That’s why we tested dozens of long-lasting lipsticks ahead of these times to see which didn’t transfer onto champagne glasses and looked unbothered for hours. Of course, we inspected how each felt on our lips, how easy it was to apply, and whether there were plenty of fun colors to choose from. After hours of wear, we found the best long-lasting lipsticks in each category, be it gloss, matte, liquid, or cream. Whatever tickles your fancy, there’s a lipstick to accompany your long days and nights. Let’s kiss goodbye the days where lipstick would fade in half an hour, and welcome some of our favorite options below.
‘Tis the season of soirées and festivities, which for many of us means getting a few new looks together to toast in the celebrations. And while the obvious train of thought leads to shopping for a new dress or some bedazzling jewelry , it’s also a wonderful time to get a little playful with your lip color. It’s not enough to shop for a new lipstick, however. These long nights, family dinners, and even matrimonies require long hours of wear. And just like shopping for comfortable heels you can stand in for hours, you’re expecting your lipstick to stay put, not smudge, and look pristine through the hours.
Best Overall
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$26
View On Nordstrom
$26
View On Sephora
$30
What We Love: It feels luxuriously hydrating.
What We Don’t Love: It’s advertised as matte, but we found it to have a more dewy finish compared to traditional matte lipsticks.
This lipstick was nothing short of phenomenal. From application to feel to pigment, we’re giving it ten points across the board. It came in the form of a pencil, which originally had us worrying about how it might apply. To our surprise, it glided so smoothly across our lips, making it easy to pencil around the edges of the lips without bleeding over. It also only took one layer to get the fully pigmented look we desired.
While at first glance it looked as though it was slightly lighter in color than advertised, a few moments later the lipstick dried down and revealed its darker tone, matching the packaging to a T. It created a very smooth and hydrating sensation over our lips, and while we adored the feeling we were left a little confused as to why it’s marketed as a “powermatte” finish. While it’s not glossy by any means, it’s certainly not drying or matted like traditional matte lipsticks are.
After about five minutes we became completely oblivious to having lipstick on — that’s how natural it felt. But only the sensation was invisible — the pigment remained strong and present even after 30 minutes after talking, drinking, and eating. While we did see some transfer onto cups, a look in the mirror showed no apparent difference in the appearance of our lips. We felt comfortable eating a full meal and only requiring a minor touch-up out of habit, rather than necessity really.
Price at time of publish: $30
Type: Pencil | Finish: Demi-matte | Shades: 10 | Wear Time: 12 hours | Best for: Office, everyday
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Lipcolor
Ulta
View On Ulta
$13
View On Walgreens
$13
View On Riteaid.com
$14
What We Love: It had almost no transfer onto cups and paper, all while looking glossy.
What We Don’t Love: In order to get a clean outline, we recommend pairing this with a lip liner.
If you’re just entering the lipstick game, then this affordable option perfectly breaks the barrier of entry with how beautifully it applies. The liquid lipstick had a rich and creamy texture which spread across our lips like butter. It looked and felt like a gloss, giving our dry lips some much needed hydration, but with a very opaque pigmentation. We also noticed a delicious scent and flavor reminiscent of chocolate.
We waited for about 10 minutes, but the texture and look remained liquidy, which made us apprehensive to do the smudge test. To our surprise, there was barely any transfer to our hands, cups, or even the apple we bit into — almost as if the lipstick was waterproof. Blotting a piece of tissue paper against our lips took away some of the excess product (we applied a few layers to see if the color would build, it did) but other than a tiny bit of formula, the rest of the color remained perfectly intact. You can imagine how confident it made us feel to go and spend an entire evening out, chatting and drinking, without needing a single reapplication. The only con we could think of, however, was that it’s slightly difficult to get clean lines using the applicator. We recommend pairing this with a lip liner for perfect results.
Price at time of publish: $13
Type: Liquid | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 20 | Wear Time: 16 hours | Best for: Evenings out, events
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Matte
L'Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick
Ulta
View On Amazon
$10
View On Ulta
$14
View On Walmart
$10
What We Love: It felt nourishing and didn’t settle into creases.
What We Don’t Love: There was some transfer onto cups and fingers.
For a matte lipstick, this was one of the most hydrating and comfortable options we’ve ever tried. Upon application, it felt very creamy and smooth — dare we say nourishing — without any of that sticky or tacky feeling. It had a soft texture even once the formula dried down, almost as though it was hydrating our lips. We believe it's this creamy texture that helped to soften the look of lines that many matte lipsticks typically emphasize. Rather than a dry and crackly look, it had a creamy (non-glossy) finish that settled without overly enhancing cracks and crevices in our lips or requiring a lip scrub.
