The best Revlon lipstick (2024)

Does your lipstick collection need a few new shades— or a total overhaul? Revlon lipstick is a wise choice, especially because the iconic beauty brand has a color for everyone.

Revlon lipsticks are known for their rich textures and vibrant colors as well as their budget-friendly prices. If you're looking for a new Revlon formula with high color payoff, Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a Revlon lipstick

Revlon lipstick formulas

Revlon’s classic bullet lipstick and liquid lipsticks remain its top-selling varieties, mostly due to their high color payoff and long wear times. The beauty brand has a few more lip products that may be placed in the lipstick category, including matte lip crayons, gel lip color, lip tint and lacquer lip balm.

How to apply Revlon lipstick

To get the most out of your Revlon lipstick, it’s wise to invest in a few products for better application and long-term lip care.

• Lipstick primer holds onto lipstick and may extend wear time by several hours. It should be applied to clean, dry lips and left to set for about 15 seconds before applying lipstick.
  
• Lip liner creates a border around your lips that prevents lipstick from bleeding and migrating. Depending on the look you'd like to achieve, you can opt for a lip liner in the same shade as the lipstick or a contrasting one.
  
• Lip scrub, which should be used sparingly, exfoliates lips to provide an even surface for smoother application. If you don't want to use an actual scrub, a gentle alternative is a silicone lip exfoliating brush.

Revlon lipstick features

Common ingredients

Revlon lipsticks contain many ingredients commonly used in lip products, including dimethicone, kaolin, beeswax, silica and paraffin. Some formulas now contain nourishing ingredients that may include aloe, avocado oil, vitamins C and E, shea butter or silk. There are a few Revlon lip products, like the Ultra HD Matte Liquid Lipstick, which are infused with fragrances.

Shade variety

Each Revlon lipstick variety has a unique shade range. The most popular formulas have the broadest ranges, which may include anywhere from 25-87 shades. Newer formulas, like the Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick, usually come in 12 or fewer shades. A few Revlon lip products only come in one or two colors, such as the Matte Lip Balm.

Finish

Although many people lead their lipstick search with formula and shade as their top considerations, finish is equally important. Matte and satin finishes remain Revlon’s most common finishes, and there is a growing number of liquid lipsticks that are available in metallic or glitter finishes. Revlon only has a handful of lip products with sheer finishes, namely their newer lip balm varieties.

Revlon celebrity collaborations

Like many makeup brands, Revlon has embraced celebrity collaborations. Revlon recently released the Revlon X Sophia Carson collection, a collaboration with the former Disney actress and singer featuring her signature shades. The curated collection, like others, is distinguished from other Revlon lip products with special packaging.

Revlon lipstick cost

Revlon bullet lipsticks cost around $8, whereas ColorStay Suede Lip Color varieties and most liquid lipsticks run closer to $11. A few specialty formulas, including newer liquid lipsticks, may be $12 or more.

Revlon lipstick FAQ

What is the shelf life of lipstick?

A. Most lipsticks have a shelf life of approximately one year to 18 months from the time you open it. It may last up to two years if it's sealed and stored inside a drawer. However, if you notice signs the lipstick has expired, like chalky texture or moisture beads, it's time to replace it.

How do I remove lipstick?

A. Although lipstick can be removed with the tissue, it's better to take it off with a cotton pad saturated in facial soap or makeup remover. Cleansing balms are particularly effective at removing high-pigment and long-wearing lipsticks since it only takes a light massage with the balm to fully remove color.

How do I choose the right shade of Revlon lipstick?

A. Finding the ideal lipstick shade boils down to trial and error. Even when you see a shade you like, it may look much different once it's applied. Or it might not be the ideal formula or finish. Fortunately, most retailers now allow shoppers to return lipstick they've tried and aren't satisfied with for refunds or exchanges.

Which Revlon lipstick should I get?

Best of the best Revlon lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick: available at Amazon and Ulta

Our take: A favorite long-wearing formula, this Revlon lipstick stays put, even when you're eating and drinking.

What we like: The formula has a luxurious suede texture that only requires one or two coats for full application. It's infused with hydrating ingredients, including shea butter and aloe, to keep lips soft. The lipstick won't transfer and doesn't require constant reapplication.

What we dislike: Some colors appear much different once they're applied, particularly the reddish tones.

Best bang for your buck Revlon lipstick

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Liquid Lipstick: available at Amazon

Our take: If you like the matte lipstick look but prefer a hydrating formula, this formula is the best option.

What we like: The color-rich lipstick has a true matte finish, but it's not as drying as most matte formulas. It's available in a broad shade range that includes many universally flattering colors. A little goes a long way.

What we dislike: A few shoppers found that a couple lighter shades were more prone to feathering.

Honorable mention Revlon lipstick

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick: available at Amazon and Ulta

Our take: Revlon's classic bullet lipstick has a smooth, creamy texture that keeps lips soft and moisturized.

What we like: The lipstick comes in a whopping 87 shades, so there's a color for everyone. It has a rich, glossy finish that remains shiny throughout the day. The formula is infused with ultra-moisturizing ingredients like avocado oil and vitamin E.

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