The best long-lasting lipsticks are essential in every makeup bag. With the power to stay put no matter what your day throws at you, there's no going wrong with a smudge-proof, transfer-resistant formula.
From the best red lipstick to a simple everyday nude lipstick to enhance what nature gave you, there has never been a better selection of long-lasting lipsticks on the market, with all manner of finishes and formulations. "A satin finish is perfect as the formula falls somewhere between a matte and a cream," explains Saffron Hughes, makeup artist expert at FalseEyelashes.co.uk. "The subtle shine makes imperfections less noticeable, so you won’t need to top up as much," she says.
A bit of prep can also extend the life of any lipstick, says Dominic Skinner, Global Senior Artist, M·A·C Cosmetics. "Prepping is everything. Give your lip plenty of moisture before using a lip scrub to help create a smooth base. Follow this with a lip primer, remembering to let it set for a minute or two. This will help to secure the color, keeping it in place all day." We tested each lipstick in this guide for a minimum of eight hours, eating and drinking throughout, to get a true representation of how long they last. We can confidently say we've found the best of the best, with guaranteed flawless and long-lasting results every time.
The best long-lasting lipsticks, as chosen and tested by our beauty team
RRP: £26 Shades: 6 Finish: Shine
This liquid lipstick has been widely revered as one of the best long-lasting lipsticks out there, and after thorough testing, we absolutely agree. The small, flat doe foot applicator made precise application a breeze, which is always necessary with a bright red like this. The formula itself is very smooth and easy to apply; however, it dries down very quickly. This means that it is not the best for layering, but we highly doubt you'll need more than one coat of this.
We were most impressed by the fact that it retains its glossy sheen even after a full day of wear. Many of the best long-lasting lipsticks are matte, as they tend to last better, but this product has proven that gloss and longevity can go hand-in-hand.
Reasons to buy: Easy to apply and gives a glossy sheen
Reasons to avoid: The only downfall is that this product is slightly drying, and we found our lips slightly sticky. However, this is to be expected with a shiny finish.
RRP: £9.99 Shades: 8 Finish: Creamy matte
This ticks a lot of boxes for a very reasonable price. It feels nice on the lips and has a soft, semi-moisturising feel you don't typically get from traditional bullet-shaped lipsticks. It doesn't feel at all waxy, which long-lasting formulas often do. And most crucially, it's highly pigmented, and the colour really does stay on all day.
Our deputy digital editor, Anna Paul, tested it and, in the name of research, had four coffees throughout the course of the day, copious amounts of water and a bowl of soup for lunch. The lipstick managed to weather all of this and still looked pretty vibrant post-lunch. An impressive eight hours after application, the colour was still strong. For the price point, we were really impressed.
Reasons to buy: For this price point, you'll be hard-pushed to find a better long-lasting lip cream.
Reasons to avoid: We did find it cracked a little by the end of the day, and it definitely faded a little in the centre of our lips when we wore it day-to-night (although a swipe of lip balm helped spread the colour a bit and gave it a glossy, more subtle finish which we didn't dislike). Limited shade range
RRP: £26 Shades: 8 Finish: Glossy
If you're looking for a subtle colour with long-lasting hydration, this one is for you. On application, we found that it easily glides onto lips and, out of all the formulas we tested, has a subtle colour with a hydration that lasts all day. Because it is a tint, it should last for hours. While testing, we found that we wanted to keep reapplying because of the smooth formula and subtle finish so you can apply on the go without a mirror.
Formulated with castor seed oil and collagen-boosting fatty acids, this lip tint offers a subtle dose of colour production and leaves your pout looking fuller and smoothed; this moisturising lipstick envelops lips in an irresistible dose of non-sticky, comfortable colour with a soft shine finish.
Reasons to buy: Nourishing, gorgeous everyday shades.
Reasons to avoid: It is not the strongest colour, but it is perfect for an everyday look.
RRP: £22 Shades: 34 Finish: Matte
MAC lipsticks are some of the most well-loved in the beauty world, and after years of consistent use, we still turn to the classic matte formula whenever we want reliable colour. With an impressive shade range and a reasonable price tag, this is a long-lasting lipstick we recommend to anyone.
