15 Long-Lasting Lipsticks That *Actually* Stay Put (and Look Great) for Hours
December 10, 2022
Putting on a long-wear lipstick brings out a certain kind of confidence. From the security of knowing that you can eat a slice of pizza without smudges to going out all day knowing the color payoff will stick around, long-wear lipstick makes you walk around with your head held a bit higher. To that end, we rounded up some of our favorite long-lasting lippies. From a cult-classic liquid lipstick that doesn’t budge to a formula that looks as smooth as velvet, you can’t go wrong with these 15 picks.
How to Apply Long-Lasting Lipstick
When it comes to applying lipstick that lasts, it’s not just about the formula (although that certainly helps). It’s also about how you apply the lipstick. Ensuring your lips are exfoliated and well-hydrated is the first step to creating a smooth canvas for the product to grip. Priming your lips with lip primer or lining and filling your lips with a matching lip liner first can also help extend lipstick wear. And don’t forget to blot your lipstick with a tissue once you apply — this absorbs excess product for a longer-lasting finish!
How Long Does Long-Lasting Lipstick Last?
Most long-lasting lipsticks are formulated to last up to 12 hours, with some formulas boasting up to 16 hours of wear. To ensure you get the longest wear, make sure your lips are properly prepped before applying.
The 15 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks
NYX Professional Makeup XXL Lip Lingerie Matte Liquid Lipstick
This 16-hour full-bodied formula clings to the lips for the ultimate long-wearing lip look. It’s super pigmented and won’t require many touch-ups, making it ideal for wearing all day and long into the night. It comes in over a dozen bold shades, from fiery red hues to deep mauves.
L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Les Nus Intense Lipstick
If you live for your nude shades, this entire collection was made for you. It incorporates a range of wearable hues for all different skin tones, including soft peaches, pinks and berry tones. The moisturizing formula is smudge-proof and doesn’t feather, even after wearing it for hours.
Maybelline New York SuperStay Liquid Lipstick
If you’re looking for a lipstick that will last through a full meal, this is the one for you. It’s an intensely pigmented formula that comes in 40 shades and has a long-wearing, matte finish. You can build the formula up for a more full-coverage look or just apply one swipe for a softer, just-bitten effect. Whatever you choose, it isn’t going anywhere.
Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick
For a soft matte formula that stays true throughout the day, opt for this creamy, luxurious option from Valentino Beauty. It’s probably one of the most comfortable long-lasting lipsticks we’ve ever tried, and it comes in a variety of eye-catching hues, including deep browns, fuchsia, bright red and more.
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick
Experience hydrated and comfortable lips — not to mention rich, matte color — for up to 12 hours with this formula. It’s enriched with grand rose extract and ceramides, so you don’t have to choose between moisture and intense color payoff.
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick
High shine color and 12 hours of wear? Sign us up. If you prefer your lips glossy, this liquid lipstick delivers instant shine and intense color with just one swipe. It’s smudge- and transfer-proof, food- and water-resistant and comes in a dozen standout shades.
Maybelline New York Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear Liquid Lipcolor
For true no-budge color, turn to this liquid lipstick. The long-wear formula resists smudges and transfers for up to 16 hours while still promising comfort and shine. Choose from one of the 25 shades, including 10 nudes.
Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick
This lipstick offers a satin finish that somehow feels more like a lightweight balm than an actual lipstick (you can thank the oil-infused formula for that). Choose from one of the 26 shades for one-swipe vivid color that doesn’t need any reapplying.
IT Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush Stain 4-in-1 Hydrating Lipstick
A balm, gloss, stain and lipstick all in one, this product delivers the color of a lipstick, the conditioning comfort of a treatment balm and the long wear of a stain. It’s packed with good-for-you ingredients, including vitamins A, C, E, acai, green and white tea, plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe and jojoba, to truly nourish your lips.
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
For a lightweight yet long-lasting finish, opt for this cult-favorite matte formula. It’s super pigmented and only needs one to two strokes to fully saturate the lips. This baby also comes in a variety of bold hues from deep reds to burgundies and violet.
BLK/OPL Colorsplurge Liquid Matte Lipstick
Add long-lasting bold color to your lips with this liquid matte lippie that delivers a rich, high-impact finish. This formula also contains vitamin C and E to help nourish the lips (so it won’t dry you out) and comes in 10 stunning shades.
Rose Inc Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick
A creamy lipstick with a skincare twist, this product is ideal for those with dry lips or who want to smooth the look of vertical lip lines while enjoying lasting color. The formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients, including the ultra-hydrating squalane, that help drench lips in moisture for up to 24 hours and blur the appearance of lines. Did we mention the irresistible vanilla-rose scent?
NUDESTIX Liquid Matte Lipstick
This isn’t just a long-wearing lipstick — it’s also a long-wearing eyeshadow and a long-wearing blush! The three-in-one product offers a matte-velvet finish whether you apply it on your lips, eyes or cheeks — or all three for the easiest monochromatic look ever.
Rare Beauty Kind Words Matte Lipstick
You’ll get all day comfort with this buttery lipstick — no dry or cakey lips here. Bonus: Each of the 10 shades come with a matching lip liner to fill in your lips and layer underneath the lipstick for even more extended wear.
Sunnies Face Fluffmate Weightless Modern Matte Lipstick
While not technically formulated as a long-wearing lipstick, this formula is so lightweight and non-drying, it’s easy to build up intense color — and staying power. It comes in 24 wearable shades that complement all skin tones and is especially appealing if you prefer nude and pink hues.
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