There’s nothing more disappointing than wearing a gorgeous lip shade only to find that the color has disappeared within minutes of applying it (or eating a meal and seeing all of it has transferred onto your fork). Like most makeup products, finding a lipstick or lip product that will last all day often comes down to trial and error. And with so many options on the market, it can be difficult deciding where to begin.
To avoid spending money on fast-fading lip products, we asked makeup artists and Shop TODAY editors alike to recommend their favorite smudge-proof formulas. From classic nude lipsticks to a lip stain that'll leave a lasting impression, we rounded up makeup artist-approved recommendations starting at just $5.
Best long-lasting lipsticks | Best long-lasting liquid lipsticks | Best long-lasting lip liners | Best long-lasting lip stains | Best long-lasting lip products, according to editors | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best long-lasting lipsticks, according to experts
Boosts lip moisture: Covergirl Exhibitionist 24-Hour Ultra Matte Lipstick
- Transfer-proof and waterproof
- Promises to boost moisture
- Mixed reviews on longevity
Available shades: 14
“When it comes to long-lasting lipsticks, there aren’t too many moisturizing options — but this Covergirl product is matte and never really feels overly dry when wearing it,” celebrity makeup artist Megan Lanoux tells Shop TODAY.
This lipstick is available in up to 16 shades, including gorgeous reds and neutral pinks. According to the brand, it can stay on for up to 24 hours and increase lip’s moisture by 40 percent.
Best lipstick that hydrates: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick
- Soft texture
- Long-lasting formula
- Some say it is drying
Available shades: 19
This formula from Revlon is made with moisturizing shea butter, aloe and vitamin E and has a soft matte finish that’s smudge-proof.
“This is going to feel more hydrating,” Lanoux says of this Revlon lipstick. “It won’t stay on as long as a liquid lipstick would, but it’s super pigmented, hydrating and will give you a much longer-lasting color than just a traditional lipstick.”
A lipstick with a velvet look and feel: Nars Cosmetics Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil
- Long-lasting formula
- Non-drying
- Few shades available
Available shades: 1
When it comes to a lipstick that goes the extra mile, a matte or velvet formula is your best bet, says Lanoux who recommended this popular Nars pencil.
“Velvet lipsticks are going to feel a little bit more moisturizing on your lips than just matte,” she explains, noting that matte formulas tend to dry out lips. “A velvet one is a little bit more comfortable and I find that it lasts really long while still having a matte effect.”
Best long-lasting liquid lipsticks, according to experts
Easy to build: NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
- Has a creamy mousse texture
- Long-lasting formula
- Some say shades don't match
Available shades: 17
For just $7, this lightweight matte cream feels like a mix of a lipstick and a gloss — and it delivers on color.
“This has a soft, matte, soufflé texture,” points out makeup artist Jennifer Nam. “It’s not very liquidy, so it’s easy to build and very comfortable. You can layer it very thin or build it up. It’s not going to last you eight hours, but it’s still a really great option.”
An oldie but a goodie: Covergirl Outlast Lip Color
- Transfer-resistant top coat
- Claims to last 24 hours
- Reviews say it is a tad sticky
Available shades: 30
“This an oldie but a goody. I discovered this when I was in high school and it’s still around,” says Nam. “This is great for the person who prefers a lip product that you put on once and forget about.”
According to the brand, this formula gives you up to 24 hours of transfer-resistant color. Just seal in the long-lasting power with the hydrating top coat!
Best liquid lipstick: Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor
- Color and shine lasts 24 hours
- Transfer-proof
- Some say shades don't match
Available shades: 9
This top-rated lipstick from Revlon features a colored liquid formula on one end and a clear gloss on the other. “So if you wanted to keep it more matte you could just use the color,” notes Lanoux. And if you want a more shiny effect, just layer on the gloss.
“You’ll need a makeup remover to get it off, it’s so intense,” she adds. This is great if you’re getting married or if you’re going somewhere where you just don’t want to mess with your makeup.”
An MUA must-have: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
- Highly pigmented
- Smudge-proof formula
- Good applicator
- Some say it is drying
Available shades: 10
If she could only choose one liquid lipstick, Lanoux says this Anastasia product would be it.
“I love the colors and the staying power is really intense,” she raves. “Anastasia has really unique shades — she has these crazy bright pinks, purples, fun blues, burgundy and cherry shades — she really has every color in this product.”
Not only does this pigment-packed formula deliver on its beautiful color, but it also has intense staying power and boasts an easy-to-use applicator that makes application a breeze.
Best long-lasting lip liners, according to experts
“Make sure you don’t skip out on using a lip liner, especially if you’re using a bold color," Lanoux advises. "A lip liner will give your look definition, prevent it from feathering and help your lipstick stay on longer."
A long-lasting matte lip liner: NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner
- Many shades available
- Vegan formula
- Some say it is drying
Available shades: 30
This matte lip liner is a great budget-friendly option with staying power, says Lanoux. “They have so many shades of this liner and it’s only $4 — it’s amazing.”
NYX offers this product in 32 shades, including traditional reds and soft pinks — plus, a bunch of fun colors like fuchsia and peach.
Most precise: Nars Cosmetics Precision Lip Liner
- Budge-proof formula
- Easy to sharpen
- Precise pencil tip
- Mixed reviews on longevity
Available shades: 8
Nars Precision Lip Liner is a great quality product that will help keep your lipstick in place throughout the day. "It glides on, it's easy to use and it's long-lasting," says Nam.
This Nars option has an over four-star average rating on Sephora — and people can't seem to get enough.
"Great liner! It's smooth and pigmented," wrote one customer. "Creamy so it's easily blended but stays in place all day."
