The 10 Best Liquid Lipsticks for Long-Lasting, Smudge-Proof Color
I've swiped and wear-tested them through coffee, conference calls, and makeouts.
Liquid lipstick can be a tricky formula to nail. The ultimate liquid lipstick is matte but not too matte, comfortable yet long-wearing, and non-drying but transfer-proof. That's a tall order, I recognize that, and sadly, many liquid lipstick formulas out there just aren't up for the challenge. That's why, when you find the perfect liquid lipstick, you'll never want to try another formula—well, at least on a given day. Any true makeup lover knows there's an option for every occasion. Red, pink, burgundy, peach—a diverse lipstick wardrobe is a must to accent your favorite fall outfits.
"Not to compare, but liquid lipsticks can be a little more consumer-friendly than traditional bullet versions," says makeup artist Theo Turner. "They make it so much easier to have a high-impact color in one swipe."
Even with that, sending you out into the world with just that tiny piece of knowledge is like telling a newborn baby to start walking immediately—it's unreasonable. To make things easier for you—there are hundreds of options to choose from, after all—I rounded up the 10 best liquid lipstick formulas on the market right now. These are all precisely what you want out of a liquid lipstick, meaning you can swipe, go, and not worry that your red lip is all over your chin or teeth by lunchtime.
Keep reading to find the best formula for you, with options for every budget, including drugstore picks. Whether you're looking for a formula that doesn't budge or transfer, is super long-lasting, a moisturizing option for dry lips, or a luxury choice (or better yet, all of the above), here are the 10 vetted products I love for a liquid lipstick.
The Best Liquid Lipsticks
- Best Liquid Lipstick Overall: Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour
- Best Red Liquid Lipstick: Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick
- Best Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick: Stila Stay All Day® Liquid Lipstick
- Best Luxury Liquid Lipstick: Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick
- Best Matte Liquid Lipstick: Glossier G Suit Soft Touch Matte Liquid Lip Crème
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 a velvet finish, never transfers, and doesn't dry out your lips.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Non-transfer formula; Feels smooth on the lips
What I Don't: Have to swipe a few times for full opacity on more pigmented lip colors
Review for MC: "This lipstick feels as good as it looks and is now my new fall obsession. I'm a big fan of the red shade, but Énigmatique, a beige-brown, has currently been my obsession, especially as we head into the colder months. It's pricey, but trust me when I say this formula lasts and is more than worth it." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour.
Lancôme's liquid lipstick is comfortable and packs a major punch with this luxe red shade. It also lasts all day long, so you can wear it from the office to drinks without having to reapply. Is there anything better than a set-it-and-forget-it formula?
Texture: Satin
Finish: Semi-matte
What I Love: Feels like nothing on the lips; Color builds well on itself
What I Don't: Some may not like the applicator
Review for MC: "If you are on the hunt for a lipstick that legitimately makes it feel like there is nothing on your lips, add this to your shopping cart. The thin texture is akin to a pigmented water, but the color payoff is anything but splotchy and uneven. If you're getting into lipstick or just generally don't love the feeling of makeup but still want to wear it, I highly recommend this formula." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Arie Baker testing Lancome L'absolu Rouge Drama Ink liquid lipstick.
Ask anyone you know who frequently wears liquid lipstick, and they've likely reached for this Stila formula. That's because this lipstick delivers high-impact color without feeling drying, thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil. But even with the extra hydrators, the formula refuses to budge throughout the day.
Texture: Satin
Finish: Creamy matte
What I Love: Glides smoothly onto the lips; No transfer once dry
What I Don't: Can be hard to take off
Review for MC: "This is a very aptly named lipstick because it does, in fact, stay all day. This particular formula of mine has been a favorite since I started college, and with the newly released colors, I have fallen in love with it all over again. There are so many to choose from that I can't pick a favorite, but I completely stand behind the fact that this formula is absolutely unmatched." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick.
The best thing about this Glossier 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.
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Demi-matte
What I Love: Opaque on first swipe; Easy-to-use applicator
What I Don't: Packaging feels a little cheap, not the most transfer-proof formula
Review for MC: "I was a little shocked by how pigmented this lipstick is, given Glossier's entire brand ethos. That being said, I am absolutely delighted by this liquid lipstick formula, so I need them to never change it. Everything from the product's opacity to its packaging and even the beginner-friendly wand makes this lipstick something I actually want to put in my makeup bag and use. It's functional, high-impact beauty at its finest." — Glossier
Ariel Baker testing the Glossier G Suit liquid lipstick.