As for the pigment, the color we tried (Le Wood Nonchalant) looked vibrant already with one stroke (not to mention, it had a mild taste of berries which felt like a nice touch). Still, we added an extra layer or two just to see if it was buildable (it was) and then dabbed into the lips for a lighter tint of color. We were a little disappointed to see some product transfer onto our fingers and cups — not enough to have any visual impact on our lips, so we could still go about our day without reapplying. The color and vibrancy of the shade remained intact, but it would make us feel safe to carry the lipstick in our bags just in case.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Stick | Finish: Semi-matte | Shades: 12 | Wear Time: 16 hours | Best for: Day out in the city
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Satin Finish
Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick
Armani Beauty
View On Nordstrom
$39
View On Sephora
$45
View On Giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com
What We Love: It felt very nourishing on our dry lips.
What We Don’t Love: It transferred onto cups and food, taking some of the shine away from the lips.
My oh my, did this feel like a luxurious treat to the lips. Our lips were very dry prior to application, and still it was easy to apply this lipstick without any tugging of the lips. The creamy formula slid over the surface and left its gorgeous color in its trace. We were almost surprised to see how intense and rich the color was, and layering on more dabs only made it better. The finished look was satiny without being overly shiny or runny. That’s probably because it dries down a little after ten minutes of wear, sticking to the skin and preparing itself for its promised eight hours of wear. For someone who typically has to layer on loads of lip balm, the creamy sheen made it wonderfully possible to go sans-chapstick and not look like a dry desert.
Dabbing at the lips did cause some of the color to transfer — expect to leave kiss marks on your cups when you wear this. A look in the mirror however revealed no significant change to the appearance of our lips, making us feel confident not to apply another layer. That being said, it probably wouldn’t hurt to bring the lipstick with us to our bathroom trips just to perfect the pout on nights out.
Price at time of publish: $45
Type: Stick | Finish: Satin | Shades: 25 | Wear Time: 8 hours | Best for: Cocktail parties
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
These 14 Best Pink Lipsticks Are Flashy and a Whole Lot of Fun
Best Liquid
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
Sephora
View On Sephora
$29
View On Ulta
$29
View On Fentybeauty.com
What We Love: Despite being a matte lipstick, the formula feels comfortably hydrating.
What We Don’t Love: Creases on the lips show through the matte finish.
Considering Queen Rihanna never misses, we weren’t the least bit surprised when we fell head over heels in love with this Lip Paint. To set expectations at the start, this was definitely a matte lipstick. We had a good three minutes to get the liquid over our lips before it started to dry and hold its place. It was neither heavy nor cakey — instead, it glided over smoothly with a creamy texture.
As the lipstick dries, it felt as though it was molding into our lips and becoming one with the skin. This does make some creases show (as seen on the website's model), but it doesn’t feel taught or irritating in the least bit. For a matte lipstick, it’s surprisingly hydrating and comfortable.
The most impressive part was how it hardly transferred once dried. Tissues could be dabbed, cups could be kissed, and still the formula remained intact on our lips. There was no bleeding or smudging either — it was the closest thing to second skin as a lipstick could be. As for the color, the highly pigmented hue was a delight to have on. The bold shade (we wore “Uncuffed”) looked proud and present during the duration of wear.
Price at time of publish: $28
Type: Liquid | Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Wear Time: 12 hours | Best for: Office, all day wear
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Gloss
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Liquid Lip Color
Amazon
View on Ulta
View On Amazon
$12
View On Nyxcosmetics.com
What We Love: We got two looks in one bottle — matte and glossy.
What We Don’t Love: You have to wait a little for the color to dry before applying the gloss.
For our best lip gloss pick, we’re excited to highlight an option that works double-duty. This lipstick is actually two-sided, with the pigmented color on one end and a separate tube of gloss on the other. We tested both, naturally, and loved how we could get two looks with just one stick of lipstick.
Let’s start with the color — the liquid lipstick had the perfect consistency, having just the right amount of heft to it to stay within the lines and only where we applied it. Standing on its own, it had a demi-matte appearance to it that felt mildly tacky. The product recommends waiting ten minutes before flipping the tube around to apply the gloss, but we waited around two and the color was already dry enough to cover with the top coat.
The gloss wasn’t sticky or gloopy in the slightest and gave a nice slip and high-shine to the lips. It also did a good job of blurring over texture and lines on the lip. The final look was a fully opaque, glossy lip which, simply put, looked beautiful and comparable to the modeled images. There was a little bit of transfer onto tissues and cups, but not enough to affect the look on the lips. Reapplication wasn’t necessary, especially because we saw no patchiness on the color of gloss.
Price at time of publish: $12
Type: Liquid | Finish: Shine | Shades: 32 | Wear Time: 16 hours | Best for: Events, nights out
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Creamy
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
Sephora
View On Sephora
$20
View On Rarebeauty.com
View On Kohls.com
$20
What We Love: It’s a buildable product and feels pillowy soft on the lips.
