There are a handful of advancements that have changed the beauty industry so profoundly, we’d liken their creation to the invention of the wheel — and one of them is long-wear makeup. If all this sounds a bit dramatic, we hear you, but anyone who’s carefully applied a face of makeup only to have it smudge, fade, or totally disappear in a matter of hours knows the struggle.
We’ve made strides in almost every category of long-wear makeup, but lipstick remains the most interesting to test — namely, because a good one must be comfortable, pigmented, kiss-proof, and food-proof. And as we approach Valentine’s Day, what better time to start looking into a reliable formula?
We asked our editors to share the drugstore lipsticks they fall back on when it really counts, including a Beauty Innovator Award winner. Check them all out, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. Check out the rest of the 2019 Beauty Innovator Award winners.
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick
“One of my biggest bold-lipstick pet peeves is the obnoxiously large doe-foot applicators on liquid lipsticks that make it all too easy to draw outside of the lines. That’s why I’m thrilled that Maybelline’s cult-favorite SuperStay Ink now comes in pencil form. The shade Live On The Edge has become a regular part of my makeup rotation since the weather dipped below 60 degrees: It’s a moody mahogany that looks like plush velvet on my lips. The precise pointed tip of this lip crayon also makes it easy to line and fill in my lips without the mess.” — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer
Maybelline SuperStay Ink Crayon Lipstick, $, available at Ulta Beauty
The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick
“If you and your boo love to eat — like me and my bf — this formula from the Lip Bar will last through burgers, tacos, and pizza. (I checked!) It never fades or smudges, but doesn’t get that sandpapery feel of some liquid lipsticks. The color is super opaque, so you’ll be sure to get a few ‘What lipstick are you wearing?’ compliments while you’re out on your date.” — Simeon
The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick
“If you and your boo love to eat — like me and my bf — this formula from the Lip Bar will last through burgers, tacos, and pizza. (I checked!) It never fades or smudges, but doesn’t get that sandpapery feel of some liquid lipsticks. The color is super opaque, so you’ll be sure to get a few ‘What lipstick are you wearing?’ compliments while you’re out on your date.” — Simeon
The Lip Bar The Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick, $, available at Target
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Color
“I was in a rush to a birthday celebration one day and took my makeup with me to put on in the Uber, only to realize that I left my lipstick behind. Luckily there was a drugstore right near the venue, so I popped in and grabbed whatever I saw first. I’m so happy I did: This creamy formula didn’t dry out my lips, lasted through a long night of drinking, and the color was divine. It’s been in my stash ever since.” — Thatiana Diaz, beauty writer
L’Oréal L’Oréal Colour Riche Matte Lipcolour, $, available at Ulta Beauty
L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Color
“I was in a rush to a birthday celebration one day and took my makeup with me to put on in the Uber, only to realize that I left my lipstick behind. Luckily there was a drugstore right near the venue, so I popped in and grabbed whatever I saw first. I’m so happy I did: This creamy formula didn’t dry out my lips, lasted through a long night of drinking, and the color was divine. It’s been in my stash ever since.” — Thatiana Diaz, beauty writer
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
“This lipstick won’t last through a heavy makeout session, but it does stay vibrant through the more PG activities, like meeting the parents or dancing — with plenty of space between you two — at the conservative family wedding.” — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Revlon Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick With Vitamin E And Avocado Oil, $, available at Target
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
“This lipstick won’t last through a heavy makeout session, but it does stay vibrant through the more PG activities, like meeting the parents or dancing — with plenty of space between you two — at the conservative family wedding.” — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Milani Cosmetics Color Statement Matte Lipstick
“I have to admit that I, like many people, don’t love the feeling of a matte liquid lipstick. Of course, I also hate when my lipstick fades or transfers onto my Champagne flute while trying to live my best life. This is my red lip compromise: The color is vibrant, and the formula is comfy and lightweight. Plus, it lasts all night — as long as you don’t make out with anyone or throw back three slices of pizza. For that, you’ll need a quick touch-up.” — Lexy Lebsack, senior beauty editor
Milani Cosmetics Color Statement Matte Lipstick
“I have to admit that I, like many people, don’t love the feeling of a matte liquid lipstick. Of course, I also hate when my lipstick fades or transfers onto my Champagne flute while trying to live my best life. This is my red lip compromise: The color is vibrant, and the formula is comfy and lightweight. Plus, it lasts all night — as long as you don’t make out with anyone or throw back three slices of pizza. For that, you’ll need a quick touch-up.” — Lexy Lebsack, senior beauty editor
Milani Cosmetics Color Statement Matte Lipstick, $, available at Milani Cosmetics
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
“This lip color is like nothing I’ve ever tried — and there’s certainly nothing at the drugstore quite like it. The closest I can come to describing it is like a stain and liquid lipstick hybrid, in that it goes on wet, gets sticky, and takes about 15 minutes to fully dry (yes, I timed it). But once it sets, it’s damn near bulletproof. Plus, it doesn’t feel dry or cake-y — a personal complaint of classic liquid lipstick — and doesn’t flake when it wears down.” — Lebsack
Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
“This lip color is like nothing I’ve ever tried — and there’s certainly nothing at the drugstore quite like it. The closest I can come to describing it is like a stain and liquid lipstick hybrid, in that it goes on wet, gets sticky, and takes about 15 minutes to fully dry (yes, I timed it). But once it sets, it’s damn near bulletproof. Plus, it doesn’t feel dry or cake-y — a personal complaint of classic liquid lipstick — and doesn’t flake when it wears down.” — Lebsack
Maybelline New York Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, $, available at Walmart
ColourPop Ultra Blotted Lip
“There’s something about a lightly-faded bold lip that I adore — and this formula from ColourPop is perfect for achieving the trendy look. I suggest having a clean lip brush on hand to really control the color by applying thin coats until you reach your desired opacity, then top with a little balm to keep the look soft.” — Lebsack
ColourPop ColourPop Ultra Blotted Lip, $, available at Ulta Beauty
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