8 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks That Won’t Melt Off by Lunchtime

10.10.2025, 16:31 allure.com

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When liquid lipsticks first exploded in 2015, they set a new standard for the best long-lasting lipsticks. Bold, highly pigmented formulas that didn’t budge became the new standard—but, let’s be honest, that staying power often came at a cost. Dry, stiff lips were the trade-off, and matte formulas were the only option if you wanted color that lasted. Fast forward 10 years, and long-lasting lipstick has evolved. New formulas still deliver all-day wear, but they greet lips with velvety, more forgiving textures that actually feel comfortable. No more tugging, cracking, or that “parched” feeling—just smooth, solid color that won’t rub off with your first sip of coffee. Whether you prefer a classic bullet, a convenient lip crayon, or a lip stain, today’s lipsticks prove that you no longer have to choose between color that lasts and lips that feel kissable.

Valentino

Nordstrom

Sephora

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Valentino Liquirosso 2-in-1 Lip & Blush Stick

Why it’s worth it: In years of testing liquid lipsticks, we’ve found that most formulas are a one-swipe wonder, delivering bright pigment the second the applicator touches your lips. Not Valentino’s Liquirosso 2 in 1 Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick & Blush: One layer of this lip color offers a sheer wash of color, while multiple layers give a bold pop—without feeling dry or heavy, thanks to barrier-boosting amino acids and antioxidant-rich peony extract. The lightweight formula makes it perfect for the cheeks, too. Use the applicator’s pointed tip to line the lips, use the flat side to fill them in, then swipe it across the cheeks for an instant flush. Wherever you apply it, it delivers a soft-matte finish with zero fuss—and it has the widest shade range of any product on this list.

Jusu immediately after applying the Valentino Liquirosso 2-in-1 Lip & Blush Stick

Jusu 8 hours after applying the Valentino Liquirosso 2-in-1 Lip & Blush Stick

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

“As someone who's not a fan of lipstick due to the constant need for reapplication and the fear of staining my teeth, I can relate to the annoyance of that grueling process. However, Valentino’s lip stain has been a game-changer. It stays in place, even when I’ve used straws and eaten messy food, for more than a few hours. It stays secure, and the fact that it’s not a hard and dry matte texture makes it a breeze to remove at the end of the night. This convenience is a relief for someone who doesn’t wear lipstick on the regular!” —Jenet Jusu, editorial assistant

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Smashbox

Smashbox

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick

Why it’s worth it: Matte liquid lipsticks can feel (and look) thick and dry, but Smashbox’s Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick flips the script. The formula is soft and comfortable to wear, giving lips a suede finish instead of the dreaded parched, chalky look. But don’t let the lightweight feel fool you: Once it sets (give it a minute), the color refuses to fade for hours. The precision tip makes lining and filling seamless—no pencil needed, even with deeper shades. Check out Miss Conduct, a beautiful burgundy that complements sweater weather. Our only caveat is that this formula can fade a touch at the outer corners after a few hours, so you might want to keep it in your bag for quick touch-ups if you’ll be out all day long.

Felbin immediately after applying the Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick

Felbin 8 hours after applying the Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

“I haven't reached for a matte liquid lip in a long time—they can be so drying!— but Smashbox got it right. Always On feels very thin and soft on my lips, but doesn't smear or feather once it dries down. I also love the pointy applicator—it makes it easy to draw sharp lines and get the corners of my mouth. Even better, it stays put through long days at the office (even after a meal). The shade Yes Honey is my go-to: not too pink, not too brown. Just right!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

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Clarins

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain

Why it’s worth it: Toronto-based makeup artist Andrea Claire previously told Allure that the Best of Beauty Award-winning Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain has a transfer-proof formula that’s one of her all-time favorites. It’s made of 75% water, plus hydrating aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidant-rich green tea to keep lips soft and plump. Recently, Clarins added soothing raspberry water and free-radical-fighting nipplewort (yes, that’s a real plant), so every swipe feels like a mini spa treatment for your pout. Because it’s a stain, it’s not too pigmented, making it perfect for everyday office looks if you want something long-lasting. One coat gives you a soft wash of tint, but you can also layer a few more for a buildable bright lip.

