The 8 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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In the ever-elusive hunt for makeup that stays all day, PEOPLE Tested the best matte lipsticks that money can buy. Our team of beauty testers swiped on each long-lasting lipstick, immediately evaluating comfort and pigment before powering through their busy days. Hours later, they looked back in the mirror to see if the lippie smudged, budged or feathered.

Turns out, the top pick — Mac Matte Lipstick — is beloved by celebrity makeup artists such as Jamie Greenberg, who told PEOPLE she keeps it in her kit at all times for clients including Rashida Jones, Molly Shannon, and Jane Levy.

When considering lipsticks, "You want the color to stay true while also being comfortable to wear," MAC Cosmetics senior national makeup artist John Stapleton tells PEOPLE. "While long-wearing products may stand the test of time, there are practical steps to prevent them from feeling dry and looking crusty." Read on for more tips from the artist and see our favorites below.

These eight long-lasting lipsticks were considered the best that PEOPLE Tested for all-day wear.

Best Overall: MAC Matte Lipstick

Buy on Maccosmetics.com Buy on Ulta

Pros: MAC Matte Lipstick is an ultra-nourishing formula that doesn't bleed beyond lip lines.

Cons: It takes a few coats to build color and impact.

The votes are in, and testers said that MAC Matte Lipstick had their backs. Reviewers raved that the lipstick went on as smooth as butter and never dried, bled, or caked during hours of wear. One pointed out that the tube's traditional bullet tip felt "made for clean edges, so there's no need for a lip liner." We also love that it's available in a rainbow of shades to flatter any skin tone.

Though the lipstick is celebrated for its comfortable feel, testers said they had to apply multiple coats if they wanted a more saturated "pop" of color, but that might not be a bad thing.

"It's a great product! The color is more natural so this easily can be an everyday lipstick," one said, adding that the finish was so smooth, "I often forgot I had it on."

While the lipstick didn't smudge on the run, testers reported that it transferred a bit towards the end of the trial. Overall, this MAC classic was crowned the winner for its moisturizing might and fade-free wear.

Price at time of publish: $21

Type: Bullet | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.1 oz.

Best Budget: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

Buy on Amazon Buy on Target Buy on Ulta

Pros: This budget-friendly lipstick offers a highly-pigmented matte finish in a range of bold colors.

Cons: It's flammable until dry.

This colorful lipstick adds the perfect pop of color to your pout with a highly pigmented formula that applies with ease. The arrow-tipped applicator allows you to glide this liquid lipstick across the contours of your lips, creating full coverage without straying from the lines. Our tester loved that she "didn't need much product for [a] full impact."

Though a liquid formula, this makeup actually has a matte finish, so you won't see any unwanted shine. This lipstick features a range of deep pinks and reds with a few nudes scattered in. The only hiccup is it contains several flammable ingredients (not unheard of in makeup products), so maybe wait until it's dry to blow out any candles. Our tester loved the "minimal transfer" despite "wearing it all day", and considering the low price, we think this is a winner for affordable makeup.

Price at time of publish: $10.99

Type: Liquid | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.17 oz.

Best Splurge: Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance

Buy on Amazon Buy on Sephora Buy on Patmcgrath.com

Pros: This rich formula creates a bold matte lip that won't cause dryness.

Cons: Hardly any light nude shades.

We're obsessed with all things Pat McGrath, and this lipstick is no exception. Upon first glance, even the lipstick case screams luxury and sophistication, and the smooth lipstick waiting inside delivers. "It has a velvety finish and feels smooth," said our tester.

With a range of shades highlighting rose pinks, dark nudes, and wine reds, this lipstick is only lacking in lighter nudes. Each shade is highly pigmented and you can see it after sweeping "a single coat" across your lips. Our tester appreciated the "minimal transfer", and how "smooth and nourishing" it felt during application and wear. Though a little pricier than other lipsticks on this list, we think this lipstick is worth the splurge with its "beautiful" color and "incredible" texture.

Price at time of publish: $39

Type: Bullet | Shade range: 37 | Size: 0.14 oz.

Best Matte: KVD Beauty Everlasting Longwear Liquid Lipstick

Buy It! $21; kvdveganbeauty.com

Pros: It's powerfully pigmented and doesn't budge until you want it to.

Cons: It could crack or feel dry after hours on the go.

No lip service here — this product is as matte they make it. KVD Beauty Everlasting Longwear Liquid Lipstick came out sticky and thick and instantly dried to a completely matte finish. Reviewers reported that the vegan formula delivered vivid color with just one coat and that the powerful pigment stayed put as they ate and drank. One tester said the lipstick didn't even budge with an accidental smudge.

