to the swatches I have:

Indie Brand Pick: Propa Beauty Lipstick, $18.00

Propa Beauty Luminous Satin Lipstick in Prime Time Swatch Medium Dark Skin
Propa Beauty Luminous Satin Lipstick in Prime Time

I recently reviewed these lipsticks that usually retail for $12.00. Although I wish the packaging was a bit heavier, the formula is top-notch. For more details on the formula and swatches of Prime Time, Profits, Moxie, Victress, and Her Magic, check out my full review here.

High-End Pick: **Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color, $45.00 – discontinued formula

Update May 19, 2025: Currently, the high-end picks I would check out are the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipsticks (reviewed here), the Estee Lauder Pure Color Creme Lipstick (reviewed here), and the Pat McGrath Satin Allure Lipstick (reviewed here). The retail prices are $35 for Charlotte Tilbury, $40 for Estee Lauder, and $30 for Pat McGrath.

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color Swatches
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color

I’m pretty sure that Bobbi Brown as a brand falls into the mid-range category. However, considering the regular retail price of $38.00 for this lipstick, I figured it would be ok to call this high-end. If you want to splurge and love some good packaging, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in this pick. It is a solid formula with great pigmentation. For more details, you can check out my full review with swatches of the shades Bahama Brown, Downtown Plum, and Pink Buff.

Have you purchased anything for National Lipstick Day? Do you have any lipstick recommendations for the rest of us? Let’s talk about it in the comments section below.

If you’d like to check out more of my content, here are some places to start. 

Disclaimer:  I purchased all products featured with my own money.  This site receives a minimal commission from participating in the WordAds program and using affiliate links.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

2 thoughts on “It’s National Lipstick Day! (lipstick recommendations from $11 to $45)”

Leave a reply to ghekate Cancel reply