Best Lipstick Brands: Top Brands for Every Skin Tone

Choosing the right lipstick is about more than finding a beautiful shade. The formula should feel comfortable, offer good pigmentation, suit your skin tone, and match the occasion. Some lipsticks are ideal for everyday office wear, while others are better for weddings, parties, and long events.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options available in India, from affordable brands such as Swiss Beauty and MARS Cosmetics to premium names like M.A.C and Huda Beauty. Each brand offers different shades, finishes, and formulas to suit different preferences and budgets.

In this guide, we cover the 10 best lipstick brands in India, their popular ranges, approximate prices, and what makes each one worth considering. We also explain how to choose lipstick shades for different skin tones and find a formula that suits your lips.

Quick Comparison Table

The following table compares popular lipstick brands in India based on their key features, popular ranges, approximate prices, and online purchasing options.

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the retailer, shade, product size, discounts, and new launches. Product availability also varies across platforms. When shopping through third-party marketplaces, check the seller’s authenticity and product details before ordering.

Top 10 Best Lipstick Brands in India

Here are 10 popular lipstick brands worth considering, whether you prefer affordable everyday colours, comfortable creamy textures, or premium long-lasting formulas.

1. Lakmé

Lakmé is one of India’s established cosmetics brands, founded in 1952. It has built a strong presence in the Indian beauty market with products designed around everyday makeup needs, different skin tones, and local beauty preferences. The brand offers a wide selection of lipsticks, from lightweight everyday formulas to liquid mattes for occasions when you want a more defined look. Its products are also widely available through beauty stores and online retailers.

Known for

• Comfortable lipstick formulas suitable for everyday makeup.
• A broad selection of shades that complement Indian skin tones.
• Affordable options for office wear, casual outings, and special occasions.

Popular ranges

• Lakmé 9to5 Primer + Matte: A matte lipstick range with a primer-inspired formula for a smooth finish.
• Lakmé Absolute Matte Melt: Liquid lipsticks designed for a bold matte look.
• Lakmé Cushion Matte: A softer matte option for those who prefer a comfortable finish.

Best for

Everyday wear, office makeup, and people looking for a balance between price and quality.

2. Maybelline New York

Maybelline New York is a globally recognised makeup brand known for making trendy beauty products accessible to a wide audience. Its lipstick collection includes traditional bullet lipsticks, liquid mattes, and glossy formulas. The brand is particularly popular for its SuperStay collection, which offers long-wearing colour for people who do not want frequent touch-ups. Its wide shade selection also makes it easier to find colours for everyday use and special occasions.

Known for

• Long-lasting liquid lipstick formulas.
• Rich pigmentation and a wide selection of colours.
• Budget-friendly options compared with many premium makeup brands.

Popular ranges

• SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick: Known for its highly pigmented, long-wearing matte formula.
• Sensational Liquid Matte: Offers bold colour with a liquid matte finish.
• SuperStay Vinyl Ink: Provides glossy colour with a long-wearing formula.

Best for

People who want long-lasting lip colour, bold pigmentation, and good value for money.

3. M.A.C Cosmetics

M.A.C Cosmetics is a premium makeup brand founded in Toronto in 1984. It is especially popular among professional makeup artists, beauty enthusiasts, and people who enjoy experimenting with different lipstick shades. One of its biggest strengths is its extensive colour selection. From classic reds and everyday nudes to deep berries and browns, M.A.C offers shades for different complexions and makeup styles.

Known for

• Professional-quality pigmentation and colour payoff.
• Iconic shades, including the famous Ruby Woo red.
• Different finishes, ranging from bold matte to soft, moisturising textures.

Popular ranges

• M.A.C Retro Matte: A highly pigmented matte range featuring Ruby Woo.
• M.A.C Powder Kiss: Offers a soft, blurred matte finish.
• M.A.C Lustreglass: Provides a lightweight, glossy finish with a comfortable feel.

Best for

Makeup enthusiasts, professional makeup looks, and those willing to spend more on premium lipstick formulas.

4. L’Oréal Paris

L’Oréal Paris is a well-known beauty brand offering products across makeup, skincare, and haircare. Its lipstick collection includes creamy bullets, liquid mattes, and lightweight formulas for different preferences. The Color Riche range is particularly popular among people who prefer a smooth application and rich colour. The brand also offers long-wearing liquid lipsticks for those who want a more defined matte look.

Known for

• Rich colour payoff and a variety of finishes.
• Comfortable formulas, including creamy lipstick options.
• Elegant packaging and products across different price points.

