We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
11 best long-lasting lipsticks that are actually smudge-proof and last all day – tried and tested with pics
Transfer-proof and kiss-proof? Yes please!
In the ever-evolving world of beauty, it’s easy to get caught up in the trendy lip products like tinted lip oils and glossy balms (I'm guilty here, too), but when it comes to colour, nothing beats a long-lasting formula. Lipsticks have been a staple for decades, evolving from simple colour sticks to high-performance formulas designed to deliver long-lasting wear, bold pigment, and added benefits like hydration and nourishing oils.
Unlike older matte formulas that feel overly drying or settle into fine lines, today’s lipsticks are smarter: they glide on smoothly, resist smudging, and hold up through meals and everything in between. So, team Cosmo sought out to find the very best long-lasting lipsticks – from liquid formulas to shiny finishes, there's something on this list for everyone.
A sneek peak at our faves:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Ahead, the best long-lasting lipsticks tested and approved by Cosmo editors that truly last and provide bold pigment from day to night.
Pros
- Super comfortable on the lips
- Hydrating oil formula that when worn off leaves a stain on the lips
Cons
- We want more shades!
Why we love it: Kulfi's Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil is the rare beauty hybrid that actually delivers on all its promises. It glides on like a plush, high-shine lip oil, feels nourishing (never sticky), and then – plot twist – leaves behind a soft, long-lasting stain once the gloss wears off. Inspired by creamy mango lassis, the shades are vibrant yet wearable, giving lips that just-bitten, ice lolly-like flush. We also love that it's packed with hydrating oils, so lips look juicy and feel comfortable for hours.
One Cosmo editor says: "When it comes to reapplying my makeup, I will admit that I am the worst – hand me that last place medal. This is why I love Kulfi's Lassi Lips so much. I slick it on in the morning, forget about it completely, and somehow still have perfectly flushed lips by lunchtime. The oil texture feels luxe and cushiony, and the stain it leaves behind is surprisingly even – no patchiness or weird lip-line fade. It's low-maintenance, high-impact, and ideal for those of us who want colour without constant touch-ups."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 9 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Oil/stain |
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick
Pros
- Angled bullet makes precise application easier
- Expansive shade range from neutrals to bright reds and pinks
Cons
- Can emphasize dryness if lips are chapped
Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick gives you a soft matte finish that never dries out on your lips. The creamy formula glides on effortlessly, providing rich pigment on its own or layering beautifully under a gloss for some extra shine. And the iconic Pillow Talk is the ultimate “your lips but better” shade on any skin tone and has nothing short of impressive staying power.
One Cosmo editor says: "Not to be completely basic, but Pillow Talk is iconic for a reason! While I'm not usually a matte girl, this is the exception thanks to its non-drying formula. The hue is the perfect balance of neutral with a touch of pink, making it perfect for everyday wear. I wore it to our office holiday party, which featured many drinks and slices of pizza to the mouth, and the pigment was still strong at the end of the night."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 21 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
Pros
- Thin stylo design is great for precise application
- Chic packaging
Cons
- On the pricey side
Why we love it: Dolce & Gabbana’s My Comfy Matte Lip Stylo proves matte doesn’t have to mean dry. The cushiony formula delivers a rich, long-wear pigment with a soft-focus matte finish that stays comfortable for hours on end. Housed in a sleek stylo design for precise application, it’s perfect for creating a polished, statement lip that looks low-effort.
One Cosmo editor says: "I wore this matte lipstick to Coachella, which was a very intense test considering the heat. But I was shocked by how long this wore without needing to touch up. Plus, the matte look is soft and velvety and doesn't cling to any lines in my lips."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 20 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte |
Pros
- Magnetic cap
- Full of hydrators
Cons
- Some shades are hard to find IRL
Why we love it: This satin lipstick delivers a bold colour with a subtle glossy finish. Infused with marula oil, squalane, and jojoba esters, it nourishes and smooths lips while providing full coverage in a single swipe. And it boasts a versatile shade range and an affordable price point.
One Cosmo editor says: "If you don't want to splurge on a long-lasting lipstick, I highly recommend e.l.f. It feels super lightweight and hydrating upon application, which is very impressive in this affordable yet mighty drugstore formula, which also lasts a surprisingly long time for just £10."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 20 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Satin |
Pros
- Filled with a blend of four hyaluronic acid molecules for major hydration
- We love the shade range
Cons
- Customers note that the lid often falls off
Why we love it: If you want a hydrating lipstick, the key is to look for the hero ingredient: hyaluronic acid. It's basically the MVP of humectants—it works by drawing water to your skin for hydrated, plumping benefits. This results in smoother, firmer skin, and is why so many lip products use it to achieve a fuller effect, including this one from Glossier. It's essentially a balm, tint, and gloss in one that can be layered to the level of pigment of your choice.
