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Say goodbye to matte lipstick & hello to cream lipsticks! Cream lipsticks can come in both a stick or a gloss and they’re super easy to apply, plus they leave your lips looking and feeling smooth. When it comes to creamy formulas, your lips stay moisturized and don’t dry out, which is a huge plus when it comes to finding a new lipstick. Even better, creamy lipsticks have major lasting power and have the ability to stay on your lips the entire day.
We rounded up the best creamy lipsticks that come in a variety of shades and formulas from classic brands as well as indie brands, and you can see them all below.
Our picks include a smudge-proof lipstick that comes with a topcoat, so your lips stay glossy all day, as well as many cruelty-free options. Whether it’s a nude, bright pink, classic red, or something even bolder – there’s a lipstick for everyone on the list and you can see them all below!
Our Favorite Cream Lipstick Worth Considering in 2024
Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color — Best Overall
This all-day lip color comes with two products – a lipstick and a topcoat – which makes for an easy two-step process. The rich color lasts up to 24 hours while the moisturizing topcoat works to keep your lips hydrated all day long, without sacrificing color.
Pros
- It comes with a topcoat for maximum shine
Cons
- It lasts up to 24 hours so it may be hard to remove
Milani Color Statement Lipstick — Runner Up
At a great price point, this nourishing lipstick comes in an array of shades to choose from and lasts all day. It goes on super smooth and leaves your lips with a flawless matte finish.
Pros
- The lipstick is cruelty-free & never tested on animals
Cons
- It comes in 40 different colors, making it hard to choose one
COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Lipstick Cream — Honorable Mention
This long-lasting lipstick glides on the lips easily and it comes in 27 gorgeous shades. Infused with shea butter for moisture, the lipstick provides a super-rich color that lasts all day.
Pros
- It’s infused with moisturizing shea butter
Cons
- It is highly-pigmented
Maybelline New York Color Sensational Satin Lipstick — Contender
With 40 amazing shades to choose from, you can’t go wrong with this super creamy lipstick that glides right on your lips. It provides a highly-pigmented color that doesn’t dry out your lips thanks to the shea butter infused in it.
Pros
- It is infused with shea butter
Cons
- You may have to reapply throughout the day
HAN Skincare Cosmetics All Natural Cheek and Lip Tint — Also Consider
This two-in-one All Natural Cheek and Lip Tint is the perfect product to throw in your purse or take with you traveling. Not only is it super compact, making it easy to take with you on the go, but it also provides you with a blush and a lipstick all in one easy-to-use product. Plus, it is formulated with organic argan oil and vitamin E for hydration.
Pros
- It’s free of animal cruelty, GMOs and parabens
Cons
- You apply it to both your cheeks and lips
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream — Editor's Pick
The NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Soft Matte Lip Cream comes in a variety of gorgeous shades that last all day with just one application. It’s super lightweight and goes on creamy, leaving you with a matte finish that is smudge-proof. Even better, it comes with a precision applicator that has an easy-to-use wand which allows for perfect application.
Pros
- It’s smudge-proof
Cons
- It can dry out your lips
L'Oreal Paris Makeup Colour Riche Original Satin Lipstick — Another Option
This super smooth & creamy lipstick comes in 42 shades, all of which are intensely hydrating. Whether you’re looking for a nude shade or a bright red, there are a bunch of different options for you to choose from. Formulated with Omega 3, Vitamin E and Argan Oil, this product keeps your lips looking and feeling smooth.
Pros
- Super smooth application
Cons
- Not highly-pigmented
Buying Guide: Cream Lipsticks
Wearing lipstick can make you feel more confident and ready to take on the day. We’re not saying that lipstick will open more doors of opportunity, but the confidence it brings will.
You may want lipstick that’s closer to your skin color, or darker shades to look bold and powerful. Some people like to show off their quirky and creative side, and opt for unconventional colors.
Cream lipsticks come in a variety of different formulas that set individual products and brands apart. Continue reading to find out about different features and gain a little more knowledge on the subject.
Why Choose a Cream Lipstick Over Other Types of Lipstick?
Lipsticks differ in the amount of sheen they create. Matte lipstick has no shine and is highly pigmented. Those with dry lips will find this type of lipstick uncomfortable to wear. Satin, on the other hand, is quite glossy. It is excellent for those with dry lips and is highly pigmented too. However, satin lipsticks cannot straddle the line between a natural look and a bold look like a cream lipstick can. Cream lipstick is moisturizing with less gloss. It offers a great middle-ground between matte and satin lipsticks.
Choose a Lipstick That Suits Your Skin Tone and Style
If you want to achieve a natural look, choose a lipstick similar to your natural lip color. Choosing a lipstick paler than your natural lip color can make you look ill or tired. On the other hand, if you want a lipstick that doesn’t look natural, you’ll have more choice on what colors to purchase.
Those with cool undertones (you have bluish-purple veins) should choose colors with lipsticks with hints of purple, blue, or green. Technically red is a warm tone, but you can find some red lipsticks with hints of the cooler colors in them. This equates to pinkish or purplish-red and plums. Of course, there are also plenty of full purples and pink lipsticks to choose from.
If you have warm skin undertones (your veins are green), you should look for lipsticks with a hint of red, yellow, orange, or brown. This means you can wear the most vibrant red lipsticks, coral, peach, and sultry browns. If you want to wear purplish lipstick, opt for plum as this has a reddish-brown undertone.
A Good Container Is Almost as Important as a Good Lipstick
A lipstick container should have a secure fastening mechanism. Look for a container with a magnetic closure. If you find a lipstick you love without a magnetic closure, consider purchasing a pack of 8mm round stickers. You can purchase hundreds for a couple of dollars. Use the stickers to hold your lipstick lid closed.
You can also choose a lipstick with a screw-up mechanism to keep it even more secure. This will keep the product better covered when not in use. Pro-tip – once your lipstick container is empty, thoroughly clean it and use it to store bobby pins in your purse.
Not Just a Pretty Face
Choose a lipstick that will not only help you look your best but also feel your best. Many cream lipsticks contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, honey, and coconut oil. Some are even scented like berries or peppermint, making your lipstick application more of a complete sensory experience. SPF protection is another great feature you can look for in your cream lipstick. Protecting your lips in this way will ensure your lips look gorgeous with or without lipstick.
Consider Purchasing a Cream Lipstick Set
You can purchase one cream lipstick and wear it daily, but you may prefer a little more variety. Most people have lipstick for a casual look and an evening look. You could purchase several cream lipsticks separately. However, buying a set ensures each lipstick is suitable for a particular skin tone, taking the guesswork out of whether the extra lipsticks will be ideal for you.
Check the Expiry Date
Lipstick will generally last at least one year and up to two years after opening. To check an individual product's expiration date, read the label on the back andlook for the open lid symbol. It will typically show a number followed by the letter M indicating how many months the lipstick will last after opening.
A lipstick can continue to be used after this point but will become dry and possibly look cakey. So when choosing between two cream lipsticks you love, choose the lipstick with the longest expiration date.