Honestly, I’m pretty much only a beginner when it comes to makeup. I actually didn’t even know what a makeup sponge (Or Beautyblender? What?) was at the start of 2017. However, because I’ve been going to lots of events lately, I’ve decided to learn the ropes. Ever since I started exploring the beauty world, I’ve been getting pretty addicted to lipsticks. I just love the feeling of having color on my lips because it makes me feel good and look slightly more alive than usual. However, there’s one problem that comes with this addiction and it is *drumroll* my student budget.

As a student, I can only rely on my allowance, which is why I have to save up if I want to buy something. Spending P1000 and up on high-end lippies is out of the question, and so this is where local and budget-friendly lipsticks come to the rescue. Aside from being able to provide rich and creamy colors, their ability to last an entire day allows them to somehow keep up with the pricey competition. Hell, they’re probably good enough to be considered dupes. Not to mention they’re produced right here in the country (support local, y’all).

We’ve made a list of the best local lipsticks last time, but there are so much more out there that need to be shared with the rest of the world. Here are some of our latest faves:

Everyday Love+ Nude Lips
Price: P199
Comparable to: NYX Lip Lingerie

Every guy and girl who wears lipsticks knows how hard it is to find something that’d last a messy meal or two. Luckily, Everyday Love+’s Nude Lips matte liquid lipsticks are here to save the day. These lipsticks are waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, kiss-proof, and long lasting enough to withstand your greasy lunch. Their shades consist mostly of pinkish-brown nude tones and what’s great about it is that it can be worn by anyone due to its color neutrality. Plus, for a price tag of P199, these lipsticks are a total steal.

Slay Colors Lipsticks
Price: P599
Comparable to: MAC Matte Lipsticks

A lipstick line that promotes female empowerment? Slay Colors, you’re doing it right. The brand’s Creamy Matte Lipstick line consists of 10 shades and each is named after powerful and influential women such as Cleopatra, Nightingale, Monroe, and Antoinette. They might be a bit pricey when compared to other local (and even some international) lipsticks but these long-lasting matte lipsticks are worth the deal.

BLK All-Day Intense Matte Lipsticks
Price: P299
Comparable to: AVON Perfectly Matte Lipsticks

Anne Curtis is well-known for having pouty, luscious lips. They’ve also paved the way for Anne to release her own cosmetics line that specializes in, yup, you guessed it, lipsticks! Although her line also consists of other beauty products, her lipsticks are the obvious standouts among the rest. Her All-Day Intense Matte lippies come in 6 shades: Bubbly, Brave, Charming, Chic, Elegant, and Fearless. It has a soft formula that’s non-drying, long-lasting, and enriched with Vitamin E and Camellia Oil. It feels great on the lips and is super pigmented. If you’re looking for an everyday, long-wearing lippie then this is the one for you.

DETAIL Makeover’s Matte in Detail Liquid Lipsticks
Price: P225
Comparable to: NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams

Liquid lipsticks are the ones I personally go for because I feel like they’re a lot easier to apply than the bullet types. Just recently, DETAIL Makeover’s Matte In Detail liquid lippies have caught my eye due to a high number of rave reviews on various beauty websites. After trying it, I can safely say that this lipstick deserved all the positive comments from consumers and makeup junkies. With a P225 price tag, you can get a product that works well on fair, medium, and deep skin types, and at the same time supporting a local, cruelty-free brand.

Colourette Cosmetics Coloursticks
Price: P499
Comparable to: Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipsticks

These creamy and pigmented lipsticks from Colourette sure mean business. Being a matte lipstick, nobody would expect it to be too moisturizing but surprise surprise, it’s actually a moisturizing matte lippie. It has a creamy matte textured feel on the lips and unlike other matte lipsticks, it doesn’t dry your lips upon application.

By Bea Javate
Photos courtesy of Everyday Love+, Slay Colors, BLK Cosmetics, Detail Makeover, and Colourette Cosmetics