While you may not be wearing lipstick as much under a protective mask [1] now (and playing up your eyes in public instead [2]), all that likely changes when you're safe in your own home. After all, a swipe of this product is a virtual game changer during hour three of Zoom meetings [3], or a colourful addition to date nights [4] on the couch.
Even if you don't have any actual holiday plans — or mistletoe kisses — planned at the moment, you just may have celebrations where lipstick can stand out on screen [5] this month and beyond. We surely do, so we've picked out our favourites for $20 or less at Sephora. Every single one has at least an average four-star rating from other shoppers or more, so you don't need to just take our word for it.
Kiss an empty spot in your makeup bag goodbye and check out our picks ahead.
Kaja Air Heart Lightweight Natural Finish Lipstick
Not only are the seven shades of the Kaja Air Heart Lightweight Natural Finish Lipstick [7] ($17) cushiony and pigmented, each one also features hydrating rose extract and a pretty heart shape, too.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick
This Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick [8] ($18) earns top marks with other shoppers, and all 20-plus shades are also currently offered as a buy-one-get-one-free deal, so you don't need to pick just one for that price.
Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Duo
There are three different colour combos for this Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil Duo [9] ($20), and each can be used as allover lipstick or double as a liner, too.
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
Not only does this Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick [10] ($3-$15, originally $15) come in 90-plus colours, it's earned more than 700,000 loves from other Sephora shoppers.
Urban Decay Vice Lipstick
This popular Urban Decay Vice Lipstick [11] ($19) comes in satin, matte, or metallic options, but they're all rich in nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamin E.
KVD Vegan Beauty Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick
This KVD Vegan Beauty Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick [12] ($20) has earned an average 4.6-star rating from other Sephora shoppers for both the satin and metallic finishes.
Ciaté London Liquid Velvet - Moisturising Matte Liquid Lipstick
The tip of this Ciaté London Liquid Velvet - Moisturising Matte Liquid Lipstick [13] ($19) makes it easy to smoothly apply any of the 18 colours of this highly pigmented, hyaluronic-acid-rich formula.
Artist Couture Caliente Silk Cream Lipstick
Can you picture a more perfect red lip for a holiday photo than this popular, "caliente" Artist Couture Caliente Silk Cream Lipstick [14] ($18)?
Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer
This Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer [15] ($20) has its own built-in primer to create a smooth base for each of the eight long-lasting, pigmented colours.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick
This Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick [16] ($9, originally $18) has earned more than 496,000 loves from other Sephora shoppers and high praise for not feathering or drying out lips either.
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick
All of the colours of this Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick [17] ($20) set into a matte, transfer-free finish while feeling lightweight on your mouth at the same time.
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLipstick Plumping Lipstick, Satin Finish
The white core on this Grande Cosmetics GrandeLipstick Plumping Lipstick, Satin Finish [18] ($20) is packed full of hydrating ingredients to add nourishment to whichever bold colour you choose.
Sephora Collection Rouge Smooth Shine Lip Crayon
It's not hard to stay with in the lines (of your lips) when grabbing one of the 10 colours of this Sephora Collection Rouge Smooth Shine Lip Crayon [19] ($6, originally $12).
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick
As the name hints, each shade of this top-rated Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip Souffle Matte Cream Lipstick [20] ($20) has a creamy, whipped texture that slides right on but, unlike the name, there's no caking.
BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick
Moisturising treats like sea buckthorn and olive oils are among the 19 total vegan ingredients inside each colour of this top-rated BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra-Smoothing Lipstick [21] ($20).
Sephora Collection #Lipstories Lipstick
There are more than 2,000 five-star reviews for this Sephora Collection #Lipstories Lipstick [22] ($9) . . . and 56 colours to pick.
Huda Beauty Demi Matte Cream Liquid Lipstick
The coolest thing about this Huda Beauty Demi Matte Cream Liquid Lipstick [23] ($20) is that each one has a hint of menthol for an actual cooling effect that leaves lips tingling and looking fuller, too.
BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Lipstick
There are more than 118,000 loves for this BareMinerals Gen Nude Liquid Lipstick [24] ($20) from other Sephora shoppers, and so many of them rave about how creamy and moisturising it feels.