What We Don’t Love: It does require a few touch-ups throughout the day.
Take the name of this product as is — it truly felt like an ultra-creamy soufflé that just glides right over the lips. The airy and lush formula felt like a real treat on the skin, almost like a comfortable pillow that sits without settling into creases. It’s neither tacky nor heavy (hence the soufflé) and the finish is a dewy matte without shine.
The shade we picked, Heroic, applies rather lightly and can mimic a stain. For anyone that prefers a more full-bodied shade, this may not be the one for you. However, we had no problem building on and getting a more opaque look with a few passes. When we dabbed tissue paper and cups along our lips, we did notice quite a bit of transfer. Did it affect the look of our lips? Not necessarily, but expect your glasses to have kiss marks if you’re out for an evening. We opted for sipping through a straw to keep transfer to a minimum. We suspect a night out would require at least one or two touch-ups unless you’re happy with a lip stain look rather than a lipstick look.
All in all, we found it to be a great option for running errands in town — perhaps something casual that doesn’t require a lot of drinking or eating. Shopping, hanging out with friends, or sitting in the office are all great activities that would suit this lipstick.
Price at time of publish: $20
Type: Cream | Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 15 | Wear Time: 6 hours | Best for: Running errands, shopping
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best for Dry Lips
Glossier G Suit Soft Touch Lip Creme
Glossier
View on Sephora
View On Glossier.com
$24
What We Love: The product is buildable, giving different opacity levels and thereby colors in one lipstick.
What We Don’t Love: The color isn’t a perfect match to the model.
Glossier has yet to fail us where natural-looking makeup is concerned. Before applying this lipstick, we wondered how their claims of a creamy yet matted formula could possibly be true. But sure enough, we felt the butter-esque cream glide right over our lips, leaving a velvety color in its trace.
The product is certainly buildable, and one layer wasn’t quite enough to get that perfectly opaque look we desired. That being said, those that want just a touch of color on their lips would love how the more natural, muted tone would look on them. Once the application was finished, we had to nod in agreement — it certainly has a demi-matted look, but without any of that cackly dry feeling. As a matter of fact, it felt richly moisturizing, noting that the rose wax and shea butter were working their magic. Even after hours of wear, it didn’t dry or soak up all the moisture from our lips. The product is a bit transferable — particularly in the first ten minutes (even onto our teeth). Still, after hours of wear the look on our lips remained more or less the same. Because it’s a buildable product, even when the formula fades ever so slightly it still looks natural and beautiful.
We will say, however, that the color we saw on our lips wasn’t a perfect match to what's advertised on their model. We tried the shade “Lane”, and what we saw on ourselves looked more like a purple plum, and that on their website seems more like a muted berry.
Price at time of publish: $22
Type: Cream | Finish: Demi-matte | Shades: 9 | Wear Time: 6 hours | Best for: Daytime use, casual outings
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Lightweight
Merit Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$26
View On Meritbeauty.com
View On Meritbeauty.com
What We Love: It’s so lightweight we forget it’s even on.
What We Don’t Love: It bleeds slightly, calling for the use of a lipliner.
It was love at first sight with Merit Beauty’s Signature Lip. We say “sight”, because the packaging that the lipstick comes in is already such a beautiful work of art. But you want to know how it looks and feels on the lips, so we’re here to tell you: it’s the lipstick of your dreams. The formula is so lightweight that we forget it’s even on. Aside from a slightly hydrating sensation, the formula feels nearly undetectable on our lips. The lightweight formula almost feels like it blends perfectly with the skin, partnering up like a perfect team rather than simply sitting on top of the skin.
On top of feeling super breathable, probably the most impressive part was how it does not stain the teeth. Once it’s on the lips, it stays right there for hours. Let’s also not mistake lightweight for sheer — the color pops perfectly opaque. Without looking cakey, the color delivers impact with its satiny finish. What it doesn’t have are clean lines — it bleeds into the corners of our mouths a little, something we were able to fix with the help of a lipliner. Lastly, we have to gush about how good this lipstick smells. Not in an offensive perfumey way, but in a natural refreshing berry taste.
Price at time of publish: $26
Type: Stick | Finish: Satin | Shades: 8 | Wear Time: 11 hours | Best for: Everyday, office, brunch
Most Comfortable
Chanel Rouge Allure
Chanel
View On Nordstrom
$48
View On Ulta
$48
View On Chanel.com
$45
What We Love: On top of feeling light and hydrating, the color was vibrant and attention-grabbing.
What We Don’t Love: It’s transferable, although the color on the lips remains saturated.
Chanel’s lipsticks didn’t amass such fame for no reason, or so we learned during our testing period. This lipstick truly is comfortable enough to wear all day. It’s both rich in color and silky smooth in feel. If anything, it feels kind of like a hydrating lip balm, thanks to its lightweight nature.
