The 14 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks, According to Byrdie Editors and MUAs

Best Overall

Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick

View On Sephora $28 View On Ulta $28 View On Urbandecay.com

Finish: Shiny | Shades: 19 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

You’ll find that a lot of long-wearing lipsticks have a matte finish since shiny options packed with oils and emollients tend to fade and migrate faster, but this option from Urban Decay delivers both shine and longevity. The lightweight liquid formula is comfortable and non-drying on the lips, and we loved how pigmented and smooth just one to two layers looked. It didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, or feather. While it did take about five minutes to fully set and dry down, once it did, it was almost completely resistant to transfer. It lasted beautifully through eating and drinking with just the most minor transfer in one area—we were quite impressed by how well it remained intact. It’s pigmented, non-drying, smooth-looking, and long-lasting, earning it rave reviews from testers. If you prefer lipstick with a shiny finish but have been struggling to find one that’s truly long-wearing and budge-proof, we think you’ll love this formula. 

Best Splurge

Gucci Transfer-proof Matte Liquid lipstick

View On Sephora $47 View On Nordstrom $47

Finish: Matte | Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: No 

There’s something fun and special about splurging on a luxe lipstick. If you agree and you’re in the market for a long-wearing option, we recommend this one from Gucci. It features a classic liquid lipstick formula that has a slightly thick consistency, which helps with controlled application and prevents it from being too runny and bleeding outside the lip lines. While it offers solid pigmentation, we found that it looked the most even and opaque after two to three swipes. Once applied, it set down quickly and was immediately transfer-resistant—it lasted beautifully through our transfer tests without smearing, fading, or coming off. We also appreciate that it comes in a range of shades that are wearable for every day as well as a few occasion-friendly colors. Plus, a nice detail is that the gorgeous packaging is true to color—it shows up on the lips the same color that it looks in the tube.

One thing to note is that the formula does feel drying on the lips and can emphasize lip lines. This is quite common for long-lasting liquid lipsticks, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have chronically dry lips.

Best Drugstore

Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color

View On Ulta $10 View On Target $10 View On Walmart $10

Finish: Matte formula with shiny topcoat | Shades: 24 | Cruelty-Free: No

The drugstore has awesome lipstick offerings, and this is one of our absolute favorites. It seriously impressed us during our test thanks to its long-wearing formula and versatility. It has a classic liquid lipstick formula with a matte finish on one end that can be used alone or layered with the clear lip gloss on the other end. The matte formula is pigmented, very transfer-resistant, and relatively comfortable and non-drying on the lips compared to other similar formulas. The small doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply the color precisely, and we love that it sets down quickly and doesn’t settle into fine lines on the lips. You can totally wear the liquid lipstick formula alone if you like a matte finish, but if you want lasting color with a high-shine finish, it’s nice that the product comes with a gloss on the other end. 

We were very impressed by how well this drugstore buy performed, though it’s worth noting that the lip gloss does have a pretty tacky feeling (though this is good for longevity) and the colors appear different on the lips than what’s represented on the packaging. All-in-all, it’s a versatile and affordable product that’s excellent for anyone on the hunt for a long-lasting lipstick. 

Best Drugstore, Runner-Up

L'Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick

View On Amazon $10 View On Ulta $14 View On Target $10

Finish: Matte | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: No

Another drugstore lipstick that earned high praise during our test is this one from L'Oréal. The skinny bullet is easy to apply precisely, and just one swipe delivers full-on, opaque color payoff. It’s offered in 22 shades, including neutrals, a variety of pinks and rosy shades, and some bold hues. We loved that it applied smoothly and felt creamy and lightweight on the lips while setting to a matte finish. It didn’t fade, bleed, or emphasize lines or texture on the lips— it looked seamless. 

While we did experience some transferring during our transfer tests, we still think this formula is long-wearing compared to other traditional lipsticks on the market. You might need to reapply after eating or drinking, but other than that, it stays put beautifully without smearing or fading. If you’re on the hunt for a drugstore pick that comes in a beautiful shade range and offers longevity without being overly drying, this is the one for you. 

