Lipstick that lasts – from morning coffee to dinner.

Long-lasting lipsticks come in many forms – from matte liquid lipsticks to nourishing classics. What really lasts, what dries out your lips and which ones we recommend.

Woman wearing red lipstick lifting a small white espresso cup

Long-lasting lipsticks we recommend

1MAC Retro Matte Lipstick “Ruby Woo”

The classic red

MAC Retro Matte Lipstick “Ruby Woo”

A blue-toned, very matte red that has been the benchmark for years. Lasts a long time and barely bleeds – but noticeably dries out your lips.

What we like

  • Iconic red
  • Very long-lasting for a bullet

Keep in mind

  • Feels dry on the lips
  • Needs balm underneath
2Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink

Lasts longest

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink

A liquid lipstick that dries to a matte finish and, according to the manufacturer, lasts up to 16 hours. Survives coffee and meals remarkably well.

What we like

  • Extremely long-lasting
  • Lots of shades

Keep in mind

  • Drying
  • Needs an oil-based remover
3L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lipstick

With a care top coat

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lipstick

Colour and a caring layer in two steps: first the long-lasting colour, then a glossy balm on top. More comfortable to wear than pure matte liquids.

What we like

  • Long-lasting and comfortable
  • Shine from the top coat

Keep in mind

  • Two steps
4NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

Affordable and light

NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

A creamy, matte texture that feels light on the lips. Doesn’t last as long as Matte Ink, but it’s more comfortable and cheaper.

What we like

  • Feels light
  • Affordable

Keep in mind

  • Needs reapplying after eating
5Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick

Matte without flaking

Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick

A matte liquid lipstick that stays flexible and barely flakes, even after hours.

What we like

  • Barely flakes
  • Even coverage

Keep in mind

  • Not available everywhere
6Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge

Creamy and luxurious

Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge

Not a matte liquid but a nourishing lipstick with good staying power. For anyone who values comfort more than 16 hours without a touch-up.

What we like

  • Nourishing
  • Elegant, refillable case

Keep in mind

  • Needs touching up
  • High price
7Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer

Colour with primer

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer

Colour and primer in one bullet: your lips feel supple, and the colour lasts longer than a simple tinted balm.

What we like

  • Comfortable to wear
  • No strong scent

Keep in mind

  • Doesn’t last as long as liquid lipsticks

What makes a lipstick last

Lipstick formulas compared
FormulaStaying powerComfort
Matte liquid lipstickvery highrather dry
Two-step with top coathighgood
Matte bulletmedium to highmedium
Creamy bulletmediumvery good
Pigment and film
Long-lasting formulas form a film once dry. The less oil, the longer they last – and the drier they feel.
Shade
Dark and bold shades show more as they wear off. Nudes and berry tones are more forgiving.
Removal
Matte liquids only come off properly with an oil-based make-up remover.

Frequently asked questions

Which lipstick lasts longest?

Matte liquid lipsticks such as Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink last longest, even through eating and drinking.

Are long-lasting lipsticks bad for your lips?

They tend to dry your lips out but don’t harm them. Prep with balm beforehand and use a rich mask in the evening.

How do I remove long-lasting lipstick?

Put an oil-based remover or a little oil on a cotton pad, hold it on your lips briefly and wipe gently – don’t rub.

How do I stop lipstick bleeding into fine lines?

Use a matching lip liner as a border, and matte or long-lasting formulas that don’t migrate.