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Lipstick is much more than just makeup, it’s your confidence in a tube; whether you’re a college student or working professional, you owe it to yourself to indulge in a nice lipstick, even if your budget won't allow for excessive spending. Fortunately, there is no shortage of affordable lipstick brands in India with amazing shades, durability, and gorgeous pigments, all for a budget-friendly price.
In this guide, we will run through the 10 best affordable lipstick brands that are able to deliver quality, texture, and every-on-trend lipstick for under ₹500.
Many people have this assumption that affordable means a compromise. However, Indian brands today are challenging this rule of thumb. With great formulations, rich pigments and safe to apply on your skin, affordable lipsticks perform similarly to premium lipsticks now.
You're getting
Quality: The same smooth, creamy and long lasting texture
Variety: Mattes, glosses, creams - take your pick
Affordability: Ideal for seeing how new shades work for your lips
Availability: Available on and offline, on all major platforms
Before you invest in any lipstick line whether it's low or higher-end, consider the following:
Skin Tone: make sure to buy shades that align with your skin tone shades like (warm, cool and neutral).
Finish: Matte lipsticks have more staying power, satin feels good on the lips, and glossy makes for a juicy look.
Longevity & Pigmentation: Just because an item is on budget doesn't make it any worse. Some budget lipstick lasts all day and won't smudge.
Ethics: Just like there're a lot of brands out with budget-friendly options, there're also budget brands that are cruelty-free and/or vegan.
Best For: Long-wearing matte & on-trend colors
Price Range: ₹250 – ₹499
It's no surprise that Maybelline, a well-known global brand, has been able to maintain quality even in its affordable lines. Its Creamy Matte and Super Stay Matte Ink Mini lipsticks are so popular for a reason.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
High color payoff
Doesn't dry out lips
Suits everyday wear
Pro Tip: Go for warm nudes or browns for office, and bold berry shades for parties.
Best For: Indian skin types & daily use
Price Range: ₹199 – ₹350
Household name in India, Lakmé is a name synonymous with affordable products without dipping into performance. The Enrich Matte and Forever Matte Liquid Lip lines are favorite choices for everyday use.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Gentle on lips
High staying power
Shades well-suited to Indian skin tone
Best For: High-performance under ₹200
Price Range: ₹100 – ₹250
If you’re looking for a lipstick that defies its price tag, Insight is it. The brand’s lipsticks are pigmented, transfer-proof, and shockingly affordable.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Budget beauty at its finest
Transfer-proof formulas
Good shade selection for all tones
Best For: Creamy mattes with luxury feels
Price Range: ₹150 – ₹299
Swiss Beauty has gained immense popularity within a short time due to its high quality and fashion-forward packaging. Their lipstick texture is soft, velvety, and highly pigmented.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Creamy matte that does not crack
Young, bright colors
Paraben-free
Best For: Beginners & daily users
Price Range: ₹120 – ₹250
One of India's long-standing affordable brands, Blue Heaven has changed over the years. Their Hyperstay and Powder Matte ranges have impressed a lot of price-conscious makeup users.
Top Products:
Why Buy:
Suitable for beginners
Non-sticky formula
Very wallet-friendly
Best For: College students & teenagers
Price Range: ₹90 – ₹150
Elle 18 is full of nostalgia and budget glamour with quirky packaging and creamy textures. Excellent for light wear or trying out intense colors.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Creamy central formula
Young shades
Ideal for pocket money budgets
Best For: Premium quality in mini size
Price Range: ₹349 – ₹399
Although Sugar is a bit on the higher side, its mini lipstick range is ideal for frugal makeup enthusiasts who do not wish to compromise on quality.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Super pigmented
Smudge-proof and transfer-resistant
Perfect for gifting and travel
Best For: Unique lipstick designs
Price Range: ₹350 – ₹499
Renee is edgy, Indian, and modern. Their 5-in-1 Lipstick allows you to have several shades in one stick, which is a budget + convenience win.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Space-savvy
Cruelty-free products
Vibrant and beautiful colors
Best For: New York-inspired bright colors
Price Range: ₹99 – ₹249
NY Bae is a Purplle exclusive affordable Indian brand that's digital-first. Their lipsticks are bold, urban, and playful, particularly in matte and crayon variants.
Top Products:
Why Buy?
Vegan-friendly options
All skin tones-friendly
Youthsful, trendy shades
Best For: High-end look at low price
Price Range: ₹299 – ₹399
Reputed for high-quality cosmetics, Faces Canada's mini lipstick line provides better textures, color payoff, and stylish packaging.
