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.
The Best Liquid Lipsticks
- Best Liquid Lipstick Overall: Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour
- Best Drugstore Liquid Lipstick Overall: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor
- 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 velvet finish, never has any transfer, and doesn't dry out lips.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, high-impact color
What I Don't: Pricey
Review for MC: "This color is consistent with the formula in that it goes on smoothly, stays liquid for about 30 seconds, and then dries down to a matte finish that is just slightly tacky for the first minute or two. It is not overly drying, but I find it much more comfortable with a bit of gloss on top. Wear time is excellent--wears down to an even stain and reapplies well. Does not bleed all over the face either. If you like the formula and are looking for a lovely neutral, you cannot go wrong with this." — Nordstrom
Katie Berohn testing Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour.
Who doesn't want a $5 lipstick? Okay, next question—who doesn't want a $5 lipstick that feels like a much more expensive formula? This lightweight liquid lipstick goes on smoothly and hydrates lips with ease. The color is also long-wearing and highly pigmented.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
What I Don't: Slightly drying
Review for MC: "Although it feels a little dry, the looks and durability is just perfect. Beautiful, bold colors and great look. I already have two and will be adding more to my collection soon." — Amazon
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: Non-transfer formula, non-drying
What I Don't: Some may not like the applicator
Review for MC: "This is the very best lip color I’ve ever used and at 66 years old I’ve used many. So silky smooth, light and long lasting color."
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. But even with the extra hydrators, the formula refuses to budge throughout the day.
Texture: Satin
Finish: Creamy matte
What I Love: Non-drying, high-impact color
What I Don't: Hard to take off
Review for MC: "This liquid lipstick is superb! It really does stay on all day. I also love love love the matte finish. I purchased this in fiery. Every brown gal needs to own this color :) This has been my go-to lipstick this summer. Because this liquid lipstick has a matte finish, it tends to make your lips feel very dry. I suggest priming and moisturizing your lips with MAC's lip conditioner (tube), blot off the excess, then apply the liquid lipstick. Your lips will stay moisturized ALL day!" — Nordstrom
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 bag.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Non-transfer formula, non-drying
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
Best matte liquid lipstick:
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.
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Demi-matte
What I Love: Weightless, comfortable feel, long-lasting color, easy-to-use applicator
What I Don't: Packaging feels a little cheap, not the most transfer-proof formula
Review for MC: "These lip colors are perfect. The finish is super moisturizing and the color lasts a long time. They are not sticky at all or liquidy, compared to regular lip glosses. This has easily become my favorite lipstick/gloss." — Glossier
Katie Berohn testing the G Suite liquid lipstick.
ABH'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 is transfer-proof and stays on for hours.
Texture: Satin
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Non-transfer formula, highly pigmented
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 hours 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
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.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Love: Non-drying, comfortable formula, good color payoff
What I Don't: Some don't like the whipped texture
Review for MC: "It is a true matte but it feels so soft on the lips. Not drying at all. Fades beautifully like you have brown liner on. No problem layering for reapplication." —Rare Beauty
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: High impact color, soft matte finish
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
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.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Creamy matte
What I Love: Soft finish, high-impact color
What I Don't: Some might not like the softer finish
Review for MC: "This product is very lightweight yet creamy and pigmented. It glides onto your lip in a smooth, silky way. You can’t even tell that you have lipstick on from how light it feels! It’s also buildable with the color. The scent is not too overbearing which is perfect if you’re not keen of heavily scented lip products. The only downside is that it does transfer and that it doesn’t last too long." — Amazon
For $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.
Texture: Mousse
Finish: Soft-matte
What I Like: High-impact color, long-lasting
What I Don't: Some find it can be a bit drying
Review for MC: "I bought this with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It glides on nicely and feels weightless and doesn't leave my lips feeling dry." — Ulta
"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.
Texture: Whipped
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
What I Don't: Some find it a bit drying
Review for MC: "I am genuinely amazed by how long-lasting this liquid lipstick is. Once applied, it stays put for hours on end, 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 a doe-foot applicator, this liquid lipstick could not be easier to apply, even if you're not very good at applying a liquid formula. The formula is matte but also gives lips a more blurred-out appearance. Use your finger to quickly dab the edges for a softer effect that is perfectly imperfect.
Texture: Mousse
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
What I Don't: Some find the formula slightly drying
Review for MC: "I really love this whole product line. The texture is so smooth and lovely." — Ulta
This award-winning formula is beloved by makeup artists and beauty editors alike. It has both hydrating and long-wearing benefits, and each shade has concentrated pigments for rich depth of color.
Texture: Velvet
Finish: Matte
What I Like: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, velvety texture, intense color payoff
What I Don't: Pricey
Customer review: "This is my third purchase from this collection and I’ve been so happy with all of them. It’s such a luxurious formula with a rich, and creamy texture. Definitely what I’ve come to expect from this luxury brand. This does transfer slightly onto cups but doesn’t rub off completely. I’m very pleased with how it wears through the day." —Nordstrom
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 options feel like a haute couture wardrobe. Bonus? The pigment also doubles as a gorgeous liquid blush.
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Soft-matte
Pros: Exceptionally soft feel on the lips, color range, multi-purpose formula
Cons: Some don't feel it's long-lasting enough
Customer review: "I love this formula and color. It is creamy and moisturising. The shades are pigmented in an elegant, understated way. This shade just pops on darker skin. HOWEVER, I don’t think the formula works in every shade on darker skin tones as blush. For instance, this shade wouldn’t show at all on my cheeks, despite building the color. But as you can see, it pops on my lips." — Sephora
With vivid colors and a cloud-like, long-lasting finish, this 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: Color range, comfortable texture, lasts all day, targeted applicator; smells great
What I Don't: Price
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. A good portion of the formulas on the market are a matte or demi-matte finish and are designed to wear for extreme long-wear. That can be somewhat drying for people with dry skin, so look for formulas that offer additional hydrating benefits. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are going to be your new best friend when you're shopping for a moisturizing liquid lipstick. However, with the right lip prep (I suggest using a lip mask for ten minutes and exfoliating your pout beforehand) the formula should wear comfortably and last from day to night with minimal touch ups.
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This article was originally published on Who What Wear.