MAC advertises this as a 10-hour wear product, and we found this to be pretty accurate for an average day spent eating and drinking. Smooth and easy to apply, this classic formulation sits beautifully on the lips. If you want to be able to apply lipstick in the morning and know that it won't cling to certain patches or fade strangely throughout the day, we highly recommend this product.
Reasons to buy: Impressive shade range, smooth and easy to apply, super long-lasting
Reasons to avoid: those with more flaky lips may find it slightly drying after long wear, but this is the case with almost all matte lipsticks with good lasting power.
RRP: £37 Shades: 30 Finish: Matte
Promising a huge 16 hours of optimal colour without compromising on comfort, Dior Rouge Dior Forever Lipstick has a lot to live up to. And on testing, it more than satisfied our needs. In fact, this luxurious addition to our top ten provided incredible staying power and lasted well into its claim without transferring or smudging.
When testing, we found that this is more matte than some of the other long-lasting lipsticks on this list, but it definitely lasts; we ate a fairly messy meal while wearing this and braved some very windy weather, and while the colour wasn't quite as bold as when we first applied the shade, we still thought it looked great. The formula is really creamy and silky, too, so it's a really nice lipstick to apply if you want a comfortable feel.
Reasons to buy: Lightweight, comfortable, and a pleasure to wear
Reasons to avoid: It's not the most affordable option, but it makes a lovely gift
RRP: £37 Shades: 13 Finish: Satin
The Victoria Beckham Beauty range is just as iconic as VB herself, and this lipstick is one of her best products. The Posh lipstick promises to be super moisturising rather than long-lasting, but while testing, we were surprised how long the colour stayed put. It's formulated with nourishing oils for lips that stay hydrated all day and appear plumper. It was super easy and smooth to apply, and I was immediately impressed with how vibrant the colour payoff was for such a nourishing lipstick.
When testing, we found that we wanted to reapply just because of the balmy, hydrating feel, but when we didn't, the pigment still stayed on the lips for hours. The satin finish means that it doesn't dry down, so it's not transfer-proof, but the packaging is so gorgeous you will want to have this in your bag for an after-lunch top-up.
Reasons to buy: Formulated with oil and jojoba for moisturised and plump lips, comfortable for all-day wear
Reasons to avoid: The satin finish is not transfer-proof
RRP: £27 Shades: 16 Finish: Matte
Since its 2016 launch, Charlotte Tilbury makeup has taken the beauty world by storm, and this Matte Revolution lipstick has long been one of the brand's most popular products. When testing, we found that the bullet's shape makes it easy to apply on the go and the handy little tube can be thrown in a handbag for quick touch-ups. There's some slip upon application, giving you time to perfect your shape before it dries down to a matte finish, which will also help those with drier lips to get the perfect application.
Overall, we found that the staying power is brilliant for a lipstick that feels comfortable on the lips. It didn't quite live up to the 10-hour claim it makes when we tried it (more like a good 7 hours of touch-up free wear) and it did cling better to our lip line than the center of our lips. However, with any light or nude colour, this isn't too noticeable.
Reasons to buy: Good shade range, super easy to apply, lasted for 7 hours when resting
Reasons to avoid: Like any matte lippy, this could feel a little drying if your lips are dehydrated to start with, but it certainly didn't leave our lips feeling parched or flaky even after a full day of wear.
RRP: £19 Shades: 4 Finish: Glossy
If you have dry lips and have always struggled to find a long-lasting lipstick that you can wear comfortably, the Fenty lip stain will work wonders for you. The oil-in-water formulation ensures instant hydration that lasts, and the colour is just as reliable. It applies as a glossy lipstick that you can either wipe off to get an instant lip stain or leave on to let it fade naturally throughout the day.
The soft doe foot applicator and long wand meant that this product gilded onto our lips with precise application, distributing just the right amount of product. As expected from a stain, it fades perfectly throughout the day to leave a light wash of colour on the lips. We love that we can apply our favourite clear lip balm over the top and still have the pink hue shine through without disrupting the colour.
