The Best Lipsticks and Lip Products of 2020
For our 25th annual Best Beauty Buys, the InStyle print team surveyed leading dermatologists, makeup artists, hairstylists, and manicurists to find out which products they can't get enough of. The votes are in: You'll want to clear a shelf for these 163 beauty game-changers.
Trying to buy a new lipstick is like ordering a salad from Sweetgreen: there's just too many options. Ordering a pre-made salad off the menu solves the issue of what you're going to eat for lunch, but as for choosing between a traditional matte lipstick, liquid lipsticks, or a lip gloss, well that's where InStyle's annual Best Beauty Buys can help.
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Every year, our print beauty editors turn to the industry's top makeup artists, hairstylists, manicurists, and dermatologists to determine which products are the crème de la crème. So, whether you're in the market for a new everyday lip balm that keeps smooth all day long or a creamy red lipstick that doesn't smudge, the search ends here.
The votes are in: These are the 10 best lipsticks and lip products, according to InStyle's Best Beauty Buys panel of experts.
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Best Inexpensive Lipstick: Maybelline New York Color Sensational
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With 39 shades to choose from, you can expand your lipstick wardrobe to include a color for any vibe (or Instagram post) without breaking the bank.
To buy: $9; ulta.com.
Best Lipstick: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution
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This cult-favorite is proof that "matte" doesn't always equal dry, dull, and flaky. The creamy formula hugs lips for comfortable, stay-all-day coverage.
To buy: $34; nordstrom.com.
Best Liquid Lipstick: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment
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What makes this liquid lipstick a two-time Best Beauty Buys winner? On top of its lightweight opaque finish, the doe foot applicator is almost as precise and pointy as your favorite lip pencil.
To buy: $26; nordstrom.com.
Best Inexpensive Lip Gloss: Glossier
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A super shiny lip gloss that isn't sticky? Yes, makeup miracles do exist. Thanks to soothing vitamin E and jojoba oil, Glossier's gloss has a cushiony texture that also moisturizes lips. Choose from clear, cherry red, and old school shimmer.
To buy: $14; glossier.com.
Best Lip Stain: Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream
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This lip stain's staying power is what sets it apart from all of the others out there. The color lasts all day without getting dry or dull.
To buy: $37; nordstrom.com.
Best Lip Gloss: Hourglass Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss
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On top of its high shine finish, this lip gloss has a plumping effect thanks to the hyaluronic acid added in its formula.
To buy: $30; sephora.com.
Best Natural Lipstick: Kosas Weightless Lip Color
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Made with a mix of fruit and nut butters (like shea and mango seed), along with jojoba and rosehip oils, this creamy lipstick has impressive color payoff.
To buy: $28; kosas.com.
Best Lip Balm: La Mer The Lip Balm
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Like La Mer's infamous cream, this luxurious lip balm is infused with the brand's signature Miracle Broth (a blend of algae and protective antioxidants). Another reason it's worth the splurge? A little dap goes a long way — and keeps lips soft and smooth for hours.
To buy: $65; nordstrom.com.
Editors' Pick: Merle Norman Cosmetics Lip Pencil Plus
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InStyle beauty director Angelique Serrano is a fan of this pencil because it defines lips and keeps color from bleeding. "My lips looked so much fuller, and the pencil never budged," she says.
To buy: $21; merlenorman.com.
Editors' Pick: Honest Beauty Tinted Lip Balm
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The search for a sheer, everyday lip color is over. With nourishing avocado oil and protective antioxidants, these lip-enhancing balms are a staff fave.
To buy: $9; target.com.
