If you are looking for more details, kindly visit bodesi'.
The best options are lightweight, pigmented, and budge-proof —but don’t be fooled; finding one that checks these boxes (and more) is no easy feat. So, we put nearly 40 different options to the test in our lab facility in NYC and then at home in the real world, evaluating each one based on its pigmentation, comfortability, transfer resistance, wear, and shade range . Ahead, we’re sharing which ones performed the best, earning them the Byrdie stamp of approval.
Whether it’s your go-to nude shade for date night or a fiery red for a special occasion, you want to swipe on a long-lasting lipstick and practically forget it’s even there. Read: no smearing, stickiness, fading, crusty dryness, or heavy feeling on your lips. “I typically prefer to use a lipstick with a matte finish because matte lipsticks tend to last longer than glossy or satin finishes,” says celebrity makeup artist Renee Sangoo . In addition to matte finishes that can aid in longevity, cosmetic chemist Julie Pefferman explains that ingredients like silicones , silicone polymers, and isododecane are used in long-lasting lipsticks to help them dry down faster and adhere to the skin better.
Best Overall
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$28
View On Ulta
$28
View On Urbandecay.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Comfortable on the lips
Pigmented
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Very transfer-resistant
Shiny finish
Offered in a range of neutrals and pops of color
What We Don’t Like
Takes a few minutes to set down
You’ll find that a lot of long-wearing lipsticks have a matte finish since shiny options packed with oils and emollients tend to fade and migrate faster, but this option from Urban Decay delivers both shine and longevity. The lightweight liquid formula is comfortable and non-drying on the lips, and we loved how pigmented and smooth just one to two layers looked. It didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, or feather. While it did take about five minutes to fully set and dry down, once it did, it was almost completely resistant to transfer. It lasted beautifully through eating and drinking with just the most minor transfer in one area—we were quite impressed by how well it remained intact. It’s pigmented, non-drying, smooth-looking, and long-lasting, earning it rave reviews from testers. If you prefer a lipstick with a shiny finish but have been struggling to find one that’s truly long-wearing and budge-proof, we think you’ll love this formula.
Finish: Shiny | Shades: 19 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Gucci Transfer-proof Matte Liquid lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$47
View On Nordstrom
$47
What We Like
Slightly thick consistency makes it easy to control
Pigmented
Packaging shows the true color of the lipstick
Solid transfer-resistance
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Luxurious packaging
What We Don't Like
Feels drying on the lips
Needs to be build up a bit for full, even coverage
There’s something fun and special about splurging on a luxe lipstick. If you agree and you’re in the market for a long-wearing option, we recommend this one from Gucci. It features a classic liquid lipstick formula that has a slightly thick consistency, which helps with controlled application and prevents it from being too runny and bleeding outside the lip lines. While it offers solid pigmentation, we found that it looked the most even and opaque after two to three swipes. Once applied, it set down quickly and was immediately transfer-resistant—it lasted beautifully through our transfer tests without smearing, fading, or coming off. We also appreciate that it comes in a range of shades that are wearable for every day as well as a few occasion-friendly colors. Plus, a nice detail is that the gorgeous packaging is true to color—it shows up on the lips the same color that it looks in the tube.
One thing to note is that the formula does feel drying on the lips and can emphasize lip lines. This is quite common for long-lasting liquid lipsticks, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have chronically dry lips. However, if you prep your lips with lip balm and you’re looking for a completely matte finish that won’t budge, it’s absolutely worth trying out.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color
Sephora
View On Amazon
$8
View On Ulta
$13
View On Target
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight formula
Small applicator makes precision application easy
Feels comfortable on the lips
Can use the matte formula on its own or layer with the glossy topcoat
Comes in an extensive shade range
Matte formula is very transfer-resistant
Doesn’t bleed or feather
What We Don't Like
Gloss formula feels sticky
Shades look very different on the lips than the color of the packaging
The drugstore has awesome lipstick offerings, and this is one of our absolute favorites. It seriously impressed us during our test thanks to its long-wearing formula and versatility. It has a classic liquid lipstick formula with a matte finish on one end that can be used alone or layered with the clear lip gloss on the other end. The matte formula is pigmented, very transfer-resistant, and relatively comfortable and non-drying on the lips compared to other similar formulas. The small doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply the color precisely, and we love that it sets down quickly and doesn’t settle into fine lines on the lips. You can totally wear the liquid lipstick formula alone if you like a matte finish, but if you want lasting color with a high-shine finish, it’s nice that the product comes with a gloss on the other end.
