Liquid lipstick is a tricky formula to nail. The ultimate liquid lipstick is matte but not too matte, comfortable but long-wearing, and non-drying but transfer-proof. Many liquid lipstick formulas out there just aren’t up for the challenge, which is why when you find the perfect liquid lipstick, you’ll never want to try another formula.
To make things easier for you, I rounded up the best liquid lipstick formulas on the market right now. These are all precisely what you want out of a liquid lipstick. Keep reading to find the best formula for you, with picks for everyone, including drugstore, liquid lipsticks that don’t budge or transfer, long-lasting formulas, formulas for dry lips, and luxury and designer picks.
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 lips.
ABH’s liquid lipstick is widely loved and for good reason. It’s highly pigmented, giving you color that makes a big impression. This is transfer-proof and stays on for hours.
If I’m reaching for a comfortable liquid lipstick with a slightly velvety finish, this is the one I’ll choose, no question. It doesn’t dry out lips or make them feel tight—instead, it keeps lips hydrated and supple. It also never transfers to anything, even when I’m drinking hot coffee.
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.
The best thing about this 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.
What makes this liquid lipstick from Nars unique is something called a color-diffusion complex, which immediately diffuses color for a softer finish. Think French-girl lips—effortless and not too defined.
At first, this liquid lipstick seems like a gloss, but it dries down perfectly. It’s a velvety finish, and you can keep reapplying without hydrating in between thanks to nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, castor oil, and hyaluronic acid. It’s also refillable and sustainable, so you can feel good about using it.
For under $7, this liquid lipstick wears like something much more luxe. It’s a soft matte finish, so it gives lips tons of dimension. The lightweight mousse formula doesn’t dry out lips, but it also stays put.
Anyone who remembers the liquid-lipstick craze of 2016 remembers the KVD liquid lipsticks and the hold that they had over us. That’s because they’re one of the best liquid lipstick formulas out there—they’re as matte as can be without drying out lips.
“Superstay” is perhaps the best way to describe this liquid lipstick. 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 shade range, so you’ll be able to find the perfect color no matter what.
With a doe-foot applicator, this liquid lipstick could not be easier to apply, even if you’re not very good at applying liquid lipstick. This lipstick is matte but also gives lips a more blurred-out appearance.
Ask anyone you know who wears liquid lipstick frequently—they’ve likely reached for Stila. That’s because this lipstick delivers high-impact color that doesn’t feel drying thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil.
These shades are all inspired by Mediterranean sunsets—and they’re just as dreamy as you’d imagine, based on that description. It’s both hydrating and long-wearing, and each shade has subtle pearlescence to give lips dimension.
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 velvet finish, never has any transfer, and doesn’t dry out lips.
Who doesn’t want a $4 lipstick? Okay, next question—who doesn’t want a $4 lipstick that feels like a much more expensive formula? This lightweight liquid lipstick goes on smoothly and hydrates lips. The color is long-wearing and highly pigmented.
I love Sephora Collection products because they perform like luxury makeup for a fraction of the price. This liquid lipstick is no exception—it’s long-wearing, comes in nearly 80 shades, and doesn’t settle into fine lines or dry out lips.
Make Up For Ever’s newest liquid lipstick boasts a 24-hour wear time. In a clinical study, participants found that this formula had stayed matte and made lips appear smooth for a full 24 hours.
This is my best friend’s go-to liquid lipstick, and I always compliment her when she wears it. It looks so cushiony on lips, and the shades are incredibly natural.
Kaja’s liquid lipstick might be the most hydrating option of the bunch. This formula has cotton-seed oil, raspberry-seed oil, and tocopherol, which ensure lips stay super moisturized.
Lancôme’s liquid lipstick is comfortable and packs a major punch. It lasts all day long.