The famous little beauty stick glided on our lips without any drag and left a beautifully rich satiny finish. Due to the intensity of the pigment, we did not feel the need to apply a ton of pressure when swiping the color on our lips. Once on, it felt effortless to smile and talk without needing to think about the product cracking on our lips. Most of all, we simply loved the saturated and vibrant color. No matter how much time passed, this hue didn’t fade, leaving us with this intense color on our lips at all times. For makeup artist Carolina Dalí-Trites, who has graced the faces of Hunter Shafer and Lili Reinhart, the Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick is her go-to for longwear as well, thanks to its hydrating soft matte finish.
All of this needs to be caveated, however. The product was most certainly not transfer-proof. Anything it touched left a mark (Chanel kiss marks are famous after all, aren’t they?). It didn’t affect how the lips looked afterward — we still had the same full coverage, vibrant, and satin finish that we started with. But if we were to eat a full meal, talk all night, and sip champagne, we would most certainly want to check up on our lips and give it a nice second layer.
Price at time of publish: $45
Type: Stick | Finish: Satin | Shades: 15 | Wear Time: 6 hours | Best for: Daytime use, shopping and meeting friends.
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Transfer-Prood
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick
Nordstrom
View On Nordstrom
$40
View On Sephora
$47
View On Dior.com
What We Love: It would not even transfer onto an apple when bitten into.
What We Don’t Love: Over time, it loses a bit of its shine and appears more matte than creamy.
We’re not certain what kind of magic Dior blended into the lipstick, but it would absolutely not budge against cups, tissues, or even an apple when bitten into. It’s a long-lasting lipstick in every way, making us feel comfortable wearing it from day to night with hardly any reapplications.
Dior doesn’t give up feel and comfort for longevity either. The application process felt smooth and easy, gliding over the surface with a semi-creamy texture. It had a soft matte feeling on the lips which only started to feel drying after a few hours of wear, at which point we applied another layer of lipstick. The reapplication was purely for feel and not because the color had faded in any way. While the color does come on strong and powerful, it’s also slightly buildable — it took us two swipes to get the shade we were looking for. As the product dries down it loses a bit of shine and appears more matte. However, it does so without settling into creases, smearing, or looking overly dry.
When it came time to remove the lipstick, we were worried it would require a high-intensity makeup remover and some serious scrubbing to remove. However, it was incredibly easy to wipe clean without smearing or spreading too much.
Price at time of publish: $45
Type: Stick | Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 36 | Wear Time: 16 hours | Best for: Day to night, cocktail soirées
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best Moisturizing
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lipstick
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$40
View On Bobbibrowncosmetics.com
View On Bluemercury.com
$41
What We Love: Despite its striking and bold color, the formula feels moisturizing and lightweight.
What We Don’t Love: The application is so precise, that we needed to have a very steady hand to get the placement correct.
Have you noticed that applying a thin layer of lip balm can sometimes make the application of lipstick on top a little difficult? It’s as if the formula won’t stick onto the lips properly when going over a balmy texture. Instead of combining two lip products, we found this super hydrating lipstick that works double duty.
There was a lot to love about this lipstick. To begin, the color applies immaculately and strongly — it only takes a single layer to deliver a high-impact, perfectly opaque and rich color. The satiny formula is also pretty lightweight. Slightly denser than the previous Merit Beauty lipstick, but for the intense color it provides its impressively soft and certainly not cakey. It’s also very easy to get a precision application on, which did mean we needed to have a very steady hand to get the exact placement right.
The final look is something to adore —- it’s got that classic old-school Hollywood lipstick look: rich, luxe, mature, and with a semi-shine satiny finish. After ten minutes it settles in to look a little more natural, making us fall in love with it even further. It doesn’t dry and remains a perfect partner to the lips through the hours. It didn’t even stain the teeth, although it does transfer onto cups and foods. Somehow, the great color-payoff looks unbothered and unaffected even after eating, so while a touch up never hurts, it’s absolutely not necessary.
Price at time of publish: $41
Type: Stick | Finish: Satin | Shades: 40 | Wear Time: 10 hours | Best for: Special events, cocktail soirées
The 13 Best Lipsticks for Older Women With Intense Color Payoff
Best Color Payoff
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$39
View On Ulta
$39
View On Sephora
$39
What We Love: Despite being a matte lipstick, it’s not the least bit drying, and instead has a hydrating and soft feel to it.
What We Don’t Love: It transfers onto cups and tissues.
We’ve tried many lipsticks (for this story and in our general lives), including some of the most high-end luxury options, but somehow this Pat McGrath MatteTrance lipstick blew them out of the park. It had one of the most high-impact colors, requiring only a single swipe to look perfectly bold, opaque, and pigmented.
