Which long-lasting lipsticks are best?
If you love wearing lipstick, you already know how it can elevate any look. Once you discover your signature shade, you can make sure it stays in place all day with a long-lasting lipstick.
Long-lasting lipstick is specially formulated to stay put for up to 24 hours. Unlike regular lipstick, it won’t kiss off or transfer stubborn stains onto your drinking glass. Many long-lasting lipsticks are highly pigmented to achieve all-day color richness. Best of all, they won’t bleed or smudge, so you can enjoy plenty of carefree meals or even swims.
What to know before you buy a long-lasting lipstick
Types of long-lasting lipstick
- Liquid: Liquid is perhaps the most popular form of long-lasting lipstick. These lipsticks are applied wet and then dry to a matte finish, so you’ll need ample time to set them. However, liquid lipsticks can be somewhat drying, especially if you’re used to wearing creamy or moisturizing lipstick.
- Bullet: Traditional bullet or barrel-style lipsticks go on matte and stay matte. While they don’t require the set time of liquid lipstick, bullet lipstick still needs a few moments to lock into place. This is especially important if you intend to apply additional coats. Few bullet lipsticks last as long as liquid, though the ones that do tend to come with a high price.
- Crayon/pencil: These long-lasting lipsticks have a consistency similar to that of bullet lipsticks. They are either self-sharpening or require a sharpener with oversized holes. These can be somewhat drying, and there’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to application with the large surface area of their tips.
Shade assortment
Beauty brands offer anywhere from a dozen to more than 40 shades in their lines of long-lasting lipsticks. Not all shades have the same formula, though. Some are designated as matte versus ultra-matte or even extreme wear. Be sure to cross-reference these varieties to ensure you have realistic expectations for finish and wear time.
Wear time
Long-lasting lipsticks advertise their attributes with various catchy phrases: all-day wear, nine-to-five wear and even kissable wear. Truth be told, these formulas still require touch-ups or reapplication, though far less often than what’s required with regular lipsticks.
What to look for in a quality, long-lasting lipstick
Finish
Matte finishes and long-lasting lipsticks often go hand in hand, as matte is known for drying quickly and staying put the longest. There are also some long-lasting lipsticks with metallic, shimmer, and satin finishes, but they are more likely to transfer and bleed.
Application style
Liquid lipstick is applied with either a sponge or a brush. Many users prefer brushes for precision reasons. Bullet, barrel, and crayon types swipe onto lips with a few strokes or coats.
Topcoat
Because long-lasting lipsticks tend to be drying, they often come with top coats. These are in the form of a balm or gloss, which provides enough moisture to keep lips from looking dry or chapped.
How much you can expect to spend on a long-lasting lipstick
Long-lasting lipsticks from drugstore beauty brands cost less than $15. For the longest-wearing formulas, turn to luxury beauty brands. These lipsticks cost between $15 and $30, though some long-wearing lipsticks can cost as much as $65.
Long-lasting lipstick FAQ
Do I need to use a lip liner with long-lasting lipstick?
A. There are two schools of thought here. Either you can forgo the liner and trust your long-wear lipstick or use both for extra protection against transfer.
What should I apply to my lips after I’ve removed long-lasting lipstick?
A. Once the color is completely removed and you’ve washed your lips with soap and water, apply a moisturizing gloss. You could also apply an overnight restorative lip treatment.
What are the best long-lasting lipsticks to buy?
Top long-lasting lipstick
Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick
What you need to know: This premium, primer-oil-infused lipstick is ideal for everyday use.
What you’ll love: It’s waterproof and easy to apply. The primer oil in it moisturizes your lips. It won’t feather or bleed out when you apply it.
What you should consider: You’ll need to make sure you seal the lipstick properly; otherwise, the lip color may dry out.
Top long-lasting lipstick for the money
Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick
What you need to know: This affordable option for all-day wear comes in lots of luxurious shades.
What you’ll love: Its high-pigment colors last a full 24 hours with minimal reapplication. A little goes a long way with this liquid formula.
What you should consider: Several shades have sparkle or shimmer but no matte counterpart.
Worth checking out
Maybelline Super Stay 24, 2-Step Liquid Lipstick
What you need to know: This long-lasting matte lipstick can help you achieve a bold look.
What you’ll love: It’s a two-for-one lipstick and gloss that lasts for up to 24 hours. It’s weightless and moisturizing.
What you should consider: It’s not cruelty-free.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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