Lipsticks That Last: Long-Wearing Formulas for a Bold Pout

If you love wearing lipstick, you know how frustrating it can be to find one that stays put for hours without fading, smudging, or transferring. You want a lipstick that can survive a sip of coffee, a bite of food, or a kiss from your partner without leaving a trace. You want a lipstick that can keep up with your busy lifestyle and make you look fabulous all day long.

But how do you find such a lipstick? What are the best long-lasting lipsticks on the market today? And how do you apply and remove them properly to avoid damaging your lips?

In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will share with you our top picks for the best long-lasting lipsticks of 2023, based on our own testing and research. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to make your lipstick last longer, how to choose the right shade and finish for your skin tone and personal style, and how to take care of your lips before and after wearing long-wear lipsticks.

So, if you’re ready to discover the best lipsticks that last, keep reading!

What Makes a Lipstick Long-Lasting?

Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s first understand what makes a lipstick long-lasting. There are many factors that affect the longevity of a lipstick, such as the ingredients, the formula, the application, and the external conditions.

Ingredients: The ingredients of a lipstick determine its texture, pigmentation, hydration, and staying power. Generally speaking, long-lasting lipsticks contain more wax, pigment, and silicone than regular lipsticks. These ingredients help create a film on the lips that resists water, oil, and friction. However, they can also make the lipstick feel dry, heavy, or sticky on the lips. Therefore, some long-lasting lipsticks also include moisturizing ingredients like oils, butters, or hyaluronic acid to balance out the dryness and provide some comfort.

Formula: The formula of a lipstick refers to its consistency and finish. There are many types of long-lasting lipsticks, such as liquid lipsticks, matte lipsticks, cream lipsticks, satin lipsticks, etc. Each type has its own pros and cons when it comes to longevity. For example, liquid lipsticks tend to last longer than cream lipsticks because they dry down to a budge-proof layer on the lips. However, they can also be more drying and difficult to remove than cream lipsticks. Matte lipsticks tend to last longer than satin lipsticks because they have less shine and slip on the lips. However, they can also accentuate fine lines and dry patches on the lips.

Application: The application of a lipstick affects how well it adheres to the lips and how evenly it wears off throughout the day. To make your lipstick last longer, you need to prep your lips properly before applying it. This means exfoliating your lips to remove any dead skin cells or flakes that can interfere with the smoothness of the lipstick. It also means moisturizing your lips with a lip balm or primer to hydrate them and create a smooth base for the lipstick. After applying your lipstick, you can also blot it with a tissue or set it with a translucent powder to remove any excess oil or shine that can shorten its lifespan.

External Conditions: The external conditions that you expose your lipstick to can also affect its longevity. For example, eating oily or greasy foods can break down the lipstick faster than eating dry or light foods. Drinking hot or cold beverages can also cause some fading or smudging of the lipstick. Talking a lot or licking your lips can also wear off the lipstick faster than keeping your mouth closed. Humidity and temperature can also have an impact on how well your lipstick stays on.

As you can see, there are many factors that influence how long your lipstick lasts on your lips. Therefore, when looking for a long-lasting lipstick, you need to consider not only the product itself but also how you use it and what kind of environment you’re in.

The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of 2023

Now that we know what makes a lipstick long-lasting, let’s take a look at some of the best long-lasting lipsticks of 2023 that we’ve tested and reviewed. We’ve chosen these products based on their performance, quality, comfort, variety, and value for money. We’ve also included different types and finishes of lipsticks to suit different preferences and occasions.

Here are our top picks for the best long-lasting lipsticks of 2023:

Best Overall: Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick

Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, and her makeup line is nothing short of legendary. Her LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick is one of her best-selling products, and for good reason. This liquid lipstick delivers intense color payoff with a velvety matte finish that lasts for up to 12 hours without fading, cracking, or feathering. The formula is lightweight, creamy, and comfortable on the lips, and it comes in 18 stunning shades that range from nudes to reds to purples. The applicator is precise and easy to use, and the packaging is sleek and luxurious. This is the ultimate long-lasting lipstick for anyone who loves a bold and beautiful pout.

Best Drugstore: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

If you’re looking for a long-lasting lipstick that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick. This drugstore gem has a cult following for its incredible staying power that can last for up to 16 hours without budging, smudging, or transferring. The formula is highly pigmented, smooth, and non-drying on the lips, and it comes in 40 gorgeous shades that suit every skin tone and mood. The applicator is shaped like an arrow that allows for precise and easy application, and the packaging is simple and cute. This is the perfect long-lasting lipstick for anyone who wants a high-quality product at an affordable price.