Two testers weren't wowed after a few hours of wear. One said the cosmetic got dry and began to crack even though only a thin coat had been applied, while another noted that the liquid lip "does wear off through the day."

However, all agreed that the creamy formula was unmatched when it came to mattifying benefits.

Price at time of publish: $22

Type: Liquid | Shade range: 15 | Size: 0.22 oz.

Best Liquid: Nyx Professional Makeup Shine Loud Vegan High Shine Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick

Buy on Amazon Buy on Target Buy on Ulta

Also available at Target and Amazon.

Pros: This rich and pigmented formula offers brilliant color and longevity.

Cons: Our tester saw some transfer aftering adding the gloss.

It's lipstick! It's gloss! It's …both. This liquid lipstick serves up a matte lipstick and a top-coat gloss in one applicator for a shiny sturdy lip that will last all day. This creamy formula provides the ultimate softness and rich color to outline your smile. "The amount of people that complimented my lipstick and said it looked so rich in color was incredible," said our tester.

She noticed that the lipstick dried matte very quickly upon application, but grew softer and more hydrated after applying the gloss. "[It] had a really nice glossy look," said our tester, observing the "minimal smudging" that took place during our transfer test. The pigmented formula allowed for an easy once-over, with our tester adding that she "didn't need more than one coat to apply for [the] full effect." When you consider the low price, dual applicator, and quality of the makeup itself, this buy is a no-brainer. "The gloss feels amazing on my lips and looks incredible on," our tester concluded. "I would absolutely recommend [it]."

Price at time of publish: $12

Type: Liquid | Shade range: 30 | Size: 0.22 oz.

Best Pigment: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color

Buy on Sephora Buy on Fentybeauty.com Buy on Ulta

Pros: It is lightweight and packs a punch with just one coat.

Cons: It only comes in eight shades and transfers easily when eating and drinking.

Rihanna does it again! Fenty Beauty's Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color was ranked a makeup bag must for the unbelievable tint it brings with just one coat.

All testers said they had some trouble applying the liquid lipstick; the formula is packaged in a triangular tube with a small wand applicator. A little went a long way, with one swipe doing the trick for vivid pigment — but everyone said the color transferred when they drank or ate.

We also wish that Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color came in more colors; a pale pink and sheer shade are notably absent from its lineup.

Price at time of publish: $26

Type: Liquid | Shade range: 8 | Size: 0.13 oz.

Best Finish: Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick

Buy on Sephora Buy on Makeupbymario.com

Also available at Makeup by Mario

Pros: This bullet lipstick offers long-lasting color that won't dry out your lips and a smooth soft-focus finish.

Cons: The size is unlisted.

"If you're looking for a new perfect nude [shade] for your skin tone, look no further because it's in this collection," said our tester. Of course, if you're looking for bold colors, this creamy formula offers an array of those too, along with its signature suede finish, which creates a soft-focus look that's almost ethereal.

"It's a long-lasting bullet, but no drying at all," said our tester, citing how much she loved its "super one-swipe wonder." After six hours of wearing this lipstick, our tester had to touch up slightly, but she was amazed how long it lasted without smudging (even after eating a greasy slice of pizza!). She says, "[this collection] really has something for everyone."

Price at time of publish: $24

Type: Bullet | Shade range: 20 | Size: Not listed

Best Shade Variety: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

anastasia beverly hills lipstick — Sephora

Buy on Amazon Buy on Sephora Buy on Ulta

Pros: This lipstick has a beautiful variety of shades that reflect light, dark, and color shades, while providing a matte finish that stays on all day.

Cons: So long-lasting, it's hard to take off.

While this may not have the most shades of any lipstick on our list, it has the best variety. This lipstick offers light, tan, and dark nudes, pinks, reds, and everything in between. "This is a traditional liquid lipstick that dries down to a matte finish and stays put throughout the day," said our tester.

"The applicator is easy to use and the color payoff is amazing," she said, noting it only needed "one coat." While liquid lipsticks can be intimidating to some, our tester loved how easy the applicator made it to use. During our transfer test, this formula barely budged, which could be a con depending on how effective your makeup-removing products are. "I definitely had a hard time getting it off at night," said our tester. We think this just adds to its level of effectiveness as a long-lasting lipstick.

