With just a quick swipe, lipstick can transform any makeup look [1], not to mention our moods. But there's just one tiny issue: most lipsticks just don't last very long, often times imprinting on our coffee cups, smearing onto our food (anyone else gotten used to eating red lipstick off their sandwich?), and, more recently, getting rubbed off our lips (and all around our mouths) by our face masks [2]. However, technology has come a long way in recent years, and there are now a good selection of long-lasting, transfer-proof lipsticks — most of them liquid — that have been formulated to last through even the most hectic of days. No, seriously, some of these lipsticks are so indelible, they require heavy-duty makeup remover to get off.
When searching for a long-wear lipstick, we want a formula that looks just as flawless at 8pm during work drinks as it did leaving the house at 8am. And in the time of coronavirus, we also want one that won't get smudged off by our masks during our tube journeys, leaving us looking like some sort of sad and sweaty clown. Yep, mask-proof lipstick is now at the top of our lipstick must-have wish list (2020 is wild, people); and, of course, we want all of this staying power while still having a formula that is easy to apply, comes in great colours, and feels comfortable on the lips with zero bleeding or fading.
But that's obviously no easy feat when you're not sure where to start, which is where we come in. From high end to high street, we've found 13 of the very best long-lasting liquid lipsticks, which we promise will withstand your busiest days and won't transfer all over your face mask. These smart formulas are transfer-proof, nondrying, and budge-proof (read: food-proof), all without prioritising on high-intensity pigment.
KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick
KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Lipstick [3] (£19) is known for its comfortable, barely there formula, which lasts for hours. It's long-wearing, doesn't bleed, and can't be removed without an oil-based makeup remover, so you can rest assured that it'll last all day long.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
Quite possibly the OG long-wear liquid formula, Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick [4] (£20) is smudge-proof, water-resistant, transfer-proof, kiss-proof, and mask-proof. Basically, once you apply it, it will not budge until you remove it with a waterproof or oil-based makeup remover. And it's not just us who love this formula. It's a favourite among makeup artists, too, including London-based Tania Grier. Make sure you layer up on the hydration before and after using this lipstick, though. It's budge-proof abilities can make the lips a little drying over time, but it certainly delivers on staying power.
Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
One of the most inexpensive formulas on this list, the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick [5] (£10) quite possibly has the strongest staying power of the bunch. And if you need any convincing, just take it from Toronto-based makeup artist Grace Lee [6] (lead artist for the brand in Canada), who recently showed off how long the formula lasts on her TikTok and Instagram accounts. "I've been wearing my mask for five hours on set, and I just want to show you there's no transfer," Lee says as she peels off her mask to reveal the inside is completely free of lipstick smudges. Placing the mask back over her mouth, she then takes it one step further, rubbing her hands over the mask and her lips to show just how unbelievably transfer-proof this stuff is.
Nars Cosmetics Powermatte Lip Pigment
Nars Cosmetics Powermatte Lip Pigment [7] (£23) is one of the easiest liquid lipsticks out there to apply. It doesn't set as quickly as some other liquid formulas, giving you time to carefully paint your lips with the pointed doe foot (allowing for superprecise application), and then clean up any smudges before it dries fully. When applied correctly (no lip balm underneath, two coats with the first layer blotted using tissue, and, for ultimate staying power, dusted with loose powder between the layers), the high-pigment formula does not budge, and the colour remains vibrant all day.
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick [8] (£18) has a creamy formula, which is easy to apply and won't flake off in a matter of hours. The staying power is incredible, without the horrible dry feeling — no wonder it has solid five-star reviews. Plus, with the 26 pretty hues, you'll have plenty of shades to choose from.
MDM Flow Liquid Lipstick
Available in eight gorgeous shades, like Supreme, Empire State, and Ninety Four, MDM Flow Liquid Lipstick [9] (£19) delivers on its promise of being "full-coverage with a pure matte finish that's totally transfer-proof." This gem is durable as hell and doesn't fade, feather, or flake.
Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint
Unlike the rest of the formulas on this list, the Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint [10] (£32) is neither full-coverage nor ultra-pigmented. Instead, it's more like an old-school lip stain that gives your lips a wash of colour — like you just enjoyed a red ice lolly or just bit your lips (hence the name). Unlike those traditional stains, however, the Bitten Lip Tint doesn't suck out every last drop of moisture from your mouth. It does however, last for a really, really long time — even if you're covering it up with a mask for a bit, makeup artist Lisa Potter-Dixon said on ITV's Lorraine [11].
Available in two shades — Chérie (rose pink) and Bisou (deep berry) — the sheer, semi-matte pigment has a unique, jelly-like texture that feels comfortable and hydrating, and won't settle in fine lines or start to flake no matter how long you wear it for.
Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip
Cushy, colourful, and very comfortable to wear, Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip [12] (£19) proves you can have it all when it comes to a liquid lipstick. This formula lasts all day yet is super easy to remove when you're ready to, meaning you neither have to scrub the life out of your lips to get off any excess, nor be left with stained lips for the next 24 hours. Plus, the shade selection has a good variety of neutrals if you're into more natural-looking hues.
By Terry Lip-Expert Matte Lipstick
By Terry Lip-Expert Matte Lipstick [13] (£29) has such good staying power, you'll need to be careful when applying, as it can stain the outer edge of the lips (as well as your fingers if you're cleaning up any excess). If you're looking for a lipstick with legit staying power, however, then that's not necessarily such a bad thing. We recommend using a lip liner first to create your outline, and then apply the lipstick using the doe-foot applicator. If you find you need to clean up, use your finger wrapped in some tissue.
Bobbi Brown Art Sticks
If supermatte, liquid textures aren't your bag, you might want to give the Bobbi Brown Art Sticks [14] (£22.50) a go. The formula is creamy, matte (but not too matte), and super comfortable to wear, all while being long-lasting with zero fading.
MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour
If a gorgeous, long-lasting, velvet matte formula is what you're after, look no further than MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour [15] (£19). It's smudge-proof, flake-proof, and comes in a variety of beautiful shades. But don't just take it from us: "I had a Sunday roast and it doesn't smudge even one little bit," one happy customer said, and that's all the convincing you should need.
Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Matte Liquid Lipstick
Pricy, sure, but the Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Matte Liquid Lipstick [16] (£31) certainly lives up to its long-lasting, ultramatte claims — plus, the range features some of the most gorgeous shades of red you've ever seen. The formula itself is incredibly silky and lightweight — almost fluid-like versus a cushy cream — and glides on effortlessly, while the tapered doe foot makes staying in the lines and contouring your lips a breeze. Once the formula sets, you're left with the most intensely matte finish that you'd think would feel like shrink wrap on your lips. Instead, it stays comfortable and flexible throughout the day.
Il Makiage Infinity Long-Wear Matte Lip Cream
Il Makiage Infinity Long-Wear Matte Lip Cream [17] (£20) might just make all of your long-lasting, matte lipstick dreams come true. Available in 26 shades (with a few colours available in a metallic finish), the formula is highly pigmented but is so flexible and lightweight, it feels like you've got nothing on. And even though it has some serious staying power, it won't fade, crack, or smudge throughout the day. Peruse the review section of the site and you'll find that many people loved the formula so much, they found themselves buying multiple shades.
Max Factor LipFinity Lipstick
Not into the look and feel of matte lipstick? Try the Max Factor LipFinity Lipstick [18] (£11). It has a creamy, comfortable, and nondrying formula, which doesn't budge an inch throughout the day, thanks to its two-step top-coat process. First, apply the liquid lip colour and let it set. Then, apply the clear top coat, which adds both moisture and shine, and toss it in your bag to top-offs throughout the day.