10 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of 2023

Finding lipstick that lasts seems like a universal quest among makeup wearers. Many of us have a drawer full of lipsticks that just aren’t quite right — for one reason or another. The struggle truly is real. 

But it’s time to stop feeling like Goldilocks trying to find a lipstick that’s “just right.” We curated this list of the best long-lasting lipsticks to help you find the perfect lipstick that stays put. 

Best long-lasting lipstick overview:

• Best overall: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick 
• Best budget: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
• Best splurge: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid 
• Best lightweight: KVD Everlasting Hyperlight Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick
• Best drugstore: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipstick
• Best shine: NYX Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color
• Best matte: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
• Best stain: L’Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain 
• Best metallic: Gerard Cosmetics MetalMatte Liquid Lipstick
• Best vegan: bareMinerals Barepro Longwear Lipstick

How we chose the best long-lasting lipsticks

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including finish, shade, formula type, and more, to create a short list of the top long-lasting lipsticks. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best long-lasting lipstick for each category.

Our picks for the best long-lasting lipstick

It’s hard to beat a classic, and Stila’s liquid lipstick is certainly that. With 35 gorgeous color options in three different finishes, it’s easy to find a long-lasting lipstick shade you’ll love. Choose your favorite among matte, sheer, or shimmer finishes with colors ranging from sheer nudes to vivid reds.

It’s worth noting that the color choices may appear a little darker online than in real life, so bear this in mind when picking your favorite shade. Though it’s designed to last up to 12 hours, some reviewers have noticed that the color may smudge or transfer to drinking straws. Just keep a mirror or your selfie camera ready for quick checkups, and you’ll enjoy gorgeous lip color all day long.

Finish: Matte, sheer, shimmer | Shades: 35 | Type: Liquid

If you’re after a long-lasting lipstick under $10, look no further than NYX. Its Soft Matte Lip Cream is a creamy liquid with plenty of pigmentation for beautiful, all-day color. Once it dries, it has a matte finish that some people describe as flakey or patchy. (Exfoliation and hydration can be a big help here.) 

NYX recommends pairing it with its lip primer for best results, which adds an extra step. But more than 30 shades and long-lasting color make this the best option if you’re on a budget.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 34 | Type: Cream

Yes, this lipstick is a bit of a splurge. But sometimes, it’s OK to treat yourself. Plus, it’s worth it, thanks to its matte finish and liquid formula free of parabens. It also won’t settle into fine lines, so you won’t have to worry about the color feathering beyond your lip line. 

Dior notes this will last up to 12 hours, but the brand only tested it on a small number of people, so your wear time may vary. Some reviewers found the formula to be sticky, but your results can differ depending on how hydrated your lips are or whether you’ve recently exfoliated them.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 18 | Type: Liquid

Some lipsticks can feel especially thick or heavy but not this one. This lightweight formula is made with raspberry stem cells, which help keep your lips comfortable. It’s super easy to apply, thanks to the angled applicator that gives you a precise lip line. 

With 30 shades, there are plenty of options, though they tend to be on the bolder or more vivid side rather than subtle neutrals. Be sure to give yourself a little more time to apply whatever color you choose because this one needs about 30 seconds to dry before it’s set.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 30 | Type: Liquid

This long-lasting option can be found at your local Target or Walmart. Though your shade choices are limited to 12, this lipstick lasts up to 24 hours — that’s some serious staying power. The finish is matte, but it glides around on your lips more like a traditional lipstick, so be cautious if you tend to bite your lips. This more slippery texture means less flaking and even keeps your lips hydrated.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 12 | Type: Stick

Packed with oils like jojoba seed, macadamia seed, and vitamin E, this shiny lip color nourishes your lips while keeping them vibrant. There are 30 beautifully bold shades that last up to 16 hours, though if you prefer neutrals, this may not be the pick for you. This is the best long-lasting lipstick if you love vibrant color with high shine. 

The double-ended applicator contains pigment on one end and a shiny gloss on the other. That means you’ll have a two-step application process, but it also means you can add a little extra gloss for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Finish: Shiny | Shades: 30 | Type: Liquid

To be sure, 22 colors is a respectable number of shade options. But you can actually combine these colors to create a fresh new shade that’s all you. Or, you can use a darker color to line your lips and a lighter hue in the center for lips that look fuller. The double-sided applicator lets you sweep on color or draw a precise lip line. 