Reasons to buy: You can apply thinner or thicker layers for a customisable colour
Reasons to avoid: Because it's a stain, this isn't one you can quickly reapply on the go
RRP: £28 Shades: 15 Finish: Satin
This long-lasting lipstick is made with apricot seed oil, castor oil, and mango seed butter, all of which help soften and soothe the lips. If you're after a glossy finish that also hydrates as you wear it, this is the product to go for. When testing, we found that this lipstick feels really hydrating - it's quite 'wet' so it gives quite a glossy finish, but without being too shiny.
We loved how buildable it is, meaning you can do a quick swipe if you're not wearing too much makeup, or really add to it for a more bold look. However, we wouldn't say this doesn't budge at all, as there was some movement throughout the day. But we've worn it for hours - including for eating and drinking - without needing to reapply it, and we actually prefer the way the colour and shine look on our lips when it has very slightly faded.For a natural long-lasting lipstick that will keep your lips looking and feeling their best, Color Block has our vote.
Reasons to buy: natural and long-lasting, lips feel comfortable
Reasons to avoid: Not the one for you if you want a matte finish
RRP: £9.99 Shades: 9 Finish: Satin/Shine
If you want vivid colour and a long-lasting formula with a beautiful shine, look no further than Revlon ColorStay Satin Inks. With a soft and satin formula that applies effortlessly, it is another one we recommend for those after a long-lasting lipstick that won't cause flaking or dryness.
We don't think it quite lived up to the promised 16-hour wear with the lighter pink shade we tried, however the colour definitely had a staining effect on our lips that was only totally removed with the best cleansing balms - the sign of a truly reliable lipstick. However, we were very impressed with the performance of this product, and it will make an ideal pick for comfortable yet reliable mother of the bride makeup.
Reasons to buy: Long lasting, shiny formula, non-drying
Reasons to avoid: Limited shade range
RRP: £48 Shades: 24 Finish: Satin
Wearing long-lasting lipsticks can often mean dry, flaky, and uncomfortable lips - but not with Sisley Le Phyto Rouge Lipsticks. If you're looking at how to fix dry skin, this is an ideal makeup product to add into your routine to keep moisture levels up in your lips. The sumptuous and creamy formula of these buttery, balm-like colours is incredibly easy to wear and has a fantastic shade offering, so there is really something for everyone.
Packed full of hydrating hyaluronic acid, this lippy is instantly plumping on the lips and has the sort of weightless feel as if you're only wearing a nourishing lip balm. We found that this lipstick survived lots of talking and lip licking - and because it's creamier than a true matte it's simple to reapply when it eventually fades. Although the colour had separated slightly by the end of the day, it still felt extremely comfortable and retained a vivid wash of colour that we always look for with the best long-lasting lipsticks.
Reasons to buy: Skin-care-packed lipstick
Reasons to avoid: It comes at a substantial price.
RRP: £33 Shades: 8 Finish: Satin
A lipstick, a lip stain and a lip serum all in one. This unique formula is the first one of its kind. Created by Rose-Marie, a renowned makeup artist with 30 years of experience in the industry. She has developed a long-lasting lippy that is not at all drying.
The serum lipstick will give your lips a long-lasting colour with just one layer. It promises to keep lips hydrated for 8 hours, and it did. It's lightweight enough to make you forget you have any colour on your lips, but it has a seriously impressive colour payoff. We loved the hybrid formula for the added hydration and applicator when testing. It works by twisting the tube until it clicks and then using the tube's edge for a seamless application.
Reasons to buy: Hydrating formula with an intense colour pay off
Reasons to avoid: Limited shade range
RRP: £17 Shades: 11 Finish: Satin
Created by makeup artist Aimee Connolly, the Sculpted by Aimee lip duo makes adding lip colour the easiest it's ever been. If you've ever struggled to match your lip liner to your lipstick (same), this is what you have been searching for. The dual applicator has a satin finish lipstick on one end and a lip liner in a complimentary shade on the other.
While the Lip Duo doesn't claim to be long-lasting, when testing, we found that because of the lip liner, it was. Because it gave us no excuse to not line the lips first, the liner ensured colour was on the lips all day. Meaning the creamy formula lasted a lot longer than we expected. While it doesn't match the claims of other long-lasting lipsticks to stay on for 10 hours, it did last for a good few hours during testing but did need to reapply after eating. It has a satin, shiny finish, so if that's not your thing, there might be better choices. However, if you want something hydrating and easy to apply on the go, this is certainly worth a try.