Out of the 36 color options, we picked “Extravaganza,” which was a rich magenta hue that commanded attention. The pigment was very bright and vivid, wearing true to the depicted shade. It didn’t create any streaks, and was easy to create straight lines around our lips. It never bled or smudged, even after a ten-minute wait or after biting into apples. While it did leave a bit of a color mark or things that it touched, it didn’t cause the overall look on our lips to change, sparing us the need to run to the bathroom for a touch up after every drink.
The product also felt lush and pillow-soft as it glided over our lips in a creamy, medium-thick consistency. Not a stick or a tack was felt, just a luscious soft touch to the lips. Despite being a matte lipstick, it didn’t feel the least bit drying or cackling. How Pat McGrath achieved this will remain a mystery, but we’re not complaining.
Price at time of publish: $39
Type: Stick | Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 36 | Wear Time: 10 hours | Best for: Weddings
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best for Weddings
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color
Sephora
View On Amazon
$10
View On Ulta
$13
View On Walgreens
$15
What We Love: Because the gloss seals over the color, no color gets transferred while eating and drinking.
What We Don’t Love: The gloss has some of that traditional sticky feeling of lipgloss.
There are lipsticks we like, lipsticks we love, and lipsticks that have us jumping up and down with awe and excitement — this Revlon Colorstay Lipcolor belongs in the latter category. The main key points you need to know are that it comes with two sides: a matte color and a gloss topcoat, that it barely transfers onto anything, and can be left on for hours without the need for reapplication — all reasons why we picked it as our best wedding option.
Already in the first swipe, the product felt amazing. It slid on so smoothly, requiring just a single coat to get a fully pigmented beautiful color. While we are typically apprehensive about applying such vivid colors without a lipliner, this applicator did a wonderful job at creating clean lines that didn’t bleed or blur. Once the matted color dried down (in a creamy texture), we dabbed the gloss over to seal the hue. While the texture did have a bit of that traditional stick that lipgloss is known for, it didn’t bother us, because it’s precisely this topcoat that made the lipstick stay perfectly intact through the hours. While biting into apples or sipping out of cups affected the glossy shine a little, none (I repeat: none) of the color removed itself. We hardly needed a mirror to touch up the gloss, making us feel comfortable to wear it all night at a wedding where we’re too busy to be thinking about reapplications. All of this for less than $12? Color us impressed with one of the 24 colors, please!
Price at time of publish: $11.50
Type: Liquid | Finish: Glossy | Shades: 24 | Wear Time: 16 hours | Best for: Weddings, nights out
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
InStyle / Jessica Juliao
Best with SPF
Supergoop! Lipshade SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$24
View On Supergoop.com
$24
View On Kohls.com
$24
What We Love: It has SPF 30 in it that feels minty and nourishing.
What We Don’t Love: It’s difficult to get clean lines around the edges of our lips.
Supergoop spearheaded the funification of sunscreen, and after testing an array of their products, we could see why everyone fell in love with their easy everyday SPF solutions. This mineral SPF lipstick, however, had to be one of our favorites. Even if the lipstick didn’t have any sun-blocking properties to it, we would still classify it as a fantastic lip product. Here’s why.
We found the stick to glide over our lips extremely smoothly with a creamy and rich (not to be mistaken with thick) formula. My oh my, did we love how hydrating and easy it felt on. It’s not necessarily plumping or pillowy, but it’s more than just adding a tint of color. Sitting somewhere between the two, the color it delivers is opaque and impactful yet gentle and sweet.
We also have to mention the taste and sensation this lipstick provides. The embedded SPF30 is felt with a minty, slightly medical scent and taste. It’s probably what makes it so nourishing and refreshing, but we could imagine some might take issue with this newfound feeling. We also found that it’s slightly difficult to get clean lines around the edges, as the lipstick bleeds ever-so-slightly after ten minutes. Still, no amount of time would make this ever feel dry or cackly, remaining on the lips impressively long all while being nourishing.
Price at time of publish: $24
Type: Stick | Finish: Satiny | Shades: 5 | Wear Time: 6 hours | Best for: Summer, days out in the sun
InStyle/Bianca Kratky
InStyle/Bianca Kratky
Read on for the best long-lasting lipsticks for all-day wear, tested and reviewed by PEOPLE.
When considering lipsticks, "You want the color to stay true while also being comfortable to wear," MAC Cosmetics senior national makeup artist John Stapleton tells PEOPLE. "While long-wearing products may stand the test of time, there are practical steps to prevent them from feeling dry and looking crusty." Our list includes a wealth of popular long-lasting lipsticks — including those that don the lips of celebrities like Taylor Swift as well as the clients of celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg.
