I consider anything lip related (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, etc.) my favorite makeup products. I just love a statement lip more than anything. More often than not, my makeup look consists of minimal eye makeup, some concealer or light-coverage foundation, brow gel, a dash of blush, and a bold lip. It’s my favorite look because it takes very little time and effort and looks good, and I almost always get nice compliments.
The problem with relying on lip products, though? Many of them can smudge and fade, so you have to reapply over and over again. Have a sip of water? Time to reapply. Eat a few bites? Better get that lipstick tube out. Give someone a smooch? Yeah, you’re going to have to swipe that lip gloss on again (and maybe even give that someone a napkin, too). It can be annoying, but hey, a little fading is inevitable, right?
Well, it turns out it doesn’t have to be completely inevitable. There are actually some amazing lipsticks out there that have major staying power—you just have to find the right one. For me, my “aha” moment came recently when I discovered Maybelline’s Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($8). Holy moly, this thing sticks to your lips in the best way possible. I bought two tubes to wear to my friend’s New Year’s Eve wedding earlier this year, and I only had to reapply once, and that was after midnight, about seven hours after I first applied the product. It withstood eating, drinking, and some kisses, and it didn’t even smudge onto glassware or my boyfriend’s face.
So of course, I’m now absolutely in love with this lipstick. Not only is its staying power crazy good, but it also is so affordable. It costs just $8, so I am planning on buying more colors. (There are more than 50 shades to choose from.) Plus, the matte finish looks so chic and flattering, and the color is super pigmented and bold.
You can shop my rec or take a look at other long-lasting, smudge- and fade-proof options (that also happen to be editor and reader favorites) below.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.