Reasons to buy: You don't have to purchase the matching lip liner as it comes with a complementary shade. Easy to apply and super hydrating.
Reasons to avoid: It's not transfer-proof
RRP: £36 Shades: 34 Finish: Matte
Pat McGrath is hailed as one of the best British makeup artists, and her powerful formulas never disappoint. The Mattetrance Bullet lipstick is easy to apply, comfortable on the lips and offers a vibrant colour that lasts with just one swipe. The unique 'powder-in-a-bullet' formula gives a long-lasting matte finish.
We were most impressed by the shade range; there really is something for everyone. Some of the best colours pay off we've ever seen, but with a soft matte finish that doesn't feel too heavy for every day. It's super wearable and really does last all day and night long. When testing, we found it was one of the best matte finishes that felt hydrating and comfortable.
Reasons to buy: Incredible shade range, soft matte finish, vivid colour, plus, stunning packaging
Reasons to avoid: If you don't a super matte finish this isn't the one for you
RRP: £9.99 Shades: 12 Finish: Matte
While this lipstick didn't live up to its 16-hour-long wear promise, it did give us five hours, and for the price point, it's worth it. Because of its matte finish, it can go flaky, so you will need the best lip balm or have this in your bag for a bit of top-up. It's lightweight, creamy, easy to apply and transfer resistant too.
While testing, we did appreciate the hyaluronic acid for some hydration and the shade range. Overall, for less than £10 (it's often on sale), it's a good option if you need something to have in your bag for emergencies or to try out a different shade than your usual.
Reasons to buy: Affordable and relatively long-lasting
Reasons to avoid: It may be worth making the splurge on a different matte lipstick
How we tested the best long-lasting lipstick
A selection of the long-lasting lipstick we tested for this guide
Beauty brands make huge claims about their long-lasting lipsticks, from 16-hour wear to completely transfer and water-resistant formulas, but it’s tricky to know which live up to their promises. We tested dozens of lipsticks for this guide, as well as including some old favorites we've been wearing for years, assessing them for:
- Durability for normal wear
- Transfer-proof powers when eating, drinking (or kissing!)
- Comfort
- Ease of application
- Pigment and finish
- Shade range and packaging
FAQs
How to make your lipstick last longer
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The trick to applying a long-lasting lipstick is to prepare your lips from the beginning. Start off by using a lip scrub to buff away flakes and any uneven texture. This creates a smooth canvas for your lipstick to adhere to. Think of it like painting a fence - you wouldn't paint straight onto the raw wood, you’d sand it down until it was smooth, then add a primer before your color.
Your ‘primer’, in this case, takes the form of your best lip balm that will nourish away dryness and keep your lips comfortable, especially if you’re wearing a particularly matte texture. Applying a lip balm underneath will also mean that you won’t feel the need to lick your lips as often and therefore, you’ll have much longer-lasting color (it will also stop your lips from staining and make it much easier to remove when you eventually want to wash it off)
Another great, time-old beauty technique for giving your long-lasting lipstick its best shot is to apply one coat, blot with a tissue, then apply another coat. This layers your color and results in a much longer wear time. Our grandmothers were onto something with that one.
Which type of lipstick stays on longest?
Although sheer, barely-there balms and sparkly lip glosses have their place in our make-up bags, when you need your lip color to last, a long-wearing formula can’t be beaten. Most long-wear formulas tend to be a matte texture as they don’t slide around like creamy satin finishes. Of course, there are exceptions with satin lipsticks that have been developed to last (and you'll find some in our round-up) but in general, a matte formula is your safest bet.
Another thing to look out for is the color pay-off. Lipsticks often fade with wear but find one rich in pigment and you shouldn’t need to reapply. A formula that coats the lip in color with one swipe should also be on your radar. These tend to last a lot longer than sheer lipstick which can disappear with one lick of the lips. Knowing how to stop lipstick bleeding and feathering by using a lip pencil first can also make a huge difference to the longevity of your look.
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their childrenThere's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
-
Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume go-to is actually a men's cologne - and it offers a fresh and refined impressionFor those who prefer verdant and woody unisex signatures, Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume is well worth a spritz (or ten...)
