We Tested 30+ of the "Best" Long-Lasting Lipsticks—These Are the 10 That Truly Didn't Budge

They pass the test.

Who What Wear associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia holding and applying different long-lasting lipsticks.
(Image credit: @alyssabrascia)
Jump to category:
Alyssa Brascia's avatar
By
last updated
Contributions from
in Buying Guides

I don’t know about you, but there’s some sort of magic in a perfectly etched lipstick job that makes me wish it could last forever and ever. While I’ve yet to find the magic formula that can stay planted on my lips until the end of time (I’m a civilized beauty editor—I wash my face at night!), I have tested my fair share of lipsticks that promise long-lasting wear. Whether or not they actually deliver is the million-dollar question, but luckily, we at Who What Wear have done the testing for you.

“A great long-lasting lipstick should glide on easily, deliver strong pigment, and feel comfortable for hours,” says celebrity makeup artist Daisy Toye. “It’s all about the formula—long-wear lipsticks typically include film-forming agents that help pigment adhere to the lips. The texture plays a role too: matte and satin finishes grip better than creamy ones,” she adds. But the MUA stresses the importance of proper prep to squeeze the most wear out of your lippie (more on that later).

Below, the best long-wear lipsticks with impressive staying power, high-impact pigment, and a comfortable feel, as approved by editors and celebrity makeup artists.

The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks, at a Glance

Best Overall: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Lacquer

Best Matte: Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia applying and wearing the Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick.

Associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia applying the Valentino Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lipstick

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia)

Best Budget: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Sarah Yang wearing the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick.

Sarah Yang wearing the Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

(Image credit: @sarahayang)

Best for Mature Lips: Nars Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick

Best Red: Violette_FR Petal Bouche Matte Liquid Lipstick

Best Glossy: MAC Cosmetics Lustreglass Sheer-Shine Lipstick

Best Velvet: Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick

Brascia holding the Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick.

Brascia holding the Gucci Velvet Matte Lipstick

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia)

Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick

Shawna Hudson wearing the NYX Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick.

Shawna Hudson wearing the Nyx Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick

(Image credit: @shawnasimonee)

Best Cream: Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick

Best Satin: Gucci Long Lasting Satin Lipstick

A woman applying lipstick in a restaurant.

(Image credit: @hannah_sheps)

What to Look for in a Long-Lasting Lipstick

  • Formula: “I look for a formula that’s transfer-resistant but not drying—something that moves with the lips,” says Toye. “A slightly satin or soft-matte finish tends to last longest while keeping lips hydrated.” With so many matte variants changing the lipstick landscape, it’s no longer a struggle to come across a long-wearing formula that feels comfortable and moisturizes the lips without smearing, smudging, or getting on your teeth throughout the day.
  • Pigmentation: Formulas with a high pigment payoff are also ideal for all-day wear. For the least number of touch-ups, you'll want something super saturated that can withstand eating, drinking, and other daily activities.
  • Texture: As aforementioned, a comfortable texture is paramount for lipstick in general, but this is often an abandoned characteristic in the pursuit of long-wearing lipstick. This often comes down to the finish and ingredients used to achieve said texture, but it’s important to keep your preference of matte versus satin, liquid lipstick versus stick lipstick, and more top of mind when shopping.

How Can You Extend the Wear Time of Your Regular Lipstick?

Though the best way to score a semi-permanent pout is by using a long-lasting lipstick, you can extend the life of your paint job with a bit of technique. “Start by lining the lips fully with a lip liner to create a base. Apply the lipstick, blot, then add a second thin layer for extra staying power,” says Toye. Have a wedding, long night, or anything glamorous ahead of you that requires a stay-put lip? Toye suggests one more step. “A light dusting of translucent powder through a tissue helps lock everything in without dulling the color,” she recommends.

Which Long-Lasting Lipstick Would You Recommend for Mature Lips?

While Toye has a few tubes to recommend, she recommends avoiding formulas that are “too matte” or drying. “Opt for soft-matte or satin textures instead,” she muses. She’s quick to suggest the Nars Powermatte Long-Lasting Lipstick and Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick for those with mature lips, as these two tubes meet her expectations in two different finishes (matte and satin).

How Should You Prep Your Lips Before Applying a Long-Lasting Lipstick?

If you want to really prolong the wear of your lipstick, Toye says that the process should start well before the stick hits your lips. “Proper prep and layering techniques can make a big difference in longevity,” Toye explains. “Exfoliate gently with a lip scrub or damp washcloth to remove any dry skin. Follow with a light, hydrating balm and let it sink in before applying color. This creates a smooth canvas and helps lipstick apply evenly and stay fresh longer.”

How We Chose

To find the best long-wearing lipsticks on the market, Who What Wear editors tested their own tubes and consulted celebrity makeup artists to see which formulas withstood the test of time. We took into consideration a variety of skin types and tones, keeping age top of mind while diversifying our textures and finishes—trying a range of liquid lipsticks, cream finishes, matte textures, and more. From there, we wore our lipsticks on long days, in rainstorms, while eating (the list goes on) to see which ones really had the staying power. Above, our list of winners.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn't one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they're affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we'd truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Explore More:
Alyssa Brascia
Alyssa Brascia
Associate Beauty Editor, Who What Wear

Alyssa Brascia is an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. She is based in New York City and has nearly three years of industry experience, with rivers of content spanning from multigenerational lipstick reviews to celebrity fashion roundups. Brascia graduated with a BS in apparel, merchandising, and design from Iowa State University and went on to serve as a staff shopping writer at People.com for more than 2.5 years. Her earlier work can be found at InStyle, Travel + Leisure, Shape, and more. Brascia has personally tested more than a thousand beauty products, so if she’s not swatching a new eye shadow palette, she’s busy styling a chic outfit for a menial errand (because anywhere can be a runway if you believe hard enough).

With contributions from
Latest
  • Celine runway
    The Trends That Will Define Great Style For Fall 2025

  • 10/17/2025 Jennifer Lawrence is seen heading out for dinner after attending BFI Film Festival.in London. The 35 year old American actress wore a black sweater paired with a long yellow skirt and heels
    It's Here: The It-Girl Skirt Trend to Wear With Kitten Heels This Fall

    Bonus points if you wear it in yellow.

You might also like
View More ▸