Best long-lasting lip stains, according to experts
A highly pigmented lip stain: L'Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Lip Stain
- Hydrating and weightless
- Mixed reviews on longevity
Available shades: 20
A cheaper alternative is this unique lip stain from L'Oreal. “This gives your lips a bit of hydration and while you may have to reapply, it’s comfortable and lasts,” Lanoux says.
This formula feels practically weightless and delivers intense pigment every time you apply.
The lip stain of all lip stains: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip & Cheek Stain
- Smudge- and transfer-proof
- Long-lasting formula
- Can be a tad drying
Available shades: 6
New York-based makeup artist Brenna D previous recommended Benefit Cosmetics' lip stain, which has repeatedly been an internet-favorite product for years. “It goes on feeling more on the liquid-y side, and it penetrates and dries into the lip rather quickly,” she told us in our best lip stains coverage.
Best long-lasting lip products, according to editors
An Amazon customer-favorite: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Lipstick
- Amazon bestseller
- Long-lasting formula
- Some say it can be sticky
Available shades: 43
Commerce editor Amanda Fama swears by this Maybelline matte liquid lipstick: “I’ve tried multiple colors of this liquid lipstick, and each one seems like it says on for an eternity!” Fama says. “This red shade, in particular, will stay vibrant for as long as you want it to. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it in the past.”
This stunning lipstick is available in 43 different shades and has 100,000+ verified five-star ratings on Amazon.
A lipstick-lip balm hybrid: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Liquid Lipstick
- Claims to last up to 24 hours
- Glides on like a gloss
- Some say it is drying
Available shades: 16
This two-in-one product features long-lasting lipstick on one end, and a hydrating lip balm on the other end, so your lips never go bare. This liquid lipstick “has a super comfortable finish and stays through the whole day,” says commerce coordinator Alex Arent, who added that she’s never seen her mom reach for anything else when it comes to lipsticks.
Editor-loved lip liner: Glossier Lip Line Lip Liner
- Water- and transfer-resistant
- Natural shade range
- Long-wearing
- Need a pencil sharpener
Available shades: 9
"The new lip liner from Glossier immediately impressed me," raves associate social media editor Dani Musacchio. "Not only is the formula so creamy and smooth, but it actually has some staying power. I drank and ate with it on and was surprised to see that it didn’t transfer at all."
Production associate Audrey Ekman is also a fan, who said she was converted to adding lip liners into her routine after trying this one.
Matte, but hydrating: Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick
- Plumping; doesn't sting
- Few shades available
Available shades: 3
“I have super dry lips that peel, and this is a matte finish but super hydrating,” says Shop TODAY associate editor Shannon Garlin. This matte liquid lipstick from Too Faced is gluten-free and has hyaluronic, avocado oil and vitamin E on its list of ingredients to serve a purpose of moisturizing and soothing lips.
A true matte finish: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
- Multiple shades available
- Claims to stay put for 12 hours
- Weightless feel
- Some say it can be drying
Available shades: 22
Available in a plethora of colors, from magenta plum to siren red, there’s a whopping 22 options to choose from. This liquid lipstick “stays put, goes on smooth and has a matte finish without feeling drying on the lips,” says Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon. “It provides me what I need from a long-lasting lipstick: longevity and the security of knowing it won’t smudge.”
For those who want the long-lasting benefits without the matte look, Moon recommends swiping a clear, glossy lipstick over top.
Stays on even after eating and drinking: Nars Cosmetics Powermatte Lip Pigment
- Smudge-resistant formula
- Lightweight texture
- Might stain; shake well
Available shades: 10
This lipstick “lasts forever,” according to Shop TODAY editor Julie Ricevuto. “It stays on through pasta dinners, wine nights and even sweaty dance parties. Sometimes I add a clear gloss on top of it to add a bit of shine. But whether I wear it alone or with gloss, I never have to reapply.”
Made with vegan ingredients, this lipstick is currently available in up to 20 colors.
A lip duo: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit
- Many shades available
- Comes in a duo
- Mixed reviews on longevity
Available shades: 21
Included in this two-piece kit is a matte lipstick and lip liner, from which there are 21 colors to choose from. Together, the two create a look inspired by the brand’s founder herself. “Kylie Jenner lip kits are the longest lasting lipsticks I have ever used,” says Arent. “They have so many different colors and I swear last all day. They are life changing!”
Has an airbrush finish: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur
- Claims to last up to 12 hours
- Shouldn't stick or flake
- Mixed reviews on applicator
Available shades: 8
“I’ve tried a ton of color stay or long-lasting lipsticks and this one works the best for me,” says Garlin. “It’s really moisturizing and doesn’t dry sticky or flake off. And it really lasts, it will stay on through a workday or dinner out. “
This hydrating liquid lipstick comes in eight unique shades and creates an airbrush effect, according to the brand.
How we chose the best long-lasting lipsticks
The Shop TODAY team rounded out the best long-lasting lipsticks based on expert recommendations and Shop TODAY editor picks. We looked at lipsticks, liquid lipsticks, lipliners and lip stains that stay on for hours in order to create the most comprehensive list of products.
Meet the experts
- Megan Lanoux is a makeup artist and hairstylist based in New York.
- Jennifer Nam is a makeup artist who specializes in beauty and fashion.
- Brenna D is a New York-based makeup artist with over 11 years of experience.
- Our top picks
- Best long-lasting lipsticks, according to experts
- Best long-lasting liquid lipsticks, according to experts
- Best long-lasting lip liners, according to experts
- Best long-lasting lip stains, according to experts
- Best long-lasting lip products, according to editors
- How we chose the best long-lasting lipsticks
- Meet the experts