Best for Beginners: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

If you’re new to the world of long-lasting lipsticks, you might want to start with something that’s easy to apply, comfortable to wear, and flattering to your features. The Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick is a great option for beginners because it has a smooth and creamy formula that glides on effortlessly and dries down to a matte finish that lasts for up to 8 hours without fading or flaking. The formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, and it comes in 32 beautiful shades that range from soft neutrals to vibrant brights. The applicator is flexible and tapered that allows for precise and even application, and the packaging is elegant and chic. This is a great long-lasting lipstick for anyone who wants to experiment with different colors and finishes without compromising on quality or comfort.

Best Splurge: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick

If you’re feeling fancy and want to treat yourself to a luxurious long-lasting lipstick, you might want to splurge on the Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick. This high-end lipstick is one of the most innovative products on the market because it has a unique formula that combines ultra-fine pigments with nourishing oils that create a weightless film on the lips that resists water, oil, heat, humidity, and friction. The formula is also vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-tested, and it comes in 10 stunning shades that range from nudes to reds to plums. The applicator is soft and curved that allows for easy and comfortable application, and the packaging is sleek and sophisticated. This is the ultimate long-lasting lipstick for anyone who wants to indulge in a premium product that delivers exceptional results.

Best Nudes: Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick

If you’re a fan of nude lipsticks, you might want to check out the Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick. This lipstick is created by Mario Dedivanovic, one of the most famous celebrity makeup artists in the world, who has worked with stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and more. His Ultra Suede Lipstick is designed to create a soft and natural look on the lips with a suede-like matte finish that lasts for up to 8 hours without drying or settling into fine lines. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres that plump and hydrate the lips, as well as vitamin E that protects them from environmental damage. The formula comes in 12 flattering nude shades that suit every skin tone and undertone. The applicator is slim and pointed that allows for precise and easy application, and the packaging is minimalist and modern. This is the best long-lasting lipstick for anyone who loves a nude lip look that’s subtle yet stunning.

Best Pigment: BLK/OPL Liquid Matte Lipstick

If you’re looking for a long-lasting lipstick that packs a punch of pigment, you might want to try the BLK/OPL Liquid Matte Lipstick. This lipstick is created by Black Opal, one of the leading beauty brands for women of color, who cater to diverse skin tones and beauty needs. Their Liquid Matte Lipstick delivers rich and vibrant color payoff with a matte finish that lasts for up to 10 hours without fading or bleeding. The formula is creamy, lightweight, and moisturizing on the lips, thanks to ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E. The formula comes in 12 bold shades that range from pinks to oranges to browns. The applicator is flat and wide that allows for smooth and even application, and the packaging is sleek and stylish. This is the best long-lasting lipstick for anyone who loves a pop of color on their lips that’s eye-catching and flattering.

How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

Now that you know some of the best long-lasting lipsticks of 2023, you might be wondering how to make them last even longer on your lips. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you extend the lifespan of your lipstick and keep your lips looking fabulous all day long.

• Exfoliate your lips. As we mentioned earlier, exfoliating your lips is an important step to prepare them for long-wear lipstick. Exfoliating removes any dead skin cells or flakes that can make your lipstick look patchy or uneven. You can use a lip scrub, a toothbrush, or a damp washcloth to gently buff your lips and make them smooth and soft.
• Moisturize your lips. After exfoliating, you need to moisturize your lips to hydrate them and prevent them from drying out. You can use a lip balm, a lip oil, or a lip mask to nourish your lips and make them plump and supple. However, make sure to blot off any excess product before applying your lipstick, as too much moisture can make your lipstick slide off or bleed.
• Prime your lips. A lip primer is a product that creates a barrier between your lips and your lipstick, helping it adhere better and last longer. A lip primer can also smooth out any fine lines or wrinkles on your lips, making them look fuller and more youthful. You can use a dedicated lip primer, or you can use a concealer or a foundation that matches your skin tone to prime your lips.
• Line your lips. A lip liner is a pencil or a crayon that defines the shape of your lips and prevents your lipstick from feathering or smudging. A lip liner can also enhance the color and the finish of your lipstick, making it look more vibrant and polished. You can use a lip liner that matches your lipstick, or you can use a nude or a clear one for a more natural look. To apply a lip liner, start by outlining the edges of your lips, then fill in the entire surface of your lips with the same product.
• Apply your lipstick. Now it’s time to apply your long-lasting lipstick of choice. Depending on the type and the formula of the lipstick, you might need to apply one or more coats to achieve the desired intensity and coverage. To apply a liquid lipstick, use the applicator to swipe the product on your lips, starting from the center and moving outward. To apply a bullet lipstick, use the tip of the bullet to outline your lips, then use the flat side of the bullet to fill in the rest of your lips. To apply a cream or a satin lipstick, you can use either a brush or your finger to dab the product on your lips, creating a soft and blurred effect.
• Blot and set your lipstick. To make sure that your lipstick stays in place and doesn’t transfer, you need to blot and set it with a tissue or a powder. To blot your lipstick, gently press a tissue paper on your lips to remove any excess oil or shine that can shorten its lifespan. To set your lipstick, lightly dust a translucent powder on top of the tissue paper that’s still on your lips, creating a matte and long-lasting finish.
• Reapply as needed. Even though long-lasting lipsticks are designed to last for hours without touch-ups, you might still need to reapply them throughout the day if they fade or wear off due to eating, drinking, talking, etc. To reapply your lipstick, first remove any remaining product from your lips with a tissue paper or a makeup remover wipe. Then follow the same steps as before: exfoliate, moisturize, prime, line, apply, blot, and set.

