It’s likely one of the final steps in your makeup routine but it can be one of the most difficult to apply well: Lipstick. Applying lipstick (especially a bright red) is a skill to master in and of itself, but what about getting it to do its job and stick, and simply not smudge? Needing to fix your lipstick five times throughout the day is no fun. Who has the patience for that? Not me! Keep reading for long-lasting lipsticks you can trust.
Make Your Go-To Lipstick Matte or Liquid
The most reliable smudge-proof lipsticks start as a liquid and dry down as you apply. Matte lipsticks or stains will give you the best results.
I know what you’re thinking: But matte lipstick looks so dry and crusty!
Not true! Staying power doesn’t always equal dry and uncomfortable. These days, there are plenty of moisturizing lipsticks that will give you beautiful, bold lips with major staying power!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night lipstick or an everyday moisturizing balm, here are our favorite high-end and affordable nonsmudge lipstick picks.
Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of Every Kind
Best Liquid Lipstick: KVD Beauty Everlasting Longwear Liquid Lipstick
With one swipe of this lipstick, it’s not going anywhere all day! This pick from KVD Beauty is a matte lipstick yet goes on creamy and feels moisturizing. In addition, it’s not only highly pigmented and transfer-resistant, but also vegan and cruelty-free!
Best Matte Lipstick: Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
This lipstick is so good at staying put that you’ll need to make sure you have an excellent makeup remover to get it off at the end of the night. The unique arrow tip makes application a breeze, giving you complete control over your perfect matte lip look.
Best Lip Stain: Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
It’s easy to see why this lipstick is a cult favorite that comes in over 70 shades. This lip stain feels creamy upon application and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy as it lasts all day.
Best Transfer-Proof Lipstick: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick
This lipstick has some real staying power. It applies smoothly and dries down to a velvety finish. Need to wear a face mask? This liquid lipstick promises to stay put!
Best Lip Pencil: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil
This non-drying lip pencil is ideal for defining, lining, or even filling in your entire lip area. This pencil is the perfect on-the-go option or if you find yourself needing to apply lipstick in your car’s sun visor while at a stop light (we’ve all been there).
For more lip pencil products, check out this list of the best nude lip liners!
Best Waterproof Lipstick: Urban Decay Vice Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick
Shaken… not smudged. Unlock all-day staying power with Urban Decay’s Vice Bond Glossy Liquid Lipstick by shaking the lipstick before applying. Not a fan of the matte lipstick look? Each bold shade has a shiny, glossy finish that feels lightweight and is super pigmented.
Best Lip Tint: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
Benefit’s Benetint has been around for a while but has gained a new wave of popularity due to social media, especially with the trendy sunburnt blush look. To use it as a lip tint, start with dotting the product onto your lips while blending quickly. It starts out sheer, but you can layer it for a smudge-proof color!
Best Lip Paint: Tarte Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint
You don’t have to be an artist to use this lip paint like a pro. You’ll barely feel this lip paint on your lips but still have a bold, matte look that feels smooth and velvety.
Best Lip Gloss: Rimmel Long Wearing Stay Glossy Lip Gloss
Looking for a lipstick that will stay all day but won’t break the bank? Rimmel’s Long Wearing Stay Glossy Lip Gloss will last all day at work, or all night out on the town. Your lips will stay glossy for hours!
Gloss is timeless and is always a top makeup trend, so this product is a long-term investment!
Best Lip Pigment: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment
This lip pigment from NARS will make your pout truly pop. The liquid formula creates powerful, bold lips with precise application. You can shop NARS products like this through the Sephora Rewards Program for extra bonuses!
Best Moisturizing Lipstick: Butter London: Soft Matte Lip Cream
Perfect your pout with this delicious, zero-weight lip cream packed with moisturizing jojoba, papaya, and coconut oils. Try it out and you’ll see why so many say they forget they’re wearing lipstick with this product!
Best Lipstick Balm: Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm
Pack on the hydration and shine with this YSL Rogue Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm! It’s infused with 65 percent oils and melts into your lips. Talk about the opposite of some non-smudge lipsticks out there! You don’t have to worry about dryness or lack of staying power with this one at all.
Final Thoughts on Long-Lasting Lipsticks You Can Trust Not to Smudge
Lipstick that doesn’t make it through lunch or a round of drinks has no business being in your everyday makeup routine. Not with all the non smudge lipsticks
If your holy grail lipstick is sitting in your makeup drawer and didn’t make this list, you can make it less prone to smudging by applying translucent powder on your lips before your lipstick. It may sound weird, but if it works to set your foundation, it can do the same for your lipstick, too! Once you apply your lipstick, blot with a tissue for extra smudge-proof powers!
We hope this list of the best non-smudge lipstick was helpful. Try one out and kiss lipstick smudges goodbye!
Natalie Tarangioli is a full-time marketing director. Her passion for all things makeup and beauty has spanned over a decade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Arizona State University and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.