We were very impressed by how well this drugstore buy performed, though it’s worth noting that the lip gloss does have a pretty tacky feeling (though this is good for longevity) and the colors appear different on the lips than what’s represented on the packaging. All-in-all, it’s a versatile and affordable product that’s excellent for anyone on the hunt for a long-lasting lipstick.
Finish: Matte formula with shiny topcoat | Shades: 24 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Drugstore, Runner-Up
L'Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick
Ulta
View On Amazon
$10
View On Ulta
$14
View On Target
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Creamy, lightweight texture
Bold pigmentation
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Lots of neutral and bold shades to choose from
Doesn’t feel drying on the lips
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
Another drugstore lipstick that earned high praise during our test is this one from L'Oréal. The skinny bullet is easy to apply precisely, and just one swipe delivers full-on, opaque color payoff. It’s offered in 22 shades, including neutrals, a variety of pinks and rosy shades, and some bold hues. We loved that it applied smoothly and felt creamy and lightweight on the lips while setting to a matte finish. It didn’t fade, bleed, or emphasize lines or texture on the lips— it looked seamless.
While we did experience some transferring during our transfer tests, we still absolutely think this formula is long-wearing compared to other traditional lipsticks on the market. You might need to reapply after eating or drinking, but other than that, it stays put beautifully without smearing or fading. This one is much more comfortable compared to other matte, long-wearing options that can feel tight and dry on the lips. If you’re on the hunt for a drugstore pick that comes in a beautiful shade and offers longevity without being overly drying, this is the one for you.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Nudes
Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$28
View On Kohls.com
$28
View On Makeupbymario.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Excellent shade range
Nudes come in unique and wearable undertones
Lightweight and creamy formula
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Impressive pigmentation
Magnetic cap
What We Don’t Like
Transfers a bit
When you're in the mood for a subtle neutral shade, Makeup By Mario's Ultra Suede line is where it's at. This range is available in fun pinks, reds, and more unique hues, though the selection of nudes is what makes it stand out. Founder and CEO (and iconic MUA) Mario Dedivanovic knows how to create neutral lip colors with perfect undertones that beautifully compliment people with all different complexions.
In addition to the impressive shade offering, we were incredibly impressed by the performance of these lipsticks. One or two swipes delivered full and even coverage, creating an opaque look with a slightly blurred finish. The formula is creamy and non-drying while maintaining a totally matte finish, and once applied, the colors (even the super-bright ones) don’t feather or bleed outside the lip lines. Though there’s a slight transfer when eating while wearing this one, it’s really quite minimal. Plus, it’s easy to layer without getting cakey, so we don’t mind re-applying this one after meals if needed. If you’re in the market for a comfortable matte lipstick with a lightweight feel and a long-lasting formula, we recommend picking up your perfect nude from this line.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Shade Range
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick
Nordstrom
View On Sephora
$47
View On Nordstrom
$47
View On Dior.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Soft matte finish
Buildable
Comfortable on the lips
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Good transfer-resistance
Tons of neutral shades and pops of color
What We Don't Like
Has a strong perfumey scent
If you’re searching for long-lasting lipstick in a specific color, chances are you’ll find it in this range from Dior. Available in 36 shades that span from light nudes and baby pinks to crimson reds and espresso browns, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone. Aside from the impressive shade offering, we loved how well the formula performed. It’s a classic bullet lipstick with a soft matte finish that feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips. It offers bold and buildable pigmentation, and we experienced very minimal transferring during eating, drinking, and blotting our lips. It didn’t bleed, feather, or emphasize lip lines, and while it didn’t feel hydrating per se, we appreciated that it wasn’t too drying.
We didn’t love that strong perfumey fragrance that was very noticeable during application, but luckily it faded after a few minutes. It’s a luxurious and easy-to-use product with a high-quality formula, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soft matte formula in a specific color.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Transfer-Proof
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
Ulta
View On Amazon
$20
View On Sephora
$20
View On Ulta
$20
Our Ratings
What We Like
Completely budge-proof
Smooth, creamy texture
One-swipe color payoff
Dries down quickly
Doesn’t bleed or feather
What We Don’t Like
Feels drying on the lips
Shades look different on the lips than the color of the packaging
If you like a classic liquid lipstick formula that promises fully saturated color payoff and a seriously budge-proof formula, this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills is for you. The liquid consistency is creamy and easy to apply, and we loved that just one layer offered even and opaque coverage. It set down quickly into a matte finish that didn’t bleed, feather, or smear, and it performed almost flawlessly during our transfer test. Only the tiniest bit of color from one small area transferred onto the cup while drinking water, but it didn’t impact how the color or finish looked on the lips. It’s long-lasting and stays almost entirely intact for hours and through eating and drinking, making it a wise choice for a special event.
