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

Eat, drink, and kiss away with these budge-proof picks.

a collage of the best long-lasting lipsticks on a light gray background

Byrdie / Alli Waataja

TL;DR

Out of all of the long-lasting lipsticks we tested, our best overall pick is the Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Glossy Longwear Liquid Lipstick thanks to the comfortable and transfer-resistant formula that offers impressive pigmentation and a shiny finish. If you prefer a bullet lipstick, we recommend the L’Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick for a budget-friendly option and the Dior Rouge Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick as a luxe choice. 

Whether it’s your go-to nude shade for date night or a fiery red for a special occasion, you want to swipe on a long-lasting lipstick and practically forget it’s even there. Read: no smearing, stickiness, fading, crusty dryness, or heavy feeling on your lips. “I typically prefer to use a lipstick with a matte finish because matte lipsticks tend to last longer than glossy or satin finishes,” says celebrity makeup artist Renee Sanganoo. In addition to matte finishes that can aid in longevity, cosmetic chemist Julie Pefferman explains that ingredients like silicones, silicone polymers, and isododecane are used in long-lasting lipsticks to help them dry down faster and adhere to the skin better.

The best options are lightweight, pigmented, and budge-proof—but don’t be fooled; finding one that checks these boxes (and more) is no easy feat. So, we tested nearly 40 different options in our lab facility in NYC and then at home in the real world evaluating each one based on its pigmentation, comfortability, transfer resistance, wear, and shade range. Ahead, we’re sharing which ones performed the best, earning them the Byrdie stamp of approval. 

What We Like
  • Comfortable on the lips

  • Pigmented

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather 

  • Very transfer-resistant 

  • Shiny finish 

  • Offered in a range of neutrals and pops of color

What to Consider
  • Takes a few minutes to set down

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. 

What We Like
  • Slightly thick consistency makes it easy to control 

  • Packaging shows the true color of the lipstick

  • Solid transfer-resistance 

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather

  • Luxurious packaging 

What to Consider
  • Feels drying on the lips

  • Needs to be build up a bit for full, even coverage 

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.

What We Like
  • Small applicator makes precision application easy

  • Feels comfortable on the lips

  • Can use the matte formula on its own or layer with the glossy topcoat

  • Comes in an extensive shade range

  • Matte formula is very transfer-resistant 

What to Consider
  • Gloss formula feels sticky 

  • Shades look very different on the lips than the color of the packaging  

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. 

What We Like
  • Creamy, lightweight texture

  • Bold pigmentation

  • Doesn’t bleed or smudge 

  • Lots of neutral and bold shades to choose from

  • Doesn’t feel drying on the lips  

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

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. 

What We Like
  • Excellent shade range

  • Nudes come in unique and wearable undertones

  • Lightweight and creamy formula

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather

  • Impressive pigmentation

  • Magnetic cap 

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

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.   

The before and after photos of a person wearing Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

What We Like
  • Tons of neutral shades and pops of color 

  • Comfortable on the lips

  • Doesn’t bleed or smudge 

  • Good transfer-resistance 

  • Soft matte finish

What to Consider
  • Has a strong perfumey scent

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.    

Before and after photos of a person wearing Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick

Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

What We Like
  • Completely budge-proof 

  • Smooth, creamy texture

  • One-swipe color payoff 

  • Dries down quickly

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather 

What to Consider
  • Feels drying on the lips

  • Shades look different on the lips than the color of the packaging  

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. 

What We Like
  • Feels comfortable and slightly hydrating on the lips 

  • Offers one-wipe color payoff

  • Slim bullet is nice for precise application

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather 

  • Comes in a wide range of colors

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

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. 

What We Like
  • Rich, one-swipe color payoff

  • Lightweight 

  • Doesn’t bleed or smudge

  • Very transfer-resistant 

  • Dries down quickly 

What to Consider
  • Looks and feels a bit dry on the lips 

  • Shade range is limited

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. 

What We Like
  • Great for precise application

  • Smooth, creamy formula 

  • Dries down fast

  • Doesn’t bleed or fade

  • Transfer-resistant 

What to Consider
  • A lot of the shades look very similar to each other in person

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.