Top Products:
Why Purchase?
Comfortable to wear
Mini sizes = try more shades
Dermatologically tested
Selecting a lipstick is not only about choosing a nice color it's about striking the right balance between price, performance, and comfort. Even within ₹500, you can find amazing formulas if you know what to look for.
The following are the major points to look out for prior to purchasing a budget lipstick:
1. Pigmentation
A good lipstick will pay off with rich color in one or two swipes even at a bargain price. Steer clear of lipsticks that appear bold in the tube but do nothing on your lips.
What to look for:
Does it cover pigmented lips well?
Is the color what you see in the package?
2. Staying Power
A budget lipstick does not have to be 12-hour long-lasting but must last for a minimum of 4–6 hours without heavy fading, if you wear it to college, work, or out for a day.
Look for:
Matte or semi-matte finishes
Transfer-proof or smudge-resistant formulas
3. Comfortable Formula
Cheap lipsticks can sometimes be drying or flaky. Opt for creamy mattes or enriched formulas with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, Shea Butter, or Jojoba Oil.
Pro tip: If you love matte lipsticks, apply a lip balm underneath for extra comfort.
4. Shade Range
The best budget lipsticks come in shades that flatter Indian skin tones, from warm nudes and corals to deep reds and plums.
Choose shades that:
Flatter your undertone (warm, cool, neutral)
Fit your lifestyle (nudes for everyday, bolds for occasions)
5. Finish Type
There are various lipstick finishes, and the ideal one is determined by your personal style and occasion:
Finish Type | Best For | Look |
---|---|---|
Matte | Office, long wear | Bold, clean |
Creamy | Everyday, dry lips | Soft, moisturizing |
Glossy | Night-outs, casuals | Shiny, young |
6. Ingredients & Safety
Quality is always important, even on a tight budget. Steer clear of lipsticks containing heavy metals, parabens, or artificial fragrances that can irritate.
Check for the following labels:
Dermatologically tested
Paraben-free
Cruelty-free / Vegan (optional)
7. Availability
Good lipstick should be readily available and easy to reorder when needed. Opt for brands found on platforms like:
Nykaa
Amazon
Purplle
Flipkart
Local cosmetic shops
8. Value for Money
Pricier doesn't always equal best. Opt for lipsticks that provide quality + quantity, even in mini or crayon form.
Look for:
Durable packaging
Net weight (2g–4g)
Value for money
Fair Skin: Try pinks, peaches, light reds
Medium Skin: Rose, mauve, berry
Dusky Skin: Deep reds, browns, plum tones
Pro Tip: Always watch in natural light and try minis or testers before investing.
Exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub.
Apply primer or a little foundation prior to lipstick.
Caking & blotting: Apply the first layer, blot with tissue, then apply the second layer.
Setting with powder: The light dusting creates a longer lasting effect.
Shade | Why it Works |
---|---|
Brick Red | Universal and bold |
Berry | Great for weddings |
Peach Nude | Perfect for office |
Chocolate Brown | Stunning on dusky tones |
Plum | Night-outs and party-ready |
Indian beauty YouTubers such as Shreya Jain, Corallista, and Malvika Sitlani often use brands like Sugar, Lakmé, and Maybelline for their combination of quality and affordability. For lipstick review playlists, demos, swatches, and wear tests, visit their channels on YouTube.
It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to feel beautiful. You can make your own stunning lipstick wardrobe for every occasion from these 10 best affordable lipstick brands, without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for a great go-to nude, a festive red, or something bold and berry, there is an affordable lipstick out there waiting for you.
In India, popular and trustworthy budget-lipstick brands include Lakmé, Maybelline, and NY Bae. These budget friendly options will provide reasonable color pay off, staying power, and on-trend colors all under ₹500.
Yes, the majority of budget lipsticks from well-known brands are dermatologically tested, and safe for everyday use. Always be sure to check ingredient lists, and if your skin is sensitive, stick to paraben-free formulas.
Usually, budget lipsticks will last approximately 3 to 6 hours on average depending on their formulations; matte and liquid lipsticks usually stay on the lips longer than creamy or glossy formulas.
If you take the time to prep your lips, and apply budget lipsticks with intention, they can look just as great as a high end lipstick. Brands like Insight, Swiss Beauty, and Blue Heaven, prove that you do not need to spend that much to still look great.
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