Popular ranges

• Color Riche Intense Volume Matte: Offers intense colour with a modern matte finish.
• Infallible Matte Resistance: A liquid lipstick range designed for long-lasting colour.
• Rouge Signature: Known for its lightweight liquid lipstick texture.

Best for

People looking for rich colours, comfortable formulas, and a combination of everyday and premium-style makeup.

5. Nykaa Cosmetics

Nykaa Cosmetics is the in-house beauty brand of Nykaa, one of India’s major beauty retailers. Its makeup collection focuses on trendy shades, accessible pricing, and products suited to Indian beauty preferences. The brand offers several lipstick formulas, including creamy mattes, liquid lipsticks, and traditional bullets. Its range of nude, pink, red, and brown shades makes it a convenient choice for different occasions.

Known for

• A wide selection of shades suited to Indian skin tones.
• Affordable options for everyday and occasional makeup.
• Different textures, including creamy and liquid matte formulas.

Popular ranges

• Nykaa Matte to Last Liquid Lipstick: A liquid matte range for bold colour.
• Nykaa So Creme! Creamy Matte: Offers a creamy texture with a matte finish.
• Nykaa Ultra Matte Lipstick: Designed for people who prefer a classic matte look.

Best for

People looking for trendy shades, affordable options, and lipstick formulas suitable for Indian complexions.

6. Swiss Beauty

Swiss Beauty has become a popular choice in India’s affordable makeup segment. The brand offers a wide range of beauty products, including lipsticks in matte, liquid, and other finishes. Its main attraction is the combination of accessible prices and good colour payoff. You can find everyday nude shades, pinks, reds, and deeper colours without spending too much.

Known for

• Budget-friendly lipsticks with rich pigmentation.
• A variety of matte and liquid lipstick formulas.
• Affordable options for experimenting with different shades.

Popular ranges

• Swiss Beauty Non-Transfer Waterproof Lipstick: Designed for longer-lasting colour with reduced transfer.
• Swiss Beauty HD Matte Lipstick: Offers a smooth matte finish.
• Swiss Beauty Hold Me Matte Liquid Lipstick: A liquid option for bold lip colour.

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers, students, and people who enjoy trying different lipstick shades.

7. Huda Beauty

Huda Beauty was founded by beauty entrepreneur Huda Kattan in 2013. The brand is known for its bold makeup products, high-impact colours, and glamorous finishes. Its lipstick collection is particularly popular among people who prefer defined lips and statement shades. The brand offers liquid lipsticks as well as traditional bullet formulas, including comfortable matte options.

Known for

• Rich pigmentation and bold colour payoff.
• Premium liquid and bullet lipstick formulas.
• Glamorous shades, including nudes, reds, and deep berry colours.

Popular ranges

• Huda Beauty Liquid Matte: A liquid lipstick range offering intense colour and a matte finish.
• Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte: A creamy matte bullet lipstick.
• Huda Beauty Lip Contour 2.0: A lip liner range for defining and shaping lips.

Best for

People who prefer premium makeup, bold pigmentation, and glamorous lipstick looks.

8. SUGAR Cosmetics

SUGAR Cosmetics is an Indian makeup brand launched in 2015. It has gained popularity for its bold colours, matte finishes, and practical packaging. Its lipstick collection includes liquid lipsticks and crayon-style options. These are useful for people who prefer strong pigmentation and longer-lasting colour for busy days, parties, and events.

Known for

• Long-wearing, smudge-resistant lipstick options.
• Bold shades and highly pigmented formulas.
• Convenient crayon and liquid lipstick packaging.

Popular ranges

• SUGAR Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick: A highly pigmented liquid matte formula.
• SUGAR Matte As Hell Crayon Lipstick: A crayon lipstick with a rich matte finish.
• SUGAR Mousse Muse Maskproof Lip Cream: A soft mousse-textured lip colour.

Best for

People who prefer bold matte lipsticks and long-lasting colour for workdays and special occasions.

9. MARS Cosmetics

MARS Cosmetics is an Indian beauty brand known for affordable, trend-focused makeup. Its product range includes lipsticks, eye makeup, face products, and makeup accessories. The brand is a practical option for people who want to try different shades and finishes without investing in expensive products. Its lipstick collection includes matte bullets, liquid formulas, and soft mousse textures.

Known for

• Affordable makeup products with good colour payoff.
• Cruelty-free product positioning.
• Velvety textures and budget-friendly lipstick collections.

Popular ranges

• MARS Won’t Smudge Won’t Budge Liquid Lipstick: A liquid formula designed for longer wear.
• MARS Matte Box Lipsticks: A collection of matte lipstick shades.
• MARS Velour Mousse Lipstick: Offers a soft, mousse-like texture.