What We Like
  • Rich pigmentation

  • Applicator makes it easy to apply 

  • Smooth, creamy formula

  • Non-drying compared to other long-wearing options

  • Very minimal transfer 

What to Consider
  • Feels a bit tacky on the lips 

  • Takes a few minutes to fully set down

  • Minor bleeding around lip lines

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. 

What We Like
  • Weightless, whipped texture

  • Rich pigmentation

  • Buildable 

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather 

  • Doesn’t feel drying 

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

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. 

What We Like
  • Soft, creamy consistency

  • Not drying or cakey 

  • Rich, buildable pigmentation 

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather 

  • Luxe packaging 

What to Consider
  • Transfers 

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.

What We Like
  • Infused with macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and passionfruit seed oil

  • Doesn’t feel drying on the lips

  • Comes with matte liquid lipstick and a clear, glossy topcoat

  • Doesn’t bleed or feather

  • Extensive shade range

What to Consider
  • Transfers a bit

Finish: High-shine | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you prefer to use vegan makeup, we recommend checking out this vegan and cruelty-free, long-lasting lipstick. It comes with a matte liquid lipstick on one end and a clear, glossy topcoat on the other end, which can be used separately or combined to create a pigmented look with a glassy finish. The matte formula is pigmented, smooth, and doesn’t feel drying or heavy on the lips, and we appreciate that the clear gloss isn’t sticky. Once applied, it sets down quickly and locks in place without emphasizing lip lines, bleeding, or feathering. Though we did experience minor transferring while eating, it didn’t disrupt the look on the lips. 

In addition to the high-performing, vegan formula, we appreciate that it contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and more to prevent it from drying out the lips. Another bonus is that it’s offered in 36 shades that range from medium rose and chocolate brown to fire engine red and even a royal blue.

What to Look for in a Long-Lasting Lipstick

  • Formula: There are long-lasting lipsticks in various formulas, like liquid lipsticks, classic bullet lipsticks, and dual-ended options. Ultimately, the formula you choose is just a matter of preference. If you’re looking for something long-wearing but not too drying, we recommend opting for a bullet lipstick with a soft matte finish.   
  • Finish: Most long-lasting lipsticks are matte since matte formulas don’t contain as many oils which can take away from longevity, but there are shiny options available, too. If you want a high-shine look that lasts, go for a liquid lipstick with a lacquer-like finish.
  • Shade Range: As is true with all lipsticks, it’s important to find a shade you love and will get good use out of.
FAQ
  • What makes a lipstick long-lasting?

    When formulating a long-wearing lipstick, Pefferman aims for easy spreadability, a fast dry-down time, a transfer-proof formula, rich pigmentation, and moisture. To achieve this, she says that using ingredients like silicone and isododecane is key because they aid in spreadability and a quick dry down. She also explains that silicone polymers form a film quickly which can help the lipstick adhere to the skin and resist transferring due to eating, drinking, and saliva. “Ingredients like polyethylene and polybutene are sometimes favored to maintain creaminess or luster as fast-drying formulas can have a tendency to [be dry],” she adds.  

  • How can you make lipstick last longer?

    Sanganoo says that opting for a matte formula is the first step in ensuring your lipstick lasts. “I use matte lip liners to prime the lips first and then apply a lipstick or lip stain on top,” she explains. “Layering lipsticks with a matte finish will give you more longevity, so you can avoid constantly having to reapply throughout the day.”

  • How can you prevent a long-lasting lipstick from feeling too dry?

    “My tip to avoid [long-lasting lipstick from feeling too dry] is to make sure your lips are exfoliated and hydrated before you apply your lip color,” says Sanganoo. “I also love layering a little bit of lip balm on top of lipstick to bring some moisture back to the lips without interfering with the formula.” 

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She’s been using and testing long-lasting lipsticks for several years, and she’s tried several on this list for herself. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. 

She also spoke to experts to discuss important things to consider when looking to purchase long-lasting lipsticks. Those experts included:  

  • Renee Sanganoo, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with clients such as Karrueche Tran, Tia Mowry, and more 
  • Julie Pefferman, a cosmetic chemist, product development expert, and beauty entrepreneur

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