Best Nudes

Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick

View On Sephora $28 View On Walmart $26 View On Kohls.com $28

Finish: Matte | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you're in the mood for a subtle neutral shade, Makeup By Mario's Ultra Suede line is where it's at. This range is available in fun pinks, reds, and more unique hues, though the selection of nudes is what makes it stand out. Founder and CEO (and iconic MUA) Mario Dedivanovic knows how to create neutral lip colors with perfect undertones that beautifully compliment people with all different complexions. 

In addition to the impressive shade offering, we were incredibly impressed by the performance of these lipsticks. One or two swipes delivered full and even coverage, creating an opaque look with a slightly blurred finish. The formula is creamy and non-drying while maintaining a totally matte finish, and once applied, the colors (even the super-bright ones) don’t feather or bleed outside the lip lines. Though there’s a slight transfer when eating while wearing this one, it’s really quite minimal. If you’re in the market for a comfortable matte lipstick with a lightweight feel and a long-lasting formula, we recommend picking up your perfect nude lipstick from this line.   

Best Shade Range

Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick

View On Sephora $47 View On Nordstrom $40 View On Dior.com

Finish: Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re searching for long-lasting lipstick in a specific color, chances are you’ll find it in this range from Dior. Available in 36 shades that span from light nudes and baby pinks to crimson reds and espresso browns, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone. Aside from the impressive shade offering, we loved how well the formula performed. It’s a classic bullet lipstick with a soft matte finish that feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips. It offers bold and buildable pigmentation, and we experienced very minimal transferring during eating, drinking, and blotting our lips. It didn’t bleed, feather, or emphasize lip lines, and while it didn’t feel hydrating per se, we appreciated that it wasn’t too drying. 

We didn’t love that strong perfumey fragrance that was very noticeable during application, but luckily it faded after a few minutes. It’s a luxurious and easy-to-use product with a high-quality formula, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soft matte formula in a specific color.    

Best Transfer-Proof

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

View On Amazon $20 View On Sephora $20 View On Ulta $20

Finish: Matte | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you like a classic liquid lipstick formula that promises rich color payoff and a seriously budge-proof formula, this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills is for you. The liquid consistency is creamy and easy to apply, and we loved that just one layer offered even and opaque coverage. It set down quickly into a matte finish that didn’t bleed, feather, or smear, and it performed almost flawlessly during our transfer test. Only the tiniest bit of color from one small area transferred onto the cup while drinking water, but it didn’t impact how the color or finish looked on the lips. It’s long-lasting and stays almost entirely intact for hours and through eating and drinking, making it a wise choice for a special event.

Like most similar liquid lipsticks, it is a drying formula that can be a bit uncomfortable and can emphasize lines. However, if you need a lip color that you can swipe on without having to worry about it migrating or transferring, it’s a fantastic choice. Plus, applying a light layer of lip balm underneath can help make it more comfortable. 

Most Comfortable

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick

View On Ulta $28 View On Walmart $30 View On Nordstrom $24

Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 23 | Cruelty-Free: No

It’s no secret that long-wearing lipsticks can feel heavy and drying. This one is surprisingly comfortable thanks to a lightweight formula that feels mildly hydrating on the lips. In addition to being quite pleased with how weightless and non-drying it felt as we wore it, we adored that the slim bullet allowed us to apply the color carefully. Just one swipe offered full and even pigmentation, and once set, it didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, feather, or fade. It did transfer a bit during our transfer tests, so it’s not ideal to wear while you’re eating, but the transfer was definitely more minimal than it would be with a satin or shiny lipstick. Between the comfortable formula, extensive shade range, impressive color payoff, and relatively budge-proof formula, this one has earned our stamp of approval. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long-lasting, soft matte lipstick that won’t dry out your lips. 

Best Pigmentation

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint

View On Sephora $29 View On Ulta $29 View On Fentybeauty.com

Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Those who desire bold, one-swipe color payoff will appreciate this liquid lipstick from Fenty Beauty. The lightweight liquid formula applies smoothly and with full saturation in one quick swipe. After a few seconds, it sets down to a completely matte finish that locks in place and resists bleeding, feathering, fading, smudging, and transferring. It transferred just a bit while we ate, though it remained completely intact as we wore it throughout the day and assessed it for transferring by drinking and blotting. It feels a bit dry on the lips, but because the formula is so thin, it doesn’t feel heavy, cakey, or tight. The downside to the thin, matte formula is that it can emphasize lip lines and texture, so we recommend gently exfoliating your lips and applying lip balm before swiping on the color.

We wish the range offered more colors (it currently sits at 7), but if you do find a shade you like and you prefer opaque, matte lip colors, we think you’ll be quite pleased with this popular pick. 

Best Pencil

NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil

View On Sephora $30 View On Ulta $30 View On Walmart $26

Finish: Matte | Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: No

Lip pencils and crayons are great for people with small lips or those who want to achieve a super-precise application of their lip color. We were incredibly impressed with this pencil from Nars, thanks to the one-swipe color payoff, smooth and creamy formula, and notable transfer resistance. The formula glides onto the lips effortlessly, depositing a rich, even layer of color that quickly sets down to a matte finish. Once set, it doesn’t bleed, feather, or fade, and we were thrilled with how well it remained intact during our transfer tests. We experienced minor transferring while eating, but otherwise, it stayed put beautifully. While the thin formula does settle into lines a bit, it’s not nearly as drying as other matte options we tested, making it pretty comfortable to wear for a long period of time. Though we appreciate that the shades are pigmented and look nice on a wide range of skin tones, a lot of them do look quite similar in person.

Best Lacquer

Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Lipcolor

View On Ulta $13 View On Target $10 View On Walmart $10

Finish: High-shine | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for a high-shine lip color that you won’t need to continuously re-apply, we recommend this budget-friendly option from Maybelline. Available in 20 shades that range from pale nude to cranberry red, you can swipe one on for everyday wear or pick a bold color for a special event. The liquid formula is creamy and easy to apply with the slightly pointed doe-foot applicator, and we appreciated that it’s quite pigmented and goes on evenly with just a few swipes. 

Note that it does take a few minutes to fully set down, but once it does, it sits nicely on the lips without looking dry, heavy, or emphasizing texture. It maintains its shiny finish and feels pretty comfortable and non-drying compared to similar options, though it can be just a bit tacky as it’s setting. We did experience minor transfer with this one, but we actually think that’s due to over-application. Once we blotted off the excess, it remained completely budge-proof throughout the rest of our testing. We also recommend using this formula with a lip liner to prevent bleeding or feathering. Despite minor qualms, we think this lacquer is absolutely worth checking out if you’re looking for a glassy lip product that won’t fade after an hour or two. 

Best Lightweight

Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream

View On Sephora $20 View On Rarebeauty.com View On Kohls.com $20

Finish: Matte | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This whipped, soufflé-like lip product is perfect for people who hate the feeling of a heavy, tacky, or drying formula on their lips. Despite feeling utterly weightless, it offers bold pigmentation that can be dabbed on with your fingertips to create a blotted effect, or built up for a full, opaque look. While it’s not necessarily moisturizing, it doesn’t feel drying, which is a major win in our book. Once it sets down, it won’t bleed or feather, though it can slightly emphasize lip lines, especially if your lips are extra dry. We did find that it transferred a bit during our transfer tests, although it didn’t remove the color or ruin how our lips looked. 

Overall, we were very impressed with this formula. It comes in neutrals and fun colors, feels very soft and weightless on the lips, and remains intact for hours. We also appreciate that it can be used to achieve different effects, making it a versatile option that you’re bound to get lots of use out of. 

Best Soft Matte

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick

View On Sephora $39 View On Ulta $39 View On Ulta $39

Finish: Soft Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No

The difference between a matte lipstick and a soft matte lipstick is that while mattes are completely shine-free, soft matte formulas maintain the tiniest bit of shine for a more natural-looking finish. Soft mattes are also usually a bit less drying on lips. We adore this one because it features a lightweight and buildable formula that feels comfortable and non-drying without too much shine peeking through. You can apply a light layer of the color and pat it in with your fingers to create a blurred look or build it up straight from the bullet for a more full-glam effect. Each shade in the extensive range—that includes nudes, hot pinks, wine reds, and more—is smooth and pigmented. Once you apply it, it sets nicely without bleeding or feathering, and it doesn’t highlight lip lines as significantly as full-on mattes might. 

While this formula does transfer if you blot your lips, eat, or drink, we found that the color still looks relatively intact—you might just want to swipe on another layer after meals to keep it looking even. However, if you’re not eating or drinking, it stays in place beautifully for several hours.