Consider this a tattoo for your lips—but without any of the pain, maintenance, cost, lifelong regrets, etc. This highly pigmented, drugstore matte lipstick features an arrow-shaped applicator to help you reach the inner corners of your mouth without messing up your lines.
Finally, a lightweight, transfer-resistant liquid lipstick that doesn’t feel like shrink-wrap on your lips. TBH, it’s really comfortable to wear, and it comes in eight super-pretty shades.One tip, though? Wait at least 10 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the color to truly set.
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Sometimes, I like the look of a tint, but I also want the wear of a matte lip. Sound impossible? Well, Dior somehow made it happen. This 10-hour wear “tinted ink” gives a bright but sheer layer of color, while keeping lips feeling ultra hydrated. It's kinda like your bare lips, but way, way better.
The internet has been raving about this opaque, flake-proof liquid lipstick for years, and for good reason: It dries almost immediately, and doesn't suck the moisture out of your lips. For the smoothest finish, do a little lip prep beforehand by using a little lip exfoliator followed by a rich, hydrating lip balm.
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I can’t say enough good things about this liquid lipstick. Not only is it a strong favorite because it stays put all day without feeling drying (oh, hey, shea butter and jojoba oil!), but it was also founded by a woman of color, Melissa Butler, which I'm fully here for.
No lie—once, I wore this super-matte lipstick on an all-day boat ride in the Virgin Islands. Not only did it last until sundown, but it also survived a 45-minute snorkeling session. Pure magic!
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Listen, this waterproof lipstick is NO joke. It literally does not budge, so plan on grabbing a heavy-duty makeup remover or oil-based cleanser (FYI: I use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil for double-cleansing) to get this bad boy off at the end of the day.
This deeply dramatic, velvety formula lasts all day with minimal touch-ups needed. But, as a note, it can be a little drying. So for the longest, most comfortable wear, try swiping on a lightweight lip balm first, waiting 15 minutes for it to sink in, then layering on your liquid lipstick as usual.
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This 2017 Cosmo Beauty Award Winner has all the staying power you want, minus the dry, chalky feels. I love it because it’s a modern update on my all-time favorite lippie—Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color—which was sadly discontinued by the brand. *cries*
This super-saturated lip pigment (P.S. it comes in a set of three!) is my go-to, especially when I'm in a rush. This buildable, creamy formula literally locks on, so after I apply in the morning, that's it—I'm good for the whole day. And that's a great thing, because I have a million other things to worry about that don't include the state of my lipstick.
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When Rihanna initially launched this soft-matte liquid lip in Uncensored (a bold, universal red), I was obsessed. The one-stroke formula really does cover lips in a rich, opaque pigment that 100 percent stays put. And now, she's launched seven additional shades—including a peachy nude (Unbutton) and a smooth, inky black (Uninvited)—so everyone can find a shade they love.
Okay, so technically this isn’t a true lipstick, but this two-in-one pencil definitely deserves a spot on my list. Here’s why: It is smudge-proof, comes in 13 pretty shades, and is easily removed with a makeup wipe. Not to mention, you can use it on your eyes, lips, and cheeks, which I did in a pinch when I forgot my makeup bag.

Janell M. Hickman-Kirby is a writer and editor based in New York.
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