Best for

Budget-conscious buyers, beginners, and people who want multiple lipstick shades at affordable prices.

10. IBA Cosmetics

IBA Cosmetics is an Indian beauty brand recognised for its vegan and halal-certified product positioning. It focuses on offering makeup products for consumers who prefer cruelty-free and ingredient-conscious beauty options. Its lipstick collection includes moisture-rich bullets and liquid matte formulas. The brand is worth considering if you want to compare different lipstick textures while paying attention to product ingredients and certifications.

Known for

• Vegan and halal-certified beauty products.
• Cruelty-free product positioning.
• Lipstick options with creamy and matte finishes.

Popular ranges

• IBA Pure Lips Moisture Rich / Matte Lipstick: Offers different options for everyday lip colour.
• IBA Maxx Matte Liquid Lipstick: A liquid formula for a bold matte look.
• IBA Must Have Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick: Designed for longer-lasting colour.

Best for

People who prefer vegan, halal-certified, and cruelty-free makeup products.

Best Lipstick Brands for Different Needs

Different lipstick brands offer formulas for different preferences, budgets, and occasions. Whether you need an everyday lipstick, a long-wearing formula, or a comfortable option for dry lips, these brands offer several choices.

Best Lipstick Brands for Everyday Use

For everyday makeup, choose a lipstick that feels comfortable, applies smoothly, and offers wearable shades.

• Lakmé: The 9to5 Primer + Matte range offers practical options for office wear and daily makeup.
• Nykaa Cosmetics: The So Creme! Creamy Matte range is suitable for those who prefer a creamy texture.
• Maybelline New York: Offers a wide selection of nude, pink, and brown shades for everyday looks.

Our recommendation: Choose creamy matte or satin formulas for comfortable everyday wear.

Best Long-Lasting Lipstick Brands

If you want colour that stays in place for several hours, consider brands with long-wearing lipstick formulas.

• Maybelline New York: SuperStay Matte Ink offers highly pigmented, long-wearing colour, while SuperStay Vinyl Ink provides a glossy finish.
• SUGAR Cosmetics: Smudge Me Not Liquid Lipstick is known for its bold pigmentation and long-wearing formula.
• M.A.C Cosmetics: Offers several matte lipstick options for occasions when you want rich colour.

Our recommendation: Apply liquid lipstick in a thin layer to clean, dry lips. Use an oil-based makeup remover to remove stubborn formulas gently.

Best Affordable Lipstick Brands

You do not need to spend a lot to find attractive shades and good lipstick formulas. These brands offer budget-friendly options.

• Swiss Beauty: Offers affordable lipsticks in different colours and matte finishes.
• MARS Cosmetics: Provides budget-friendly lipstick sets and individual shades.
• Lakmé: Offers everyday lipstick options across different price points.
• Nykaa Cosmetics: Features trendy shades and different formulas at accessible prices.

Our recommendation: Swiss Beauty and MARS Cosmetics are worth considering if you want to build a lipstick collection on a limited budget.

Best Premium and Luxury Lipstick Brands

Premium lipstick brands often offer distinctive shades, varied finishes, and refined packaging.

• M.A.C Cosmetics: Known for iconic shades, professional makeup products, and a wide selection of finishes.
• Huda Beauty: Offers highly pigmented lipsticks and glamorous colour options.
• L’Oréal Paris: Provides a more accessible option for those looking for varied lipstick formulas and elegant packaging.

Our recommendation: Consider M.A.C for its iconic shades and Huda Beauty for bold, high-impact colours.

Best Lipstick Brands for Dry Lips

If your lips are dry or prone to flaking, creamy, satin, and moisture-focused formulas are generally more comfortable than very dry matte lipsticks.

• L’Oréal Paris: Its Color Riche collection offers creamy lipstick options.
• IBA Cosmetics: Pure Lips Moisture Rich is worth considering if you prefer moisture-focused formulas.
• Lakmé: Offers comfortable bullet lipstick options for everyday use.
• Nykaa Cosmetics: Its So Creme! range is another option for those who prefer creamy textures.

Our recommendation: Look for formulas containing conditioning ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, or nourishing oils. Apply a light layer of lip balm before lipstick when needed.

Best Lipstick Shades for Different Skin Tones

The right lipstick shade can complement your complexion and complete your makeup look. When choosing a colour, consider both your skin tone and undertone, as they influence how different shades appear on your lips. Here are some popular lipstick shade suggestions for different Indian skin tones.

• Warm undertones: Peach, coral, terracotta, and warm reds.
• Cool undertones: Berry, mauve, blue-based reds, and rosy pinks.
• Neutral undertones: A wider variety of warm and cool shades.

