I didn’t truly become a lipstick girlie until I started working as a beauty editor. Like many other beauty products I used to have beef with, lipsticks have come a long way—especially long-lasting formulas. Previously, I found that traditional matte formulas would dry out my lips and hydrating ones would smear all over my face and teeth (ugh). This caused me to give up on them for a bit. But, my time as an editor has really opened my eyes to what’s out there. I basically discovered that I was using the wrong formulas. There are now so many longwear options out there that do all the things for your lips while lasting eight plus hours—it can be done!
It’s easy for me to get the 411 on which ones are the best of the best because I talk to makeup artists on a weekly basis. This time, celebrity makeup artist J Guerra shared some of his all-time favorite long-lasting lipsticks. I surely couldn’t keep this list to myself—the ones he picked are just so good. For all his picks, and a few of our own favorites, keep on reading.
Matte formulas are typically most helpful when you’re looking for something long-wearing, but the key is to make sure that you find a formula that’s both hydrating and matte. There are so many great formulas out there now that are designed to be comfortable and moisturizing throughout the day (almost like a chapstick) and still dry down to that matte finish so it won’t smear, smudge, or get on your teeth throughout the day.
Formulas with a high pigment payoff are also ideal for all day wear. To allow for the least amount of touch-ups, you’ll want something super saturated that can withstand eating, drinking, and other daily activities. Overall, I’ve found liquid formulas are usually best when it comes to longevity, but there are a few formulas that are the exception too. Scroll down for all our favorites!
“One of my all-time favorite liquid lipsticks! It doesn’t transfer, and is ultra-pigmented. The matte texture doesn’t fade or settle into fine lines, and feels comfortable all day.” — Guerra
“This high-pigment, full coverage lipstick comes in ultra-slim packaging perfect for keeping several shades in my kit. Its unique square-shaped bullet ensures the precision of a lipliner. Its matte yet non-drying texture leaves a smooth finish that resists transfer, smudging, or cracking.” — Guerra
This affordable, matte lipstick is an editor-favorite. Editors can, in fact, attest to its staying power and the matte finish ensures it stays in place and won’t get on your teeth.
Suffice to say, the French (especially iconic makeup artist, Violette) know a thing or two about an effortlessly chic red lip. The entire Who What Wear beauty team has nothing but good things to say about this formula. It’s extremely velvety and pigmented on the lips. It also truly does not budge for hours.
This NYX lipstick boasts a longwear time of up to 16 hours. Not that many people actually wear lipstick for that long, but it’s nice to know that you can with this product and it won’t fade, right?
“This creamy, color-rich lipstick leaves a satin finish that stays comfortable and lasts all day. The shade range is impressive, with an incredible 36 gorgeous shades to choose from.” — Guerra
“The mothership of liquid lipsticks, these stunning shades are weightless with velvety full coverage that doesn’t smudge or transfer. Its whipped texture is never drying and glides on effortlessly while delivering intense color-payoff.” — Guerra
“These lipsticks are a staple in my kit. They are transfer-proof with up to 16 hours of long-wear. Ultra-pigmented in a matte finish, this lipstick is formulated with jojoba oil that hydrates and keeps lips feeling comfortable. It’s also paraben- and phthalate- free.” — Guerra
The name doesn’t lie—this is a powerhouse of a long-lasting lipstick. The pigment payoff is ultra-rich and saturated. Since it dries down instantly, you don’t have to worry about any smudging or bleeding.
This creamy, impressively long-lasting liquid lipstick from Sephora Collection will go down in history as one of the best of all time. I tried this formula for a story once and never looked back. It’s now one of my favorite reds! The crack- and bleed-proof formula not only delivers all-day full coverage, but it will also saturate your lips with much-need hydration thanks to luxe ingredients like avocado oil.
Another thing I always look for in a long-lasting lipstick is hydration. My lips tend to dry out easily, but this formula from Kosas solves that problem easily. It contains nourishing cocoa butter, mango butter, and rosehip oil for added comfort, but also somehow manages to stay put throughout the day without smearing.
I don’t know an editor, makeup artist, or celebrity who doesn’t consider Tilbury’s star collection of lipstick bullets must-have accessories in their beauty wardrobe. The colors are fab, and the beloved formula is highly long-lasting so you’ll have extended playtime. If you’re not typically a fan of mattes, try dipping your toe into this pick—it’s matte but still hydrating and satiny enough not to make you feel like sand on your lips.
Ilia’s Color Block Lipstick offers high impact color in one quick swipe and is designed for longer wear. It also has customized pigments that are milled in organic castor seed oil to give four times the intensity of a traditional color, all while providing a creamy finish.
This is another editor-approved favorite that’s smooth, dries matte, and lasts for hours on end. There’s a special blend of vitamin E, powders, and emollients that help provide extra cushion, moisture, and flexibility throughout the day.
It’s hard to find move-proof lipstick formulas that are made with clean, lip-loving ingredients. Lucky for you, we’ve worked hard to find the best natural alternatives in the industry that don’t compromise in show-stopping pigment or stay-all-day durability. We try not to be biased, but it’s really hard not to be toward this A+ formula from Johnny Concert. It’s made with tons of delicious fares (like organic apricot, passion fruit, hemp seed, and evening primrose oils), it smells like vanilla cake batter, and it quickly dries down to a flattering, satiny-matte finish that keeps your lips looking soft and supple, not thirsty and chapped.
Lip Maestro offers the best of both worlds—it’s hydrating and matte at the same time while delivering intense color payoff. O love using this formula for events or special occasions, it always fares well and lasts through dinner and drinks.
Another drugstore option that continues to impress is this little $9 gem from E.l.f. The hydration is definitely there with squalane and jojoba esters to keep your lips feeling comfy, but the staying power and satin finish are most impressive.