In the ever-elusive hunt for makeup that stays all day, PEOPLE tested the best matte lipsticks that money can buy. Our team swiped on each long-lasting lipstick, immediately evaluating comfort and pigment before powering through our busy days. Hours later, we looked back in the mirror to see if the lippie smudged, budged or feathered.
Best Overall
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick
Nordstrom
View On Target
$23
View On Nordstrom
$23
View On Ulta
$23
Our Ratings
Pros
This lipstick applies with a buttery-smooth finish that doesn't dry, cake, or bleed.
There's no need for a lip liner; the bullet design keeps the edges clean.
Cons
It takes a few coats to build up the color enough to make an impact.
The votes are in, and the Mac Matte Lipstick came out on top. Our team raved that the lipstick went on as smooth as butter and never dried, bled, or caked during hours of wear. The tube's traditional bullet tip felt made for clean edges, so there's no need for a lip liner. We also love that it's available in a rainbow of shades to flatter any skin tone.
Though the lipstick is celebrated for its comfortable feel, we had to apply multiple coats if we wanted a more saturated "pop" of color, but that might not be a bad thing. Overall, the color is more natural so this easily can be an everyday lipstick. The finish was so smooth that we almost forgot we had it on. While the lipstick didn't smudge on the run, it did transfer a bit towards the end of the trial. Overall, this Mac classic was crowned the winner for its moisturizing might and fade-free wear.
Type: Bullet | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.1 oz.
PEOPLE's Beauty Awards: See Our Favorite Makeup Products of 2023!
Best Budget
Maybelline SuperStay Liquid Lipstick
Target
View On Ulta
View On Target
$10
View On Walmart
$8
Our Ratings
Pros
It has a highly pigmented finish in a wide variety of shades for different preferences.
The arrow-tipped applicator keeps that process clean.
Cons
This has a matte finish, so if you want more of a glossy shine to your lips, we recommend others on this list.
This colorful lipstick adds the perfect pop of color to your pout with a highly pigmented formula that applies with ease. The arrow-tipped applicator allows you to glide this liquid lipstick across the contours of your lips, creating full coverage without straying from the lines. We loved that we didn't need much product for a full impact.
Though a liquid formula, this makeup has a matte finish, so you won't see any unwanted shine. This lipstick features a range of deep pinks and reds with a few nudes scattered in. The only hiccup is it contains several flammable ingredients (although not unheard of in makeup products), so maybe wait until it's dry to blow out any candles. We appreciated the minimal transfer despite wearing it all day and considering the low price, we think this is a winner for affordable makeup.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.17 oz.
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Best Investment
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick
Nordstrom
View On Nordstrom
$40
View On Sephora
$47
View On Dior.com
Our Ratings
Pros
The formula glides onto the lips like a gloss but doesn’t feel tacky and dries with a soft, matte finish.
It features an impressive shade range with 36 different color options, including lots of nudes.
The pigment is rich yet buildable so you can get custom coverage.
Cons
The price is a little high for a lipstick, but considering the pigment and nourishing formula, we think it’s worth the splurge.
Albeit an investment lipstick, the Dior Rouge Forever is one of the best long-lasting lipsticks we tried — and we think it’s well worth the splurge. This formula features rich pigments that look gorgeous in just one coat but still have a level of buildability to them so you can customize your wear. In addition to providing your pout with some color, the formula also features red peony extract to support hydration levels, as well as jojoba oil for long-lasting comfort.
We also love that the lipstick goes on like a gloss — it’s super easy to glide across the pout — but it dries with a soft, matte finish. And, the pigments are completely transfer-proof, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying every 30 minutes (even after eating and drinking).
Type: Tube | Shade range: 36 | Size: 0.11 ounces
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
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Best Matte
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$39
View On Sephora
$39
View On Ulta
$39
Our Ratings
Pros
Even the packaging screams luxury
Rich, bold formula that doesn't cause dryness
Highly pigmented shades you can see after just one swipe across your lips
Cons
Not many light nude shades, which could be a con for those who prefer neutral makeup
We're obsessed with all things Pat McGrath, and this lipstick is no exception. Upon first glance, even the lipstick case screams luxury and sophistication, and the smooth lipstick waiting inside delivers. It has a velvety finish and feels so smooth.
With a range of shades highlighting rose pinks, dark nudes, and wine reds, this lipstick is only lacking in lighter nudes. Each shade is highly pigmented and you can see it after sweeping a single coat across your lips. Our team appreciated the minimal transfer, and how smooth and nourishing it felt during application and wear. Though a little pricier than other lipsticks on this list, we think this lipstick is worth the splurge with its beautiful color and incredible texture.
Type: Bullet | Shade range: 37 | Size: 0.14 oz.
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 10 Best Red Lipsticks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Matte, Less Expensive
KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick
Sephora
View On Target
$23
View On Sephora
$13
View On Ulta
$23
Our Ratings
Pros
It has a powerful pigment that stays in place.