How to Remove Long-Lasting Lipstick

After wearing long-lasting lipstick for hours, you might find it hard to remove it from your lips at the end of the day. Long-lasting lipsticks are usually waterproof and smudge-proof, which means they don’t come off easily with water or regular makeup removers. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to scrub or tug at your lips to get rid of them. Here are some gentle and effective ways to remove long-lasting lipstick from your lips without damaging them.

• Use an oil-based makeup remover. Oil-based makeup removers are great for dissolving long-lasting lipsticks because they break down the wax, pigment, and silicone that make them stick to your lips. You can use any kind of oil-based makeup remover that suits your skin type and preference, such as micellar water, cleansing oil, cleansing balm, etc. To use an oil-based makeup remover, soak a cotton pad with the product and press it on your lips for a few seconds. Then gently wipe off the lipstick from your lips with the same cotton pad.
• Use an oil-based lip balm. If you don’t have an oil-based makeup remover handy, you can also use an oil-based lip balm to remove long-lasting lipstick from your lips. Oil-based lip balms have a similar effect as oil-based makeup removers, but they also moisturize and condition your lips at the same time. You can use any kind of oil-based lip balm that you like, such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc. To use an oil-based lip balm, apply a generous amount of the product on your lips and massage it gently with your finger. Then wipe off the lipstick and the lip balm with a tissue paper or a cotton pad.
• Use a lip scrub. A lip scrub is another option for removing long-lasting lipstick from your lips, especially if you have any stubborn or dried-up residue left on your lips. A lip scrub is a product that contains small particles that exfoliate and polish your lips, removing any dead skin cells or flakes that can trap the lipstick on your lips. You can use a store-bought lip scrub, or you can make your own with sugar, honey, and oil. To use a lip scrub, apply a small amount of the product on your lips and rub it gently with your finger or a toothbrush. Then rinse off the lip scrub with water or wipe it off with a tissue paper or a cotton pad.

How to Take Care of Your Lips After Wearing Long-Lasting Lipstick

After removing long-lasting lipstick from your lips, you might notice that your lips feel dry, chapped, or irritated. This is because long-lasting lipsticks can strip away the natural moisture and oils from your lips, making them more prone to dehydration and damage. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your lips after wearing long-lasting lipstick to restore their health and beauty. Here are some ways to pamper your lips after wearing long-lasting lipstick.

• Hydrate your lips. Hydrating your lips is essential to replenish the moisture and oils that they lost due to long-wear lipstick. You can hydrate your lips by drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and vegetables, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine. You can also hydrate your lips by applying a hydrating lip balm, lip oil, or lip mask that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, etc. These ingredients can attract and retain water in your lips, making them plump and supple.
• Nourish your lips. Nourishing your lips is important to repair any damage or inflammation that they suffered due to long-wear lipstick. You can nourish your lips by applying a nourishing lip balm, lip oil, or lip mask that contains ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc. These ingredients can soothe and heal your lips, making them soft and smooth.
• Protect your lips. Protecting your lips is vital to prevent any further damage or irritation that they might face due to environmental factors like sun exposure, wind exposure, pollution, etc. You can protect your lips by applying a protective lip balm, lip oil, or lip mask that contains ingredients like SPF, antioxidants, vitamin E, etc. These ingredients can shield your lips from harmful UV rays, free radicals, and other external aggressors, making them healthy and resilient.

Conclusion

Long-lasting lipsticks are amazing products that can make you look fabulous for hours without requiring frequent touch-ups. However, they also come with some challenges and drawbacks that you need to be aware of and deal with accordingly.

In this article, we’ve shared with you our top picks for the best long-lasting lipsticks of 2023, based on their performance, quality, comfort, variety, and value for money. We’ve also given you some tips and tricks on how to make your lipstick last longer, how to remove it properly, and how to take care of your lips after wearing it.

We hope that this article has helped you find the perfect long-lasting lipstick for you and taught you how to use it effectively and safely. Remember that long-lasting lipsticks are not only meant to enhance your beauty but also to express your personality and style. So have fun experimenting with different colors and finishes and enjoy the confidence and glamour that they bring!