Which liquid lipstick is best?

Comfort: 5
Transfer-ability: 5
Ease of Removal: 1
Overall Score: 3.66

Almost every liquid lipstick in my collection has a matte or satin finish, but Urban Decay really threw caution to the wind when it launched its glossy, long-wear, transfer-proof liquid lipstick. Up top: You need to shake this stuff for five seconds (I did eight for safety) to activate the formula, then apply it directly to lips. Unbreakable is a true red and an absolute showstopper. It glides on like a hydrating lip oil before setting with a glossy varnish. I won't lie, I was probably most nervous for this one because of the slick texture. After kissing my sweet fiancé, even he quipped, "Uh-oh, that one felt kinda wet." Folks, I wouldn't have believed you if you didn't show me the photographic proof, but there was no trace of red lipstick on his cheek after. (He naturally gets flushed sometimes, which you can see here — but rest assured, I wiped his skin clean after every test to ensure a blank canvas.) This one was probably the hardest to remove — it barely lifted even after I swiped my mouth with a makeup wipe! — since it is specifically formulated to stay on all night. (I ended up dousing my mouth in cleansing balm to melt it off.) My final verdict: This is definitely among the best ones I tried, and I'd dare you to find a longer-lasting glossy lipstick on the market.

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.

Best overall liquid lipstick:

Chanel

Matte Liquid Lip Colour

$45

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.
Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, high-impact color
Cons: Pricey
Customer review: "Love the color and texture of this lip color. Great staying power as well!"

Best drugstore liquid lipstick:

Revlon

Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor

$4

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
Cons: Slightly drying
Customer review: "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."

Best red liquid lipstick:

Lancôme

L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick

$34

Lancôme's liquid lipstick is comfortable and packs a major punch. It lasts all day long. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying
Cons: Some may not like the applicator
Customer review: "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."

Best long-lasting liquid lipstick:

Stila

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

$24

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. 
Pros: Non-drying, high-impact color
Cons: Hard to take off
Customer review: "This is the lipstick that got me into lipstick. It really does last all day, and sometimes all night, i.e., I have once or twice woken up with perfect lipstick the day after I'd applied it."

Best luxury liquid lipstick:

Dior

Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer-Proof Lipstick

$45

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying
Cons: Might not be as pigmented as some other formulas
Customer review: "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."

Best matte liquid lipstick:

Glossier

G Suit Soft Touch Matte Liquid Lip Crème

$22

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. 
Pros: High-impact color, non-drying, creamy formula
Cons: Not the most transfer-proof formula
Customer review: "The Glossier G Suit lip cream is lightweight, but still provides saturated color. The applicator is easy to use, and I have added it to my makeup bag essentials. However, this lip cream is not very resistant to transferring. The lip cream does stain skin, so it still adds something to your lip look, even if the original semi-matte look is gone. This lip cream is great for wearing in-between intense, long-wear lipsticks. It doesn’t dry out my lips, and it is very easy to reapply."

More liquid lipstick formulas we love:

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Liquid Lipstick

$20

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.
Pros: Non-transfer formula, highly pigmented
Cons: 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."

Rare Beauty

Lip Soufflé Matte Cream Lipstick

$20

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. 
Pros: Non-drying, comfortable formula, good color payoff
Cons: Some don't like the whipped texture
Customer review: "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."

Fenty Beauty

Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color

$28

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. 
Pros: High impact color, soft matte finish
Cons: Some find it more prone to transferring
Customer review: "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."

Nars

Air Matte Liquid Lipstick

$28

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. 
Pros: Soft finish, high-impact color
Cons: Some might not like the softer finish
Customer review: "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. "

Kjaer Weis

Matte, Naturally Liquid Lipstick

$30

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color, sustainable
Cons: Some find the formula to be a bit drying
Customer review: "What a beautiful shade. This applies so easily and feels wonderful on my lips. Lasts a good long time."

NYX

Soft Matte Lip Cream

$7

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. 
Pros: High-impact color, long-lasting
Cons: Some find it can be a bit drying
Customer review: "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."

KVD Beauty

Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick

$23

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
Cons: Some find the formula a bit drying
Customer review: "I love this lipstick. I keep it in my purse. I love the color and how long it lasts. It stays in place and easy and smooth to apply."

Maybelline New York

Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

$8

"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.
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
Cons: Some find it a bit drying
Customer review: "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."

Mac

Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour

$27

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact color
Cons: Some find the formula slightly drying 
Customer review: "I really love this whole product line. The texture is so smooth and lovely."

Armani Beauty

Lip Maestro Mediterranea Liquid Matte Lipstick

$45

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.
Pros: Non-transfer formula, non-drying, creamy texture
Cons: 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."

Sephora Collection

Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick

$15

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.
Pros: High-impact color, wears for a long time
Cons: Some find it may smudge or feel drying
Customer review: "The texture is very weightless it feels like I’m not wearing anything at all! I struggle to feel confident in red lipsticks but this shade is so perfect and flattering on my skin tone."

Make Up For Ever

Rouge Artist For Ever Matte 24HR Longwear Liquid Lipstick

$25

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. 
Pros: Non-transfer formula, high-impact formula
Cons: Some don't like the doe-foot applicator
Customer review: "This is the most comfortable liquid lipstick I've ever tried! It's more of a watery, thin formula, so I find that it's very light and 'doesn't feel like anything' on the lips. I have very creasy lips but I didn't notice that this formula emphasized how crease-y they were, which is a plus. "

Makeup by Mario

Ultra Suede Cozy Lip Creme

$26

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.
Pros: Non-transfer formula, comfortable feel, high-impact color
Cons: Some don't like the scent
Customer review: "I really like this lipstick, I found the color to be very flattering on my skin tone and isn’t too drying. Such a nice mousse type feeling."

Kaja

Love Swipe Lightweight Cushiony Lip Mousse

$21

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. 
Pros: Lightweight formula, high-impact color
Cons: Might not be as pigmented as some other formulas
Customer review: "This lip mousse has an extremely workable formula that allows you to easily blend, blot, and control how much color is on your lips. A few dots of it blended out gives me a more subtle lip tint effect, while I can easily swipe it on for a bold look."

Next, The Controversial Lipstick Trend Celebrities Are Suddenly Into Again