It dries pretty quickly, which is convenient, but it also means correcting a mistake will be tough. Still, this versatile lipstick can provide a full-coverage matte finish or even a sheer look if you dab it onto your lips with your fingers instead of the applicator.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 22 | Type: Liquid

This lip color combines the benefits of a liquid lipstick with the benefits of a lip stain into one long-lasting lipstick. Though the liquid consistency can be tricky to learn how to apply at first (give yourself a little extra time here), it dries to a stain that feels nice and light. 

With 37 shades to choose from, you’re sure to find your new favorite hue. Plus, they’re all highly pigmented. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll want to remove the co

Finish: Matte | Shades: 37 | Type: Stain

When you want long-lasting lipstick with a metallic finish, reach for this option from Gerard Cosmetics. The liquid formula does take several minutes to dry, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to let it set. Afterward, though, the brand says it won’t dry out your lips and won’t flake or crack. 

The shade range is limited at 11 color choices, but they all have a beautiful metallic finish for a look that pops. Plus, they’re actually created to make your teeth look whiter — great for selfies on a girls’ night out.

Finish: Matallic | Shades: 11 | Type: Liquid

This long-lasting vegan lipstick glides on like a traditional lip color and comes in a stick format for easy application. It’s also free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, so it’s a little more natural than other options out there.

Reviewers have noted it may transfer when eating or drinking, so remember that you might need to reapply after enjoying lunch. However, there’s a solid range of shade choices, and the lipstick even has antioxidant benefits, thanks to raspberry seed and blackcurrant seed oils.

Finish: Matte | Shades: 18 | Type: Stick

Long-lasting lipsticks you (and your lips) will love

With so many shades, finishes, and types of lipstick, it’s easier than ever to find some beautiful options that make both you and your lips happy. Though we think all of the lip colors on our list are fabulous, our overall best long-lasting lipstick goes to Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick. It comes in 35 shades, offers up to 12 hours of wear time, and lets you choose from three different finishes, from matte to sheer to shimmer.

How to pick the right long-lasting lipstick for you

Color is a big part of finding the right long-lasting lipstick, but you’ll also want to find a formula that works. Some people love stains, while others prefer liquid, for instance. In addition, be sure to keep in mind the type of finish you want. 

Type

The makeup aisle holds a bounty of lip gloss, lip balm, stains, lipstick, and long-wearing lipstick. Glosses, balms, and even lipsticks tend not to last very long, while stains and long-wearing lipsticks have more staying power (typically 8-12 hours). 

Finish

If you’re looking for moisture with a hint of color, you might want to try a balm or a gloss, which will provide a shiny finish. Matte lipsticks and lip stains won’t provide a shine, while glossy lipsticks will, and satin lipsticks offer a finish somewhere in between. 

When it comes to skin tone, reach for warmer colors like orange-red if your skin leans warm. If you’re cool-toned, you’ll want to grab lipsticks with blue or purple undertones. People with neutral (neither warm nor cold) skin tones generally can go with cool or warm tones as well as pink shades for lighter skin and berries for darker tones.

FAQ

Which lipstick stays on the longest? 

Though all of the options on our list are long-lasting, CoverGirl’s Exhibitionist Ultra Matte Lipstick will last you up to 24 hours. That means you can go right from work to happy hour and even into a girls’ night out without worrying about touch-ups. 

Why doesn’t lipstick stay on my lips?

If your lipstick just isn’t lasting, it could be that your lips are rough or dry (or both). Dry skin or dead skin cells sitting on your skin make it harder to keep your lip color on throughout the day. Exfoliation and hydration are your friends when wearing lipstick.

How can I get my lipstick to last 24 hours?

One key to a smoother, longer-lasting pout? Exfoliation. Exfoliating your lips each week ensures a nice, smooth surface for your lipstick. Creating a DIY mix of honey and sugar packs a double whammy because honey will help your lips stay moisturized. You could also give your lips a gentle scrub with your toothbrush to slough off dead skin.