Pros
Longest-lasting formula; won't fade, feather, or smear
Precise, simple application and vibrant color
Cons
Lips may look slightly dry during extended wear
In our Beauty Lab's test of liquid lipsticks, this was hands-down the longest-lasting option after five hours of wear. Testers found that there was almost no residue after taking a sip of coffee, and said the color remained vibrant. It got top scores across the board for not feathering, smearing, slipping, or fading. Consumers liked it the most of any formula and thought the applicator was easiest to use, too: "This is my new favorite lipstick!," raved one. "It stayed put throughout the entire day (and a full meal and snack) without fading or streaking."
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Pros
Lasts all day without smearing, fading, or drying lips
Rich, velvety color payoff
Cons
Some testers found the texture gritty when applying
This stick formula topped tests with the highest immediate satisfaction score: It was best at resisting smudges and staying vibrant, and second best for lasting the entire day without smears, transfers, or drying lips. A tester favorite, this product had the highest number of testers still reaching for it three weeks after testing concluded! They loved that the matte formula "helps with longevity and smearing," while still feeling smooth, lightweight, and "not too drying but not too moist."
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Pros
Longest-lasting in tests
Easy-to-apply shape
Cons
Though color doesn't fade, it does transfer
Can be drying
For days you don't want to reapply ever, this pick by Fenty was the longest-lasting product in both Lab and consumer tests. Testers loved the color saturation and the uniquely slim shape helps with precise application, eliminating the need for lipliner. "The color got me compliments and it lasted one meal, almost two," said one tester. The main drawback: Though the color stays bright on lips, most testers reported it transferred a lot through the day. If you prefer a liquid formula, try another favorite from the brand: Stunna Lip Paint.
Pros
Hydrating formula
Great vibrancy and staying power
Cons
Square shape takes some getting used to
Looking for a longwear lipstick that doesn't dry lips? This creamy matte formula ranked tops for not drying out lips in consumer tests, and was the runner-up for long-lasting color in Lab tests. With "lots of pigment and saying power," testers thought it produced a gorgeous, even color that lasts, saying, "It has definitely stayed the most vibrant of the colors I've tried. It didn't transfer as much as others either." Its angular shape makes for sharp lines, though some found the unique shape made it "hard to be precise when applying."
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Pros
Fast-drying for precise application
Subtle vanilla scent
Cons
Most drying formula we tested
Difficult to remove and can stain skin
If you always smudge your lipstick right after applying, this budget-friendy pick will be your new BFF. It nabbed the second-highest overall performance score in Lab tests and a high satisfaction score, as well. It dries quickly after application, which earned it near-perfect scores for not smearing after application and remaining vibrant even after sipping a hot drink. Testers did find this formula drying: It can crumble and look patchy after just a couple hours of wear, so be sure to layer on a hydrating lip balm first.
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Pros
Long-lasting color vibrancy
Smooth application and great opacity
Cons
Subpar scores for feathering, bleeding
Some testers found the formula "very drying"
A full coverage pick with a soft matte finish, this drugstore lipstick scored highly for looking vibrant and resisting transfers and smears even when sipping hot drinks, lasting through the day, and gliding on smoothly and evenly in just one pass. Our testers were blown away by the lasting power of this pick, raving "the color went on very smoothly and lasted much longer than expected," and, "The lipstick stayed so bright throughout the entire day and didn't come off at all. Huge fan!"
Pros
Highly pigmented color
Smoothing, hydrating formula doesn't look dry
With over 553K "loves" at Sephora, it's a cult favorite for good reason. The creamy formula adheres to lips in a flattering way that doesn't look cakey or crumbly, but hydrated and smooth and the high pigmentation means you only have to apply one coat for serious color payoff. We haven't tested this liquid formula in the Lab, but GH's products and reviews editor swears it won't transfer, feather, or fade through the day, no matter what you eat or drink!
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Pros
Dual-ended, long-lasting formula
Reviewer favorite with over 1.1K five-star ratings
A top-seller on Amazon with over 3.5K reviews, reviewers swear this formula is trustworthy for the Big Day: "I used this lipstick for my wedding day and it did not budge one bit! It stayed on during the kiss, meal, everything!" wrote one. Though we haven't tested in the Lab, reviewers love the dual-ended long-lasting formula. Swipe on the liquid lip color, and top the patent clear lip gloss top coat infused with vitamin E, chamomile, and soy extract for hydration.
Pros
Opaque, true-to-color pigmentation
Dries quickly
Cons
Can feel drying
A cult-favorite liquid lip, this Stila option has amassed a whopping 2K+ 5-star reviews at Ulta, with many saying they had finally found their favorite matte lipstick. Reviewers love that the product is long-lasting, true to color, and easy to apply with a wide color selection. Though we haven't tested this pick formally in the Lab, we were impressed to see that several wore it on a daily basis, and one claimed it survived their entire Thanksgiving meal. Reviewers say it can be a bit drying, but love that "it goes on opaque, dries quickly, and wears comfortably."
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