Buying guide for Best long-lasting lipsticks
Written by Jennifer Blair
Updated March 2023
When you find a really great lip color that helps boost your confidence, you don’t want to worry about touching it up all day. You need a lip product that’s going to stay in place no matter how long you’re out of the house, which is why long-lasting lipsticks are so popular.
A long-lasting lipstick wears longer on the lips than the average lipstick. Some formulas can last 12 hours without fading, while others promise 16 or even 24 hours of wear without requiring any touch-ups. Most long-lasting lipsticks can last so long because they dry to a budge-proof finish. You can talk, eat, and drink all day without worrying about the color fading, smudging, or flaking off. Long-lasting lipstick is ideal for anyone who works long days and doesn’t have time to reapply their lip color. It’s also excellent for special events like weddings and parties where you want to be photo-ready for hours.
With our buying guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about choosing the best long-lasting lipstick for your makeup bag.
Many long-lasting liquid lipsticks are waterproof, so you can even go swimming without having to reapply your lipstick.
Key considerations
Form
Long-lasting lipstick is available in a few different forms. There’s some variation between them in terms of staying power, as well as how comfortable they feel on the lips.
Liquid: Liquid lipsticks are the most common — and longest-lasting — form of long-wearing lipstick. Their consistency is thin, and they’re relatively wet when you apply them with a brush or sponge-tip applicator. However, they dry to a matte finish that’s extremely pigmented and durable. The drawback to liquid lipsticks is that they can dry the lips, which can make them uncomfortable to wear.
Bullet: Long-lasting bullet lipsticks are similar to traditional bullet lipsticks and come in a twist-up tube.To provide a long wear time, bullet lipsticks typically have a matte finish that dries a bit to lock in place. They don’t last as long as liquid formulas, but they’re usually more comfortable to wear (though they can be pretty drying, too).
Crayon/pencil: Long-lasting crayon and pencil lipsticks are similar in texture to long-lasting bullet lipsticks, but they come in packaging that resembles a thick pencil or crayon. Some are twist-up, while others require sharpening. They have a matte finish and strong pigmentation but don’t last as long as liquid formulas. They can also be somewhat drying.
Finish
To offer all-day wear, long-lasting lipsticks almost always have a matte finish. That’s because lipsticks that offer moisture or shine usually soak into the lips and disappear fairly quickly. Matte lipsticks dry, which is why they’re able to stay longer on the lips. However, you can find some long-lasting lipsticks with a metallic or satin finish, too. They are usually liquid formulas and don’t offer the same wear time as matte options.
When researching bullet lipsticks in a traditional twist tube, we look for matte finishes because they dry quickly, helping lock the lipstick in place.
We evaluate the wear time of each lipstick. Most long-lasting lipsticks provide 8 to 12 hours or wear. Others claim 16 to 24 hours.
The ingredients of a lipstick make a huge difference in how drying or moisturizing it is. We observe these ingredients in our research, noting that lipsticks between $10 and $58 often have the best formulas.
We consider liquid lipsticks in our quest for the best because they tend to last the longest. Liquid lipstick is usually applied with a brush or sponge-tip applicator.
Because long-lasting lipsticks can be drying, our interest is piqued by formulas that include nourishing ingredients and products that come with lip gloss or primer oil.
We think about how easy each lipstick is to apply. Many consumers prefer lipstick with a brush applicator because it offers greater precision.
Most lipsticks come in a variety of different shades — anywhere from 10 to 40. We consider how many shades a brand offers, as this gives consumers a greater chance of finding a specific color.
When comparing lipsticks, we assess how many coats are needed. Many of the best lipsticks require just one coat, but some need at least two or three.
We appreciate lipsticks that are waterproof since this helps prolong wear time.
We look for lipsticks that are free from parabens and phthalates and are cruelty-free.
