The 20 Best Liquid Lipsticks for Long-Lasting, Smudge-Proof Color

As far as liquid lipsticks go, this is my holy grail. I wear this Chanel liquid lipstick whenever I have a special occasion because it's the perfect balance between a matte and velvet finish, never has any transfer, and doesn't dry out lips.

Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, high-impact color

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "Love the color and texture of this lip color. Great staying power as well!"

Who doesn't want a $4 lipstick? Okay, next question—who doesn't want a $4 lipstick that feels like a much more expensive formula? This lightweight liquid lipstick goes on smoothly and hydrates lips. The color is long-wearing and highly pigmented. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color

Cons: Slightly drying

Customer review: "Although it feels a little dry, the looks and durability is just perfect. Beautiful, bold colors and great look. I already have two and will be adding more to my collection soon."

Lancôme's liquid lipstick is comfortable and packs a major punch. It lasts all day long. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying

Cons: Some may not like the applicator

Customer review: "This is the very best lip color I’ve ever used and at 66 years old I’ve used many. So silky smooth, light and long lasting color."

Ask anyone you know who wears liquid lipstick frequently—they've likely reached for Stila. That's because this lipstick delivers high-impact color that doesn't feel drying thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil. 

Pros: Non-drying, high-impact color

Cons: Hard to take off

Customer review: "This is the lipstick that got me into lipstick. It really does last all day, and sometimes all night, i.e., I have once or twice woken up with perfect lipstick the day after I'd applied it."

When Dior says transfer-proof, it means transfer-proof. This lipstick will last through whatever you throw at it—hot coffee, a mask, a long night out—you name it. Plus, it also doesn't settle into creases or dry out lips. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying

Cons: Might not be as pigmented as some other formulas

Customer review: "The no-transfer aspect is the real deal. The feel is not dry at all, which is quite miraculous. This Dior Forever Liquid formulation really feels luxurious."

The best thing about this liquid lipstick? It doesn't feel like you're wearing liquid lipstick. In fact, it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything at all—it's so lightweight and nourishing that you'll forget you have it on, even though it lasts for hours on end. 

Pros: High-impact color, non-drying, creamy formula

Cons: Not the most transfer-proof formula

Customer review: "The Glossier G Suit lip cream is lightweight, but still provides saturated color. The applicator is easy to use, and I have added it to my makeup bag essentials. However, this lip cream is not very resistant to transferring. The lip cream does stain skin, so it still adds something to your lip look, even if the original semi-matte look is gone. This lip cream is great for wearing in-between intense, long-wear lipsticks. It doesn’t dry out my lips, and it is very easy to reapply."

ABH's liquid lipstick is widely loved and for good reason. It's highly pigmented, giving you color that makes a big impression. This is transfer-proof and stays on for hours.

Pros: Non-transfer formula, highly pigmented

Cons: Some say the formula is dry and may flake

Customer review: "Absolutely love the color and formulation of these lipsticks! I did notice it felt a little dry after a couple hours wear and settled into my lip lines. However, I found that if it was applied on top of a lip mask, it didn't dry out or settle into my lips."

If I'm reaching for a comfortable liquid lipstick with a slightly velvety finish, this is the one I'll choose, no question. It doesn't dry out lips or make them feel tight—instead, it keeps lips hydrated and supple. It also never transfers to anything, even when I'm drinking hot coffee. 

Pros: Non-drying, comfortable formula, good color payoff

Cons: Some don't like the whipped texture

Customer review: "It is a true matte but it feels so soft on the lips. Not drying at all. Fades beautifully like you have brown liner on. No problem layering for reapplication."

Leave it to Rihanna to create a liquid lipstick that would stay on through pretty much everything. The finish is soft matte, so it still has a bit of creaminess once it dries, which helps ensure that lips look plush. 

Pros: High impact color, soft matte finish

Cons: Some find it more prone to transferring

Customer review: "This red is stunning. When I wear it I feel better about myself. I forget my student loans. I forget that I haven't had a date in six months. With this lipstick, I believe I can fly. Does it last, smudge-free, through a burger? Not really, but I don't mind reapplying. It's a beautiful color, beautiful packaging, and it lasts pretty darn well for something that isn't necessarily a long-wear liquid lipstick."

What makes this liquid lipstick from Nars unique is something called a color-diffusion complex, which immediately diffuses color for a softer finish. Think French-girl lips—effortless and not too defined. 