Lipstick Shades for Fair Skin

Fair skin tones can suit both soft everyday colours and bold shades. Your undertone can help you choose between pink, peach, and red-based colours.

• Everyday shades: Peach nude, dusty pink, soft rose, and light mauve.
• Bold shades: Cherry red, coral, berry pink, and blue-based red.

Lipstick Shades for Medium and Wheatish Skin

Medium and wheatish skin tones can complement warm, earthy, and rich lipstick colours. Rose brown, terracotta, and caramel shades are popular choices for everyday makeup.

• Everyday shades: Caramel nude, rose brown, terracotta, and warm mauve.
• Bold shades: Brick red, burnt orange, deep plum, and berry.

Lipstick Shades for Dusky and Deep Skin

Dusky and deep skin tones can carry a wide range of rich colours, warm nudes, and deeper shades. Brown-based colours are particularly useful for natural-looking everyday makeup.

• Everyday shades: Chocolate brown, chestnut, caramel brown, and spiced cinnamon.
• Bold shades: Burgundy, wine, oxblood, deep plum, and magenta.

Remember that these suggestions are general guidelines. Your undertone, natural lip pigmentation, and personal preference can influence how a lipstick shade looks. If possible, test the colour on your lips before purchasing.

What to Consider Before Buying a Lipstick

Before buying a lipstick, consider its colour payoff, staying power, formula, ingredients, and overall value. The right choice depends on your preferences, how often you wear lipstick, and the finish you want. Here are six factors to check.

1. Pigmentation and Colour Payoff

Pigmentation determines how much colour a lipstick delivers with each application. A good formula should provide even coverage without requiring too many layers.

• Check whether the colour appears evenly on your lips.
• Look for buildable pigmentation if you prefer adjustable colour intensity.
• Consider sheer formulas for subtle colour and highly pigmented options for fuller coverage.

2. Staying Power and Transfer Resistance

Consider how long the lipstick lasts and how it behaves during everyday activities.

• Check whether the formula transfers easily onto cups, clothes, or other surfaces.
• Look at how evenly the colour fades after a few hours.
• Consider how often you are comfortable reapplying it.

No lipstick is completely resistant to every meal, drink, or activity.

3. Formula and Finish

Lipsticks are available in matte, satin, cream, glossy, and liquid finishes. Each offers a different appearance and feel.

• Matte finishes provide a less shiny appearance.
• Cream and satin formulas offer a softer finish.
• Glossy lipsticks add shine and a more reflective look.
• Liquid formulas vary in texture, drying time, and staying power.

Choose a finish that matches your preferred makeup look and daily routine.

4. Ingredients and Skin Sensitivity

Check the ingredient list, especially if you have sensitive lips or have experienced irritation from lip products.

Some commonly used conditioning ingredients include:

• Vitamin E: Used in many formulas to condition the lips.
• Shea butter: Helps soften and condition the lips.
• Jojoba oil: Helps maintain a smooth feel.
• Hyaluronic acid: A moisture-binding ingredient used in some lip products.

If you are sensitive to fragrance or particular ingredients, check the label before purchasing. Vegan, cruelty-free, and halal-certified labels refer to different product standards and do not guarantee that a formula will suit sensitive lips.

5. Price and Overall Value

A higher price does not automatically mean better lipstick performance. Compare what a product offers before deciding whether it is worth the cost.

• Check the product quantity against its price.
• Compare pigmentation, texture, and staying power.
• Consider how frequently you expect to use it.
• Read customer reviews for feedback on performance and comfort.

Choose a lipstick that fits your budget and offers the features you actually need.

6. Shade Accuracy and Product Information

The shade shown on a lipstick’s packaging or online listing may look different when applied. Lighting, screen settings, and natural lip pigmentation can affect its appearance.

• Check product swatches on different skin tones.
• Look for customer photos and application videos.
• Read the shade description carefully.
• Check the product size, expiry information, and return policy before ordering online.

Conclusion

The best lipstick brands offer a combination of good pigmentation, comfortable formulas, attractive shades, and value for money. Your ideal choice depends on your budget, skin tone, preferred finish, and how long you want the colour to last. Lakmé, Maybelline, and Swiss Beauty are good options for affordable everyday makeup. M.A.C and Huda Beauty are worth considering for premium shades and professional-style finishes, while Nykaa and SUGAR offer a variety of options for different makeup preferences.

Before buying, check the formula, test the shade if possible, and choose a lipstick that feels comfortable on your lips. The right lipstick is one that makes you feel confident and suits your everyday style.

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