Like most similar liquid lipsticks, it is a drying formula that can be a bit uncomfortable and can emphasize lines. However, if you need a lip color that you can swipe on without having to worry about it migrating or transferring, it’s a fantastic choice. Plus, applying a light layer of lip balm underneath can help make it more comfortable.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie /Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Comfortable
MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
Macy's
View On Ulta
$28
View On Walmart
$30
View On Nordstrom
$28
Our Ratings
What We Like
Slim bullet is nice for precise application
Very lightweight on the lips
Offers one-wipe color payoff
Feels comfortable and slightly hydrating on the lips
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Comes in a wide range of colors
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
It’s no secret that long-wearing lipsticks can feel heavy and drying. This one is surprisingly comfortable thanks to a lightweight formula that feels mildly hydrating on the lips. In addition to being quite pleased with how weightless and non-drying it felt as we wore it, we adored that the slim bullet allowed us to apply the color carefully. Just one swipe offered full and even pigmentation, and once set, it didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, feather, or fade. It did transfer a bit during our transfer tests, so it’s not ideal to wear while you’re eating, but the transfer was definitely more minimal than it would be with a satin or shiny lipstick. Between the comfortable formula, extensive shade range, impressive color payoff, and relatively budge-proof formula, this one has earned our stamp of approval. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long-lasting, soft matte lipstick that won’t dry out your lips.
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 23 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Pigmentation
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
Sephora
View On Sephora
$29
View On Ulta
$29
View On Fentybeauty.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight
Rich, one-swipe color payoff
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Very transfer-resistant
Dries down quickly
What We Don't Like
Looks and feels a bit dry on the lips
Shade range is limited
Those that desire bold, one-swipe color payoff will appreciate this liquid lipstick from Fenty Beauty. The lightweight liquid formula applies smoothly and with full saturation in one quick swipe. After a few seconds, it sets down to a completely matte finish that locks in place and resists bleeding, feathering, fading, smudging, and transferring. It transferred just a bit while we ate, though it remained completely intact as we wore it throughout the day and assessed it for transferring by drinking and blotting. It feels a bit dry on the lips, but because the formula is so thin, it doesn’t feel heavy, cakey, or tight. The downside to the thin, matte formula is that it can emphasize lip lines and texture, so we recommend gently exfoliating your lips and applying lip balm before swiping on the color.
We wish the range offered more colors (it currently sits at 7), but if you do find a shade you like and you prefer opaque, matte lip colors, we think you’ll be quite pleased with this popular pick.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Pencil
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil
Sephora
View On Sephora
$30
View On Ulta
$30
View On Walmart
$26
Our Ratings
What We Like
Great for precise application
Rich pigmentation
Smooth, creamy formula
Dries down fast
Doesn’t bleed or fade
Transfer-resistant
What We Don't Like
A lot of the shades look very similar to each other in person
Lip pencils and crayons are great for people with small lips or those who want to achieve a super-precise application of their lip color. We were incredibly impressed with this pencil from Nars, thanks to the one-swipe color payoff, smooth and creamy formula, and notable transfer resistance. The formula glides onto the lips effortlessly, depositing a rich, even layer of color that quickly sets down to a matte finish. Once set, it doesn’t bleed, feather, or fade, and we were thrilled with how well it remained intact during our transfer tests. We experienced minor transferring while eating, but otherwise, it stayed put beautifully. While the thin formula does settle into lines a bit, it’s not nearly as drying as other matte options we tested, making it pretty comfortable to wear for a long period of time. Though we appreciate that the shades are pigmented and look nice on a wide range of skin tones, a lot of them do look quite similar in person. But if you find a shade you love and you appreciate the convenience of a pencil format, we highly recommend this one.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Lacquer
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Lipcolor
Ulta
View On Ulta
$13
View On Target
$5
View On Walmart
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Rich pigmentation
Applicator makes it easy to apply
Smooth, creamy formula
Non-drying compared to other long-wearing options
Very minimal transfer
What We Don't Like
Feels a bit tacky on the lips
Takes a few minutes to fully set down
Minor bleeding around lip lines
If you’re looking for a high-shine lip color that you won’t need to continuously re-apply, we recommend this budget-friendly option from Maybelline. Available in 20 shades that range from pale nude to cranberry red, you can swipe one on for everyday wear or pick a bold color for a special event. The liquid formula is creamy and easy to apply with the slightly pointed doe-foot applicator, and we appreciated that it’s quite pigmented and goes on evenly with just a few swipes.
