The Lip Products You Should Never Splurge On (And The Ones You Definitely Should)

Whether you love a bold makeup look or prefer a natural glow, you probably have a few lip staples that have become a necessity in your routine that you can't imagine living without. When it comes to finding the right products, it's easier than ever to break the bank trying to buy the best makeup and care products for your lips. Your lips are extra sensitive and they need a lot more TLC than other areas of your skin. This is why it's so important to keep them hydrated and to know what's worth the investment, and which products aren't.

High-quality staples can make all of the difference in your final look, but that doesn't mean you have to splurge on every single item. Budget-friendly options that give amazing results are all over the market. We've gone through the best lip products out there and rounded up the top ones you should splurge on, and those that you can save on.

Lip balm is an essential and reliable item you should definitely splurge on. There's nothing more uncomfortable than having chapped and dry lips. It's painful and makes putting on other makeup like lipstick and lip gloss a lot more difficult. Investing in staples that heal your lips is worth it in the long run. Your lips are extra sensitive and when they're dry and chapped, no amount of lipstick or gloss can help. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, tells Glamour, "The lips are thinner than the rest of the skin and as a result can be more susceptible to external trauma or injury."

We recommend the Ilia Lip Wrap Renewing Balm for a nourishing balm that will soothe and heal your lips. This balm has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that helps protect your skin's barrier and keeps your lips moist and glowing.

You don't have to break the bank and overspend on your next lip gloss purchase. There are so many noteworthy drugstore glosses that will give you amazing shine on a budget. Lip gloss is easy to apply, long-lasting, and gives lips that dreamy and dewy glow we love.

We recommend the NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss. Not only is it a bargain deal, but NYX's Butter Gloss is hydrating and glossy without being too greasy or thick. It comes in 31 shades as well, so you won't be stuck for choices and can even get a few in different shades while staying within your budget. If you prefer a clear and shiny lip gloss, you can opt for e.l.f. Cosmetic's Lip Lacquer to give your lips a beautiful shiny finish. The formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin E to help keep your skin moisturized, plump, and soft.

A product that's often overlooked is lip liner, and it's a staple you should have in your makeup bag. With lip liner, you can give your lips a more defined look, fill in your overall color, and add a sharp border. You can also make your lips look fuller without having to go under the needle with Botox. Celebrity makeup artist Bryan Cantor tells Byrdie, "Create the illusion of a fuller lip by choosing a color that is one to two shades darker than the lip product you will use to fill your lip and line your lips with it."

The Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner is a popular pick in the beauty community and for good reason. This liner is waterproof and long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about constantly reapplying it throughout the day. The creamy formula keeps your lips looking hydrated and blends seamlessly on your skin. You can also get Charlotte Tilbury's viral Pillow Talk lip liner if you don't mind spending a little bit more. For a more budget-friendly find, try the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner. It comes in a range of different colors and gives your lips a stunning matte finish.

Recently, drugstores have seriously stepped up their lipstick game, and provide a wide range of amazing items that you can buy on a budget. In a study published by Harvard University, research showed that wearing lipstick can improve your confidence in a school setting. Although you can splurge and treat yourself with Charlotte Tilbury's viral Pillow Talk lipstick, we don't think you have to in order to achieve beautiful, dewy lips that will boost your confidence. 

Try the Maybelline New York Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Color if you love a matte texture and finish without the dry lip look. This lipstick also comes in a wide range of shades. For a shinier finish, Revlon's Ultra HD Vinyl Lip Polish is the best choice. This lip lacquer has a lot of shine and gives your lips full coverage. You may need to reapply it a few times, but this budget-friendly lip polish is worth it.

In keeping up with the commitment to treating your lips beyond the surface, you can't go wrong with investing in a high-quality lip mask that will soothe your skin long-term. A lip mask will exfoliate, hydrate, and moisturize your lips in ways that other products can't. Esthetician Jodi Shays tells Byrdie, "Antioxidants in lip masks help prevent premature signs of aging and also help retain moisture — less chance of chapping — so your lips appear smoother."

You've probably heard about TikTok's favorite lip mask — the Laneige Sleeping Mask. This lip mask took the beauty community by storm and is definitely worth the hype. With a thick texture formulated to melt into your lips, the Laneige lip mask will hydrate and nourish your skin while you sleep. Packed with hydrating ingredients like butters, oils, and vitamin C, you'll have the dewy, soft lips that you've always dreamed of.