Price at the time of publish: $20

Type: Liquid | Shade range: 17 | Size: 0.11 oz.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Long-Lasting Lipstick

Coverage

When it comes to pigment preference, how strong do you want the color to be? "The more pigment in a product, generally, the stronger the wear," says Stapleton. "Pigments can create a stain which attributes to the staying power. Glosses can come in many forms, some with sheer pigmentation, some with full on color. This will make a difference in wearability." If layering lip color sounds like a fuss or a bust, a liquid formula with an intense tint might be your best bet — just keep a steady hand when swiping on.

Application

How many steps are (or aren't!) in your lip routine? A beauty enthusiast who knows how to balance balms and liners need not fear more fussy liquid lipsticks, while traditional bullet-shaped tubes are the best buy for those in a rush. If a product's applicator drives you crazy, you're probably not going to use it.

And for some application tips, Stapleton says, "Priming is key. A primer is made up of film formers that glide over the surface of your lips and set-up. They create a smoother, less-porous base so that your lipsticks can glide on and not be absorbed." He suggests applying "a lip pencil to help with precision and [to] last, for your lipstick. This would give you the longest wear."

Wear

Whether rose pink or vampy plum is your go-to hue, discerning which all day-stain best suits you from sun up to sun down could come down to trial and error.

How We Tested Long-Lasting Lipsticks

Three beauty testers tried 21 top-rated, long-lasting lipsticks each at home for PEOPLE Tested.

To analyze each lipstick, they applied the product to clean lips and let dry, then reported on immediate texture and feel. To study how powerful the pigment was in each tube, they applied as many coats of lipstick as they felt necessary to reach full impact. Then, they pressed a clean paper towel to their lips to see if anything transferred.

In a final test, the testers applied the lip color either first thing in the morning or at the start of a night out. From there, they took note of how it wore through the rest of the day or evening, seeing if the product needed to be touched up, or if it faded or feathered out beyond the lip line.

FAQs

What do you wear under lipstick?

A light, moisturizing lip balm or lip primer makes the best base layer. One tip is to apply your lip balm at the beginning of your skincare routine to let it absorb for a few minutes, then remove any excess just before applying lipstick. It also helps to regularly treat your lips to make them receive the makeup better. "Starting at night for treatment — we often wear moisturizers to bed — think about using a lip conditioner at night to soften your lips for your morning routine," says Stapleton. "Using a lip scrub weekly to slough off dead skin cells is also a great idea. Then using a primer before applying color."

Do lipsticks ever expire?

Yes, they do. "Depending on your formulas, a year is a good mark to pick up a new lipstick," Stapleton recommends. "There is an indicator when to discontinue use on all secondary packaging. Look for the open jar with a number in it to tell you how many months your product will stay fresh upon opening." Generally, lipsticks should be replaced every one to two years.

How do you find your natural lip color?

To answer this, Stapleton says you first have to ask, "What does natural mean to you?" He says, "Most folks turn to nudes to get a no-makeup look. But lips tend to have a rosier quality. Start searching in the nude or flesh-toned selections. Swatch a few on your hands to see the undertones. Then start moving into the nudes that offer a little more color."

He says "You'll notice nudes that have more pink, some have more orange, or even purple undertones. Your best friend's version of natural won't necessarily be your natural. [You] gotta just try a few on." You can use your fingertip as a reference for swatch testing because it is closer to the color of your lip than the back of your hand. Alternatively, there are many sites you can try on the lipstick virtually to see what it will look like on your face — such as MAC.

How do you get your lipstick to last all day long?

Start with exfoliated and hydrated lips to get long-lasting wear out of your lipstick. You may choose to follow with a primer, but this is optional and would benefit those with very dry lips the most. Next, use a liner with a similar color to line and completely fill in the lips. Then apply your lipstick, blot, and repeat until you get the color payout you want. Lastly, set the look by applying a thin layer of translucent powder.

Are matte or liquid lipsticks better?

The first thing to note is that matte is a type of finish such as satin or glossy while liquid is a way of describing the consistency and application method of the lipstick. There are matte liquid lipsticks, solid satin lipsticks, matte solid lipsticks, and more. A matte lip is a good choice when you really want your lips to pop. If you are doing a dramatic eye, a neutral satin lip goes well. Solid lipstick is easy to apply, keeps your lips hydrated, and is easy to remove. On the other hand, liquid lipstick lasts longer, does not require a liner, and is highly pigmented. "Liquid lipsticks definitely pack a longer wearing punch," says Stapleton. "When used with a primer, they will last all day and the primer will help alleviate dryness, tightness, and feathering."

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

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