With a doe-foot applicator, this MAC liquid lipstick could not be easier to apply, even if you're not very good at applying a liquid makeup product. The formula is matte, but it also gives the lips a more blurred-out appearance rather than a stark block of color. Use your finger to quickly dab the edges for a softer effect that is perfectly imperfect.
Texture: Mousse
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Elevated frosted glass packaging; Gorgeous range of neutral tones for everyday wear
What I Don't: Some find the formula slightly drying
Review for MC: "I already really enjoyed MAC's makeup products, but the brand breathed new life into its products with the Powderkiss Matte Liquid lipsticks, especially the ones that were a part of the New Nudes collection. My favorite shade is Habit, but whichever you decide to get, prepare for a lipstick that feels like a mousse on your lips and leaves them looking perfectly diffused and soft-focused." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolor Longwear Lipstick.
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 your lips throughout the day. And, not for nothing, the packaging looks so chic when you pull it out of your tote bag.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Can be hard to track down in person; May need to build up for full pigmentation
What I Don't: Might not be as pigmented as some other formulas
Review for MC: "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." — Sephora
Anastasia Beverly Hills's liquid lipstick is widely loved and for good reason. It's highly pigmented, giving you all-day color that makes a big impression. This formula is transfer-proof and stays on for hours.
Texture: Satin
Finish: Matte
What I Like: One of the first viral liquid lipsticks; Extensive shade range for makeup artists and enthusiasts
What I Don't: 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 of hours of 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." — Nordstom
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.
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Soft-matte
What I Love: Extremely pigmented; Doesn't fully dry down
What I Don't: Some find it more prone to transferring
Review for MC: "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." — Sephora
"Superstay" is perhaps the best way to describe this liquid lipstick from Maybelline. 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 range of shades, so you'll be able to find the perfect color no matter what.
Texture: Whipped
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Does not move once applied; Stunning shade selection
What I Don't: Hard to remove
Review for MC: "I am genuinely amazed by how long-lasting this liquid lipstick is. Once applied, it stays in place for hours, 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." — Amazon
With vivid colors and a cloud-like, long-lasting finish, this Tom Ford formula is a must-have for any liquid lipstick lover. The pigment melts onto the lips and is so deliciously comfortable, you'll nearly forget you're wearing any lipstick at all.
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Targeted applicator and compact packaging; Can easily be found at any department store
What I Don't: Scented
Review for MC: "Loved how smooth and velvety the finish was, with beautiful pigment to boot! Pleasant smell, and the packaging was also gorgeous! It’s a 10/10 for me!" — Sephora
What to Look For in a Liquid Lipstick
Liquid lipsticks, like any makeup product, are entirely dependent on your personal preferences—especially when it comes to the finish.
"There are a couple of things that I’m looking for in a liquid lipstick," Turner says. "One of my primary focuses is the formula's staying power. As a professional artist, I reach for liquid lipstick to ensure a locked-in pout."
While that's the number one feature that he looks for in a lipstick, Turner recognizes that people want different things. "Some women love a dry matte liquid lipstick, while others may love a shine," he says. "Both may have amazing staying power, but those slight nuances are really what can satisfy someone's personal preference."
How to Choose the Best Liquid Lipstick
A significant portion of the formulas on the market have a matte or demi-matte finish and are designed for extended wear. However, there are a few other characteristics to consider when choosing the best liquid lipstick for your specific needs.
"A lot of people overlook this, but pay attention to the applicator in your liquid lipsticks," says makeup artist Jonet Williamson. "Not only can the type someone likes vary on skill level, but some are sharper than others, so they can help with creating a sharper line at the edge of the lips. This can help nix the need for a lip liner, which is particularly helpful for people who want as few steps in their routines as possible."
Williamson also recommends looking at the ingredient lists of your lipsticks. "Oils or hyaluronic acid are easy ones to keep an eye out for," she says. "They can often indicate a lipstick that provides a more comfortable experience."
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire editors have reviewed dozens of lipstick formulas and colors. After determining the top picks based on first-hand experience, customer reviews, and makeup artist recommendations, they tested the final formulas on their lips, considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the 10 best liquid lipsticks.
Meet the Experts
Theo Turner is a professional makeup artist and content creator based in New York City.
Jonet Williamson is a professional makeup artist and content creator based in New York City.