It's made with a vegan formula without any harmful ingredients.
Cons
This lipstick is so matte that it can be a little drying.
No lip service here — this product is as matte as they make it. KVD Beauty Everlasting Longwear Liquid Lipstick came out sticky and thick and instantly dried to a completely matte finish. The vegan formula delivers vivid color with just one coat, and the powerful pigment stays put even while eating and drinking. This lipstick doesn't budge. Due to the matte nature of this lipstick, it's not super hydrating, and we did experience some dryness. That said, the creamy formula was unmatched when it came to mattifying benefits.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.22 oz.
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Liquid
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Liquid Lip Color
Amazon
View on Ulta
View On Amazon
$12
View On Target
$12
Our Ratings
Pros
It offers dual ends with gloss and lipstick options.
The lipstick and gloss combo dries quickly but continues to hydrate throughout the day.
Cons
The gloss did transfer some during our tests.
It's lipstick! It's gloss! It's…both. This liquid lipstick serves up a matte lipstick and a top-coat gloss in one applicator for a shiny sturdy lip that will last all day. This creamy formula provides the ultimate softness and rich color to outline your smile.
The lipstick dried matte very quickly upon application but grew softer and more hydrated after applying the gloss. It provides that nice, glossy look, but with minimal smudging — though some did occur during our transfer test. The pigmented formula allowed for an easy once-over, and we didn't need more than one coat to apply the full effect. When you consider the low price, dual applicator, and quality of the makeup itself, this buy is a no-brainer.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.22 oz.
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 15 Best Lip Glosses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Pigment
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
Sephora
View On Sephora
$29
View On Ulta
$29
View On Fentybeauty.com
Our Ratings
Pros
It's highly pigmented for a bold look with just one swipe.
It has a velvety, smooth finish.
Cons
There aren't many light pink or pale shades.
We had some trouble applying the lipstick due to the applicator shape.
Rihanna does it again! Fenty Beauty's Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color was ranked a makeup bag must for the unbelievable tint it brings with just one coat. We did have some trouble applying the liquid lipstick, since the formula is packaged in a triangular tube with a small wand applicator.
A little went a long way, with one swipe doing the trick for vivid pigment — but the color transferred when we drank or ate. We also wish that Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color came in more colors; a pale pink and sheer shades are notably absent from its lineup.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 6 | Size: 0.13 oz.
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
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Best Lightweight
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
Sephora
View On Sephora
$20
View On Rarebeauty.com
View On Kohls.com
$20
Our Ratings
Pros
The lipstick has a creamy texture that is as comfortable as a gloss, only without the tacky surface.
It has a buildable formula that, with just one application, looks more like a tint, so you can completely customize your look based on your color preferences.
The formula feels super lightweight on the lips and is comfortable enough for all-day wear.
Cons
The formula transfers a little, but it’s not enough to need to touch up or fully reapply.
The Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick is our top pick for the best lightweight lipstick. This formula comes in 15 different shades and is designed with lotus, gardenia, white water lily, and vitamin E to soften and hydrate the lips. We love this lipstick because it has a rich and creamy texture that goes on comfortably like a gloss but dries more matted and doesn’t have that tacky consistency. It’s also one of the best buildable formulas, as just one coat gives the look of a tint, while a couple of additional applications make lips look more pigmented. In addition to its nourishing formula, the lipstick feels super lightweight on the lips and is comfortable enough for all-day wear, and while it does transfer a little, it’s not enough to need to be touched up for a complete reapplication.
Type: Cream | Shade range: 15 | Size: 0.13 ounces
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
10 Viral Makeup Products That Are Actually Worth the Hype (We Know Because We Tried Them)
Best Hydrating
MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
Macy's
View On Nordstrom
$24
View On Walmart
$30
View On Ulta
$28
Our Ratings
Pros
You can achieve an even application with one swipe, thanks to the creamy formula and rich pigments.
The lipstick is super lightweight, so it’s a great option for someone who doesn’t usually like wearing lipstick formulas.
It’s designed to support lip hydration in the moment and over time.
Cons
While its nourishing formula lasts a while on the lips, the pigment transfers a bit between applications.
Consider the MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick for a lipstick that gives your pout some color and provides plenty of nourishment. This lipstick is formulated to provide deep nourishment upon application and over time, helping to support lip health and keep your pout hydrated. While it has a matte finish, we love that the lipstick goes on creamy, as you can really feel its moisturizing benefits (plus, it’s way easier to apply an even coat with a creamy texture). And, although some of the pigment transfers over time, the hydration is long-lasting and deep-conditions the pout long after the color wears off.
Type: Tube | Shade range: 23 | Size: 0.07 ounces
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Smudge-Proof
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Lipcolor
Ulta
View On Target
$10
View On Walmart
$10
View On Ulta
$13
Our Ratings
Pros
The formula goes on smoothly and is easy to get a precise application with the wand.