Features
Wear time
Some long-lasting lipsticks make specific claims about how long the product will last on the lips. Many formulas offer 12-hour wear, which is usually long enough if you want the color to last through a typical 9-to-5 day. But you can find some long-lasting lipsticks that claim 16- or even 24-hour wear. They may not technically last for an entire day, but these formulas are best if you tend to work overtime or have a hectic schedule that keeps you away from home for most of the day.
Shades
Most long-lasting lipsticks are available in a wide range of color options, from classic reds to everyday nudes. Most come in at least 10 shades, but you can find some products that include more than 40. The more shades available, the greater the chance that you’ll find the precise color you’re looking for. It also makes it easier to find shades that work for every situation, like softer, more natural colors for daily wear and bold, rich shades for special occasions.
Applicator
If you opt for a long-lasting liquid lipstick, you can usually choose between a sponge-tip applicator and a brush tip applicator. Both applicators work pretty well, but some people prefer brush applicators because they find that it offers greater precision when you’re painting on the lipstick.
Top coat
The one drawback to long-lasting lipstick is that it can be very drying. For more comfortable wear, some brands include a balm or gloss product with the lip color. That allows you to top the lipstick with a moisturizing product after it has dried so it doesn’t feel or look as dry.
Accessories
Lip primer:A lip primer provides a base that helps lipcolor adhere better, so it can extend the wear time of even a long-lasting lipstick.
Lip liner:Lip liner can help your long-wearing lipstick last even longer and prevent liquid formulas from bleeding past your lip line.
"If a long-lasting lipstick doesn’t dry completely, make sure to blot it to help it last longer. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Long-lasting lipstick prices
Long-lasting lipsticks vary in price based on the formula type and quality of the ingredients. Most cost between $3 and $58.
Inexpensive
The most affordable long-lasting lipsticks are made by drugstore beauty brands and are generally formulas that contain lower-quality ingredients. They tend to be very drying, so they’re not very comfortable on the lips. Most in this price range cost between $3 and $10.
Mid-range
Many of these long-lasting lipsticks have higher-quality ingredients, so they’re more comfortable on the lips. They can still be somewhat drying, so some include a balm or gloss to wear over the lipstick. These typically cost between $10 and $25.
Expensive
The most expensive long-lasting lipsticks are made by luxury beauty brands and have the highest-quality ingredients. They usually have some hydration to them, so they’re not as drying and feel most comfortable on the lips. They generally cost between $25 and $58.
Tips
- Exfoliate your lips. Because long-lasting lipstick can be pretty drying, you should always exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub first to make sure the lipstick won’t accentuate any flakes or cracks in your lips.
- Moisturize your lips. After you exfoliate your lips, moisturize them with a good lip balm before applying long-lasting lipstick. Wait at least five minutes for the balm to be absorbed before putting on the lipstick, so the moisture doesn’t affect the lipstick’s staying power.
- Line your lips. If you use a long-lasting liquid lipstick, it can sometimes bleed into the fine lines around your mouth. Lining your lips with a lip liner before you apply the lipstick can help keep it in place.
Having trouble removing stubborn liquid lipstick? Massaging your lips with a facial cleansing brush can help.
FAQ
Q. How should I apply long-lasting lipstick?
A. With any lipstick, it’s a good idea to line your lips first, but that’s especially true with liquid formulas that have a tendency to bleed. Long-lasting formulas are usually highly pigmented, so apply the lipstick to your lower lip first and then press your lips together, only adding more color where you need it to the top lip. You usually need only one coat, but you can apply two or three for a particularly bold look.
Q. What’s the best way to take off a long-lasting liquid lipstick?
A. Liquid formulas can be pretty tough to get off. You often have the best luck with an oil-based makeup remover. If your lips are still slightly stained, though, you may need to use a lip scrub to get rid of the remaining color.
Q. Are long-lasting lipsticks kiss-proof or transfer resistant?
A. Many long-lasting formulas are transfer resistant, so when you press your lips to your partner’s cheek, you won’t leave a telltale lip print behind. Liquid formulas are usually your best bet; bullet and crayon formulas are more likely to transfer.
