Eating, drinking, talking, kissing, slurping, smacking — your mouth is moving for the majority of the day, which means your lips are getting a lot of action. If you were planning on painting them a certain color, and want it to last longer than an hour, you'll want to find a lipstick or lip stain that won't budge or transfer onto your morning cup of coffee, mid-day sandwich, or anywhere else it doesn't belong.
In the beauty world, being successful in the hunt for a long-wearing lip formula that can survive a meal (or any other potential hazard) is a cause to be celebrated. That's why we've rounded up a slew of budge-proof lipsticks and stains, from ones with moisturizing properties to those that promise to withstand all hours of the day. And whether you're a liquid lipstick, matte, or even gloss wearer, rest assured you'll find a finish ahead that's long-wearing without the need to reapply.
There's a reason our editors and just about everyone on TikTok swear by the NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud High Shine ($12): it does not budge. Period. First, you apply the lipstick pigment side, let that dry for 90 seconds, and then top it off with the gloss on the other end. The results are pigmented and shiny (but never wet) — and won't transfer all day.
Our editors can attest with full confidence that the Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream ($20) lives up to the hype. After road-testing a handful of shades, we learned that each matte lipstick packs a pigment punch while wearing comfortably on the lips.
The Elaluz Lip & Cheek Stain ($34) is a brand-new product by Camila Coelho. The two-in-one lip and cheek stain is hydrating and smooth but stays put. Once it dries, it doesn't come off without a makeup remover.
When it comes to lip stains, we love the Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Matte Stain ($37) for its rich color payoff and nonsticky feel. With just a thin coat of color, you don't have to worry about this one rubbing off or smearing under your face mask.
We can't decide what we love most about the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($9). It's a toss-up between the ultra-pigmented color (which only requires one swipe), the last-through-anything-and-everything formula, the 20-color shade range, or the attractive price tag. Either way, we feel confident saying everyone needs to stock up each one of their handbags with this formula.
Enter, another beloved long-lasting drugstore lipstick. We don't know what we were doing before the L'Oréal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain ($12). The shade range is broad, the non-drying formula is wildly comfortable, and the teardrop applicator allows for the ultimate precision. In short: it worked like a charm. You don't have to worry about this coming off before you want it to.
The Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22) is a thicker lipstick formula, so you really have to let it dry completely before putting anything on top of it. Still, once it's dry, it's not going anywhere.
Longtime lovers of KVD Beauty's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick will be delighted to know that the XO Vinyl Lip Cream ($20) pack just as much pigment. A stray away from a traditional lip gloss (which tend to be on the sheer side), this one features a vinyl-like shine without compromising opacity.
The Nu Skin Powerlips Polish ($32) is every multitasking beauty buff's dream, as it features a long-lasting color on one end and a gloss on the other (because we all need options).
The Lorac Alter Ego Lipstick ($18) line has always held a special place in our hearts for its luxe packaging, antioxidant-rich formula (think acai berry, pomegranate, grape seed extract), opaque coverage, and deliciously rich vanilla scent.
If you need us, you can catch us swooning over the Kevyn Aucoin The Matte Lip Color Lipstick ($33), which features an unmatched buttery formula that promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines on the lips over time.
We love a product that's dual-purpose, and the tried-and-true Benefit Lovetint Lip and Cheek Stain ($18) does not disappoint. It provides a fiery, smudge-proof tint for both the lips and cheeks for gorgeous, monochromatic goodness.
Chic, all-white packaging aside, the Milk Makeup Lip Color ($24) has got us feeling some type of way. The lipsticks offer intense pigment and a smoothing effect thanks to their bamboo-derived blurring powder.
Jessica Alba knows best: a good lipstick needs to last through every photo opp. Luckily with her Honest Beauty Liquid Lipstick ($15) line, dry lips as a result of liquid lipsticks are now a thing of the past.
We've all got our vices, Urban Decay just happens to have 100 of them in its Vice Lipstick ($19) line. You'll have no trouble choosing your vice among their bold brights, moody darks, trendy neutrals, and neon offerings.
The Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Ruby Cream ($32) will have you sporting a bold red lip beyond Valentine's Day. A full range of 12 lipsticks inspired by red rubies along with a luxurious crystal-shaped bullet will make you feel like the royalty that you are.
The CoverGirl Exhibitionist Ultra-Matte Lipstick ($8) is the kiss-proof, transfer-proof, waterproof lipstick we never knew we needed.
There's no denying that the Lime Crime Velvetine ($20) is a longtime fan-favorite, and for good reason. As its name implies, lips feel like velvet after just one swipe of this budge-proof, bleed-proof formula.
We dig the affordable price tag and the velvet-matte finish of the Kiss NY Celeste Liquid Lipsticks ($10). Eleven shades make up the range, with a variety of neutrals, mauves, and plums that'll keep everyone happy.
Achieve bold, rich color from AM to PM with the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick ($15). When the initial layer of color wears off, you'll be left with a silky, lightweight stain.
The It Cosmetics Pillow Lips Cream Lipsticks ($24) seemingly have it all: hyaluronic filing spheres to smooth the lips, collagen to give the appearance of fullness, and a plethora of shades to match any makeup look.
Our sincerest thank you's to Elizabeth Arden for the Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick ($27), which provides pillowy-soft, kissable lips that feel moisturized without compromising on color.
Multi-tasking meets all-over-color with the Nudestix Magnetic Lip Plush Paints ($28). The vegan formula is made with eight natural extracts that deliver a matte, blurring texture. Bonus points for the fact that this can be used on the lips, cheeks, and eyes.
For all the lipgloss lovers out there who find reapplying a major buzzkill, meet your new BFF: the Wet N Wild Mega Last Stained Glass Lip Gloss ($6) AKA the first transfer-proof lipgloss on the market that claims an eight-hour wear-time.
You're sure to find a shade that flatters your skin tone amongst the 92 shades in Kryolan's Lipstick Classic ($17) line. Minimalist packaging aside, we appreciate that the formula includes antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and promises longevity.