Pai immediately after applying the Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain

Pai 8 hours after applying the Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

"I love a bold lip, but I find it too high-maintenance for everyday wear. This lip stain has pretty much changed my life: It stayed put through a Stanley tumbler's worth of water, my soup-and-salad lunch, and even a hot coffee in the afternoon. After seven hours of wear, it still looked pretty vibrant and pigmented, and there were zero smudges to be found."—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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Violette_FR

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip

Why it’s worth it: Long-wearing lipsticks can be very pigmented and tricky to work with, so if you’re a little intimidated by the process, try something that’s a bit more forgiving. Enter: Violette_FR’s new Plume Lipstick (a best-seller!). Its whipped, cloud-like texture makes it feel less like a liquid lipstick and more like a soft satin stain—it blends and blurs effortlessly to hide any harsh lines. The formula glides on with such ease, it’s basically designed for mirrorless application. Once applied, it dries down matte and locks in place for up to 12 hours, yet still feels weightless, thanks to humectants that nourish lips without ever feeling heavy.

Han immeidately after applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip

Han 8 hours after applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Liquid lipstick and I were like *crosses fingers* in my college and early NYC days but I’ve all but abandoned them over the past, say, seven years. Of course, I’ve tried one here and there (I do test products for a living!) but none have stuck. Until now! Amongst my usual lip tint rotation now lies Violette_FR Lip Plume, which kind of reminds me of a stain/liquid lipstick hybrid—in that it’s super easy to blend out with my fingers for a blotted look. I’m very hesitant when a lip product claims to be blurring but it actually does hide some of my less prominent lines. The staying power is pretty impressive—the color inevitably fades a bit throughout the day but I don't feel the need to reapply like I normally would. It still looks pretty after eight hours, which is very impressive.

While I wouldn’t call it moisturizing (a tall order to begin with!), it is comparatively so to many liquid lipstick formulas—and feels a lot lighter than most. Because I have naturally dry lips, my tip has always been to apply a coat of lip balm, lip gloss, or a lip mask for ~10 minutes and wiping off the excess before swiping on your heavier-duty lipstick or stain of choice. True to the brand’s entire makeup lineup, the intense color range doesn’t disappoint. Rose Fumé is a gorgeous bright pink that’s not too over-the-top, which is usually my fear, as someone who leans towards deeper pinks and berries.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Ulta Beauty

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: A 2025 Best of Beauty winner, the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil delivers the Dame’s signature precision straight to your vanity. Its creamy texture spreads beautifully, the tapered point defines lips effortlessly, and the 12-color shade range is home to nudes, pinks, and reds that flatter a variety of skin tones (something else McGrath is known for nailing). Once it’s applied, you have a few minutes of playtime to tweak or clean up your lines. But once it sets, you’ll need makeup remover (and a little elbow grease) to get it off.

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

“I love these lip pencils, which are more crayon than pencil, by my definition. The tip is large and round enough to easily fill in lips, but pointed enough to be precise around the edges. It has a super creamy formula and it’s weightless—a perfect formula for everyday wear.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

Essence

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for a top-notch matte lipstick—Essence’s The Slim Stick proves it. A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner for Best Matte Lipstick (no small feat), this under-$5 gem delivers rich, velvety color payoff without the dreaded dryness. It’s also one of the most pigmented picks on our list, drenching lips in full-coverage shades like Nice Spice (a warm orange-red) or Choc-o-holic (the ultimate fall brown). The formula is packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, and macadamia, so it feels moisturizing and comfortable enough to rub your lips together without any tacky drag. And, despite the soft feel, the staying power is no joke: During Best of Beauty trials, our testers clocked up to eight hours of wear,