It dries super fast on the lips and doesn’t budge throughout the day, so it’s an excellent smudge-proof formula.
Cons
It has a sheer formulation, so it’s not as pigmented as we would have liked.
The Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick is our top pick for the best smudge-proof lipstick and was honestly a close runner-up for the best drugstore formula, too. This liquid lipstick comes in 20 different shades and is easy to get a precise application thanks to its smooth liquid formula and cushioned wand. Although the formula goes on sheer and isn’t as pigmented as we would have liked, it’s possible to build coverage for a more customized look. On top of that, it dries fast on the lips and doesn’t budge throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about smudging or bleeding into lip lines.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 20 | Size: Not listed
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Stick
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$26
View On Nordstrom
$26
View On Sephora
$30
Our Ratings
Pros
The pigment is rich and full-bodied but not super overwhelming, so you can still get a more natural-looking finish.
Despite being a pencil formula, the texture is smooth and easy to apply to the lips.
It’s a highly versatile formula, as you can wear it on its own for a matte finish or easily layer it with a slick of gloss on top for some added shine.
Cons
The formula has some transfer, but it’s not enough to need to reapply.
The NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil is our top pick for this category because, despite being a pencil formula, it has more of a creamy finish that is easy to glide across the pout and goes on smoothly. The lipstick formula comes in 10 different colors, with lots of gorgeous pinks and several nudes to choose from. It’s also highly pigmented but doesn’t feel super overwhelming, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally creating too bold of a look. Additionally, the formula is versatile enough to wear in several ways, including on its own with a matte finish and layered with a slick of gloss on top for a nice touch of shine.
Type: Pencil | Shade range: 10 | Size: 0.09 ounces
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Shade Variety
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
Amazon
View On Amazon
$20
View On Nordstrom
$17
View On Sephora
$20
Our Ratings
Pros
This lipstick comes in a beautiful variety of shades that reflect light, medium, and dark skin tones.
It has a matte finish that locks in for all-day wear without fading or smudging.
Cons
It's somewhat hard to take off, given its long-lasting abilities.
While this may not have the most shades of any lipstick on our list, it has the best variety. This lipstick offers light, tan, and dark nudes, pinks, reds, and everything in between. This is a traditional liquid lipstick that dries down to a matte finish and stays put throughout the day.
The applicator is easy to use and the color payoff is amazing and it only needed one coat. While liquid lipsticks can be intimidating to some, we loved how easy the applicator made it to use. During our transfer test, this formula barely budged, which could be a con depending on how effective your makeup-removing products are. We definitely had a hard time getting it off after testing, but this just adds to its level of effectiveness as a long-lasting lipstick.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 15 | Size: 0.11 oz.
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color
Sephora
View On Amazon
$10
View On Target
$10
View On Walmart
$10
Our Ratings
Pros
It has a more controlled application so it’s easy to apply for a liquid lipstick.
The lipstick has full-body pigment, but it’s still buildable.
It has a luxe lipstick feel for a budget-friendly price tag.
Cons
The packaging says it doesn’t rub off, but we experienced some slight transfer.
For a budget-friendly lipstick, consider our top pick for the best drugstore formula, the Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor. Despite its price tag, the formula feels super luxe. It goes on smoothly and has a more controlled application than other liquid lipstick formulas. It also has a full body pigment with a rich finish that is buildable enough to get custom coverage.
In addition to its formula, we were also impressed by the color range, especially for a drugstore lipstick. This liquid lipstick comes in 24 different shades, including several different nude options. Plus, it’s highly versatile and comes with the option to wear on its own or with the included clear gloss for added shine.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 24 | Size: Not listed
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Kelsea Ballerini's 2023 Grammy Makeup Was Done Entirely Using Drugstore Makeup
Best Glossy
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$28
View On Ulta
$28
View On Urbandecay.com
Our Ratings
Pros
The formula features a high-gloss finish that feels like a cross between a liquid lipstick and a lip gloss.
It also features an impressive color range with 19 different shades, including pinks, nudes, and reds.
Despite its high gloss finish, the formula remains lightweight on the lips.
Cons
It has some slight tackiness, which some might not prefer in a lipstick formula.
The Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick is our top pick for the best glossy long-wear lipstick. This formula is designed with a high-shine finish that feels more like a blend of lipstick and lip gloss, not lipstick with a gloss on top. It features an impressive color range with 19 different shades, too, including lots of pinks, nudes, reds, and some berries. Since it has a high gloss finish, the formula can feel a bit tacky on the pout, but it still feels lightweight and comfortable enough for long wear.
Type: Liquid | Shade range: 19 | Size: 0.2 ounces
People / Jhett Thompson
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao