Finding a long-lasting lipstick that stays put all day without drying out your lips can be a challenge. Most traditional bullet lipsticks require frequent reapplication to maintain color and moisture. However, newer generation liquid lipsticks, lip stains, and matte formulas promise longer wear – some up to 24 hours or more!
In this article, we’ll discuss the best lipstick formulas and brands for long lasting color. We’ll go over how they work, tips for application and removal, and provide specific product recommendations in various finish categories like matte, satin, stain, etc. Read on to find your new go-to lip product that will take you from morning to night!
How Long-Lasting Lipsticks Work
Long-wearing lipsticks are formulated to stay on the lips for extended periods without fading, feathering, or drying out. Here are some of the key ingredients and methods used:
Matte and Transfer-Proof Formulas
– Silicone oils create a flexible film on the lips that doesn’t smudge or transfer.
– Volatile solvents like isododecane evaporate quickly to set the pigment in place.
– Waxes provide structure and long wear.
– Saturated pigments resist fading and migrate less.
– Lack of emollients cut down on moisture and slip.
Liquid Lipsticks
– High pigment loads provide opaque, vibrant color.
– Flexible polymers create a thin, lightweight film.
– Quick-drying ingredients like alcohol fix the liquid lipstick in place.
– Limited emollients allow the color to adhere to lips.
Lip Stains
– Water-soluble dyes create a transparent stain.
– Silicones allow spreadability while retaining stain.
– Film-formers adhere the product evenly to the lips.
– The stain seeps into the lips and becomes harder to remove.
Lip Primers and Sealers
– Lip primers smooth lip texture for even application.
– Lip sealers contain film-forming ingredients that lock in color.
– Waxy bases limit feathering and bleeding.
– Silicones fill in lines on the lips.
Tips for Application
Apply long-lasting lip color correctly to get the most wear time:
– Exfoliate and moisturize lips first to remove flakes and dryness.
– Use lip liner to define edges and prevent feathering.
– For liquid lipsticks, apply thin coats and let dry between layers.
– Blot lip stains before letting them set.
– Dab extra product in the center of lips where color fades fastest.
– Finish with lip sealer or translucent powder to set the lipstick.
– Avoid oily foods and drinks which can break down lip color. Reapply after eating or drinking.
Removing Long-Lasting Lipstick
Take your time when removing lip products designed for longevity:
– Use an oil-based makeup remover or lipstick remover balm. Massage in gently.
– Let the remover sit for 30-60 seconds to break down the product before wiping off.
– Exfoliate with a wet washcloth, lip scrub, or toothbrush to slough off remaining traces.
– Follow up with a creamy lip balm or mask to condition bare lips.
– Avoid pulling or scrubbing too aggressively, which can damage delicate lip skin.
The Best Long Lasting Lipstick Formulas
Now let’s get into specific products! Here are the top lipstick formulas in each category known for extended wear:
Liquid Lipsticks
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Maybelline | SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick |
| NYX | Soft Matte Lip Cream |
| Stila | Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick |
| Sephora | Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills | Liquid Lipstick |
Matte Lipsticks
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| MAC | Matte Lipstick |
| NARS | Velvet Matte Lip Pencil |
| Charlotte Tilbury | Matte Revolution Lipstick |
| Fenty Beauty | Stunna Lip Paint |
| Dior | Rouge Dior Liquid Matte |
Lip Stains
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Benetint | Lip & Cheek Stain |
| Yves Saint Laurent | Vinyl Cream Lip Stain |
| Revlon | Kiss Cushion Lip Tint |
| Laura Mercier | Lip Stain |
| Armani | Ecstasy Lacquer Lip Stain |
Lip Primers & Sealers
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| Urban Decay | Lip Primer Potion |
| MAC | Prep + Prime Lip |
| NYX | Lip Primer |
| Smashbox | Always On Lip Primer |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills | Lip Primer |
The Best Long Lasting Lipstick Shades
While all the formulas above are known for longevity, here are some of the top rated shades that reviewers rave about for all-day wear:
Nudes
– Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer, Lover, Globetrotter
– Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk, Walk of No Shame, Supermodel
– MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over, Devoted to Chili
– NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita, Cruella
Reds
– Sephora Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Always Red, Blackberry Sorbet
– YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain in Carmin Session
– MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, Russian Red
– Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery, Beso
Pinks
– NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm, Monte Carlo
– Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncuffed
– Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in Mindful Mauve
– Dior Rouge Dior Liquid Matte in Dream
Dark Colors
– Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Heathers, Stripped
– Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain
– Armani Ecstasy Lacquer in 504, 505, 506
– NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned
FAQs
Do lip stains really last all day?
It depends on the formula, but the best lip stains are designed to provide long-lasting color for up to 8 hours or more before needing to be reapplied. They soak into the lips and resist transfer better than most lipsticks.
What is the longest lasting lipstick?
Liquid matte lipsticks and lip stains generally have the longest staying power. Specific products like the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick or Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain are known for lasting through nearly anything for up to 24 hours.
How do you make lipstick stay all day?
Start with an exfoliated and moisturized lip canvas. Apply lip primer before your lipstick. Blot stains and liquids before they set. Use lip liner to prevent feathering. Apply a lip sealer like a translucent powder on top to lock in the color. Avoid oil-based foods and drinks.
Does lipstick primer really work?
Yes, lip primers smooth and fill in lip lines to help lip color glide on evenly and create a base layer that grips onto the lipstick. Lip primers can make almost any lipstick last longer before fading or feathering.
Conclusion
When you want your lip color to last all day without having to fuss over constant reapplication, reach for long-wearing liquid lipsticks, matte formulas, or lip stains. Products like the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Inks or Benetint Lip & Cheek Stains are tried and true for up to 24 hours of perfect, fade and transfer-resistant lip color. Prep and set your lips correctly, and you’ll find lipstick that truly does last for days!