Note that it does take a few minutes to fully set down, but once it does, it sits nicely on the lips without looking dry, heavy, or emphasizing texture. It maintains its shiny finish and feels pretty comfortable and non-drying compared to similar options, though it can be just a bit tacky as it’s setting. We did experience minor transfer with this one, but we actually think that’s due to over-application. Once we blotted off the excess, it remained completely budge-proof throughout the rest of our testing. We also recommend using this formula with a lip liner to prevent bleeding or feathering. Despite minor qualms, we think this lacquer is absolutely worth checking out if you’re looking for a glassy lip product that won’t fade after an hour or two.
Finish: High-shine | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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
What We Like
Weightless, whipped texture
Rich pigmentation
Buildable
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Doesn’t feel drying
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
This whipped, soufflé-like lip product is perfect for people who hate the feeling of a heavy, tacky, or drying formula on their lips. Despite feeling utterly weightless, it offers bold pigmentation that can be dabbed on with your fingertips to create a blotted effect, or built up for a full, opaque look. While it’s not necessarily moisturizing, it doesn’t feel drying, which is a major win in our book. Once it sets down, it won’t bleed or feather, though it can slightly emphasize lip lines, especially if your lips are extra dry. We did find that it transferred a bit during our transfer tests, although it didn’t remove the color or ruin how our lips looked.
Overall, we were very impressed with this formula. It comes in neutrals and fun colors, feels very soft and weightless on the lips, and remains in tact for hours. We also appreciate that it can be used to achieve different effects, making it a versatile option that you’re bound to get lots of use out of.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Soft Matte
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$39
View On Ulta
$39
View On Nordstrom
$39
Our Ratings
What We Like
Soft, creamy consistency
Not drying or cakey
Rich, buildable pigmentation
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Extensive shade range
Luxe packaging
What We Don't Like
Transfers
The difference between a matte lipstick and a soft matte lipstick is that while mattes are completely shine-free, soft matte formulas maintain the tiniest bit of shine for a more natural-looking finish. Soft mattes are also usually a bit less drying on lips. We adore this one because it features a lightweight and buildable formula that feels comfortable and non-drying without too much shine peeking through. You can apply a light layer of the color and pat it in with your fingers to create a blurred look, or build it up straight from the bullet for a more full-glam effect. Each shade in the extensive range—that includes nudes, hot pinks, wine reds, and more—is smooth and pigmented. Once you apply it, it sets nicely without bleeding or feathering, and it’s doesn’t highlight lip lines as significantly as full-on mattes might.
While this formula does transfer if you blot your lips, eat, or drink, we found that the color still looks relatively intact—you might just want to swipe on another layer after meals to keep it looking even. However, if you’re not eating or drinking, it stays in place beautifully for several hours. Between the comfortability, impressive shade range, and luxe packaging, this one really impressed us.
Finish: Soft Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Vegan
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Liquid Lip Color
Amazon
View on Ulta
View On Amazon
$12
View On Target
$12
Our Ratings
What We Like
Extensive shade range
Contains moisturizing ingredients
Doesn’t feel drying on the lips
Comes with matte liquid lipstick and a clear, glossy topcoat
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Rich pigmentation
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
If you prefer to use vegan makeup, we recommend checking out this vegan and cruelty-free, long-lasting lipstick. It comes with a matte liquid lipstick on one end and a clear, glossy topcoat on the other end, which can be used separately or combined to create a pigmented look with a glassy finish. The matte formula is pigmented, smooth, and doesn’t feel drying or heavy on the lips, and we appreciate that the clear gloss isn’t sticky. Once applied, it sets down quickly and locks in place without emphasizing lip lines, bleeding, or feathering. Though we did experience minor transferring while eating, it didn’t disrupt the look on the lips.
In addition to the high-performing and vegan formula, we appreciate that it contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and more to prevent it from drying out the lips. Another bonus is that it’s offered in 36 shades that range from medium rose and chocolate brown to fire engine red and even a royal blue. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, long-wearing lipstick with a high-shine finish—regardless of whether you intentionally seek out vegan products.
Finish: High-shine | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
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
$30
View On Nordstrom
$30
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
$45
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
$47
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
$8
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
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