One Cosmo editor says: "Normally I have to layer a lip balm under lipstick to prevent my lips from drying out, but this combines the hydrating benefits of a balm with juicy red colour for comfy all-day wear."
| Shades | 13 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Glossy |
Pros
- Black cherry tint lasts all day long
- Shape is easy to work with and ideal for precision
Cons
- Because of the virality of this product, it's often sold out
Why we love it: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is iconic for a reason—it's been around for more than 40 years. The buildable and balmy formula enhances your natural lip colour, and the cult-favorite Black Honey shade is universally flattering, giving lips that effortless, “just-bitten” tint. Even better, it also comes in Nude Honey and Pink Honey, and the tint lasts all day, even long after the hydration of the balm has fully soaked in.
One Cosmo editor says: "I credit this lippie's recent viral status to its comfortable, emollient-rich formula that feels more like a tinted lip balm than a lipstick. Plus, its black cherry hue looks so flattering on a wide range of skin tones, thanks to the sheer yet buildable pigment."
| Shades | 3 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Sheer, satin |
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Hydrating matte finish
Cons
- On the pricey side
Why we love it: Valentino's Spike Buttery Matte Lipstick delivers the payoff of a matte with the comfort of a balm. The velvety formula glides on smoothly, feels weightless on the lips, and sets to a soft, matte finish that never feels dry. It delivers rich pigment and lasts for hours on end.
One Cosmo editor says: “I saw Charli XCX using this lipstick, so I tried this lipstick...and I see why she loves it. It blurs and smooths out my lips and adds a wash of opaque colour."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 13 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matte, Shimmer |
NARS Explicit Lipstick
Pros
- Expansive shade range
Cons
- The shape causes it to wear down easily
Why we love it: NARS Explicit Lipstick delivers bold, high-impact colour with a luxe, satin finish that feels as good as it looks. The creamy formula wraps lips in rich pigment while staying comfortable and hydrating throughout the day.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’m a matte lip hater, so I love a natural finish lipstick that gives tons of pigment and some added hydration. This lipstick gives a near-glossy finish and comes in a very extensive shade range. And if you wanna add even more shine, it layers well with lip oils and glosses.”
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 36 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Satin |
Pros
- Comes in glossy and shimmer finishes
Cons
- Thick applicator is a bit tough to get into the corners of the lips
Why we love it: We adore Fenty’s Gloss Bomb Lip Gloss, and this version takes it up a notch with rich, long-lasting pigment in a convenient stick. The vibrant and moisturising formula (shoutout to shea butter) keeps lips comfortable while giving you that classic Gloss Bomb glow.
One Cosmo editor says: “The colour payoff on the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix is absolutely phenomenal, making it the perfect choice for an easy, shiny lip. It’s also hydrating and extremely comfortable to wear—no stickiness or clumps—and it looks nice even after the shine has worn off a bit.”
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 16 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Glossy, Shimmer |
MAC M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipstick
Pros
- Incredible shade range
- Provides both shine and pigment for hours
Cons
- The packaging isn't the most sturdy
Why we love it: The buttery-smooth application, lightweight feel, and hours of wear-time are what make this MAC Lipstick earn a well-deserved spot on this list. It's formulated with moisturising oils (like castor and jojoba), which prevent the formula from settling into any fine lines. It also comes in a matte finish for those who prefer a softer look.
One Cosmo editor says: "No long-lasting lipstick list would be complete without the holy-grail favourite that has been my go-to for years and can still be found in my everyday purse. Because you don't have to reapply constantly, one tube lasts you a hell of a long time (sue me, I know ~expiration dates~ are a real thing)."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 36 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Satin, Matte |
Pros
- We love the lightweight texture
- Leaves pigment on the lips for 12+ hours
Cons
- Thickness makes it difficult to line the lips precisely
Why we love it: Milk Makeup’s Lip Jelly Stain gives you the best of both worlds: a juicy finish that melts into a long-lasting stain. The jelly texture feels lightweight and hydrating on the lips, delivering a fresh wash of colour that won’t smudge or fade throughout the day. Swipe it on once for a sheer tint or layer it up for more impact.
One Cosmo editor says: "Okay, I know it's technically a stain, not a lipstick. But! Look at the pigment!! And this stuff lasts. I swipe it on my lips and don't have to worry about it all day long."
Features at a Glance
| Shades | 7 |
|---|---|
| Finish | Natural |
How do you get your lipstick to last all day long?
Just like applying your base makeup products (foundation and concealer), the best way to get your lipstick to last all day long is to focus on skin prep. If your lips are dry and patchy, your lipstick will apply like so. Depending on how chapped they are, apply an exfoliating lip scrub and follow up with a balm or lip mask if it's nighttime. Next, apply your favorite long-lasting lip liner, using it to fill in a majority of your lips so you have a good base for your lipstick. Generally, the glossier a lipstick is, the less time it will last.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Ready to try eyebrow tinting? Right this way...
Oh, this? Just a love letter to Primark's foundation
Try Kate's smart blush placement for lifted cheeks
The most-loved mascaras we keep rebuying