Pros: Soft finish, high-impact color

Cons: Some might not like the softer finish

Customer review: "This product is very lightweight yet creamy and pigmented. It glides onto your lip in a smooth, silky way. You can’t even tell that you have lipstick on from how light it feels! It’s also buildable with the color. The scent is not too overbearing which is perfect if you’re not keen of heavily scented lip products. The only downside is that it does transfer and that it doesn’t last too long. "

At first, this liquid lipstick seems like a gloss, but it dries down perfectly. It's a velvety finish, and you can keep reapplying without hydrating in between thanks to nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, castor oil, and hyaluronic acid. It's also refillable and sustainable, so you can feel good about using it. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color, sustainable

Cons: Some find the formula to be a bit drying

Customer review: "What a beautiful shade. This applies so easily and feels wonderful on my lips. Lasts a good long time."

For under $7, this liquid lipstick wears like something much more luxe. It's a soft matte finish, so it gives lips tons of dimension. The lightweight mousse formula doesn't dry out lips, but it also stays put. 

Pros: High-impact color, long-lasting

Cons: Some find it can be a bit drying

Customer review: "I bought this with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It glides on nicely and feels weightless and doesn't leave my lips feeling dry."

Anyone who remembers the liquid-lipstick craze of 2016 remembers the KVD liquid lipsticks and the hold that they had over us. That's because they're one of the best liquid lipstick formulas out there—they're as matte as can be without drying out lips. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color

Cons: Some find the formula a bit drying

Customer review: "I love this lipstick. I keep it in my purse. I love the color and how long it lasts. It stays in place and easy and smooth to apply."

"Superstay" is perhaps the best way to describe this liquid lipstick. It's like a permanent marker for your lips—it stays put until you decide to take it off. It also comes in a wide shade range, so you'll be able to find the perfect color no matter what.

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color

Cons: Some find it a bit drying

Customer review: "I am genuinely amazed by how long-lasting this liquid lipstick is. Once applied, it stays put for hours on end, surviving meals, drinks, and even long days without fading or smudging. It's the perfect choice for anyone seeking a lip color that can keep up with their busy lifestyle."

With a doe-foot applicator, this liquid lipstick could not be easier to apply, even if you're not very good at applying liquid lipstick. This lipstick is matte but also gives lips a more blurred-out appearance. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color

Cons: Some find the formula slightly drying 

Customer review: "I really love this whole product line. The texture is so smooth and lovely."

These shades are all inspired by Mediterranean sunsets—and they're just as dreamy as you'd imagine, based on that description. It's both hydrating and long-wearing, and each shade has subtle pearlescence to give lips dimension.

Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, creamy texture

Cons: Pricey

Customer review: "This is my third purchase from this collection and I’ve been so happy with all of them. It’s such a luxurious formula with a rich, and creamy texture. Definitely what I’ve come to expect from this luxury brand. This does transfer slightly onto cups but doesn’t rub off completely. I’m very pleased with how it wears through the day."

I love Sephora Collection products because they perform like luxury makeup for a fraction of the price. This liquid lipstick is no exception—it's long-wearing, comes in nearly 80 shades, and doesn't settle into fine lines or dry out lips.

Pros: High-impact color, wears for a long time

Cons: Some find it may smudge or feel drying

Customer review: "The texture is very weightless it feels like I’m not wearing anything at all! I struggle to feel confident in red lipsticks but this shade is so perfect and flattering on my skin tone."

Make Up For Ever's newest liquid lipstick boasts a 24-hour wear time. In a clinical study, participants found that this formula had stayed matte and made lips appear smooth for a full 24 hours. 

Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact formula

Cons: Some don't like the doe-foot applicator

Customer review: "This is the most comfortable liquid lipstick I've ever tried! It's more of a watery, thin formula, so I find that it's very light and 'doesn't feel like anything' on the lips. I have very creasy lips but I didn't notice that this formula emphasized how crease-y they were, which is a plus. "

This is my best friend's go-to liquid lipstick, and I always compliment her when she wears it. It looks so cushiony on lips, and the shades are incredibly natural.

Pros: Non-transfer formula, comfortable feel, high-impact color

Cons: Some don't like the scent

Customer review: "I really like this lipstick, I found the color to be very flattering on my skin tone and isn’t too drying. Such a nice mousse type feeling."

Kaja's liquid lipstick might be the most hydrating option of the bunch. This formula has cotton-seed oil, raspberry-seed oil, and tocopherol, which ensure lips stay super moisturized. 

Pros: Lightweight formula, high-impact color

Cons: Might not be as pigmented as some other formulas

Customer review: "This lip mousse has an extremely workable formula that allows you to easily blend, blot, and control how much color is on your lips. A few dots of it blended out gives me a more subtle lip tint effect, while I can easily swipe it on for a bold look."