The 12 Best Hydrating Lipsticks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
They Say You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile — but Swap in “Lipstick” for “Smile” and That Describes Us to a Tee. Whether a Tasteful Nude or a Bright...
They say you’re never fully dressed without a smile — but swap in “lipstick” for “smile” and that describes us to a tee. Whether a tasteful nude or a bright poppy red, a swipe of lipstick instantly elevates any look from drab to fab, giving us the confidence to strut into our local bodega still in our pajamas feeling like a million bucks.
But if you’ve always shunned lipstick for lip gloss or lip balm, we have news for you. The drying, cracking lipsticks of years past are long gone, and we’ve welcomed in a new generation of hydrating lipsticks that add color and moisture to your kisser.
How are we so confident in this statement, you ask? Because we’ve done the homework. Over four months, we tested dozens of hydrating lippies to find the best lipsticks for nourished, plush lips. After carefully evaluating each option for longevity, color payoff, feel, and ingredients, these 12 lipsticks absolutely drench your lips in color and long-lasting hydration.
Best Overall
Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick
Sephora
Though the formula is long-lasting, it isn’t transfer-proof, so we found ourselves reapplying after meals.
It’s rare to find a lipstick that provides bold color payoff, intense hydration, and longevity, but this pick from Smashbox holds the trifecta. Aptly named, the renowned two-in-one formula features a built in primer that ensures the lipstick applies like butter and enhances the color payoff for a vibrant finish. Beyond the primer, the creamy bullet is also infused with moisture-boosting peptides and ceramides that kept out lips feeling comfortable and supple throughout the day. (We didn’t have any urge to apply lip balm under or over it.)
Satin lipsticks often get a reputation for fading quickly, but this pick's color remained intact and vibrant while testing. That said, even though the formula is long lasting, it wasn’t not totally transfer-proof — we found ourselves needing to reapply after eating. Because it’s so lightweight, though, we didn’t have to wipe it off and start over when touching up. We were able to fill in the sheer spots that had worn away without experiencing any annoying pilling, which frequently happens with some of our favorite non-hydrating lipsticks. Although we had never made it through a full tube of lipstick before, we used this until there was nothing left — a true testament to just how fortifying, beautiful, and comfortable it is.
With 30 shades to choose from, we found options for any occasion, too. Some of our favorites include Level Up, a nude-pink for everyday looks, and Some Nerve, an electric purple, that’s a bit more adventurous.
Key Ingredients: Peptides and ceramides | Shades: 30 | Finish: Satin
Must Read
Best Budget
L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick
Ulta Beauty
We carry lip balm with us everywhere, but sometimes we want a pop of color that most balms can’t provide — that’s where this lipstick comes in. Made with pomegranate extract, a single swipe of this lipstick-balm hybrid provides a much needed burst of hydration with gorgeous color payoff.
Contrary to run-of-the-mill lipsticks and balms, this one actually enhances lips with continued use: After using this for four weeks, our bare lips will feel smoother and softer. We appreciate that the gentle formula is also dermatologist and allergy-tested, making it suitable for sensitive lips. While there are 10 lustrous shades to choose from, the swatches shown on the brand’s site don’t accurately depict the lipstick colors, so we recommend watching Allura Beauty’s YouTube video of the swatches before making a final selection.
Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract | Shades: 10 | Finish: Luminous
