We've all been there—applying that perfect shade of lipstick only to see it vanish after a sip of coffee or a stolen kiss. And with International Kissing Day coming in hot this 6 July, we can’t think of a better reason for you to update your make-up pouch with a good lippie.
For most of us, the struggle to find a lipstick that truly lives up to the "kiss-proof" claim is real. Whether it's a romantic date night or simply wanting colour that survives dinner, lasting power is key. If you’re tired of lipstick leaving its mark on everything but your lips, here are seven budge-proof beauties to choose for your epic smooch.
Related article: Dua Lipa Unleashes Her Inner Shine in Newly-Launched YSL Loveshine Lipsticks and Glosses
Totally Kiss-Proof
Sephora has spoken and declared this one of the best performing matte lipsticks in the luxury category. You’d think that just because it’s infused with rose balm and hyaluronic acid, it would be more of a cream-type lipstick. But users have been constantly raving about its staying power that can even outlast a greasy Korean barbecue dinner.
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama - Matte Lipstick, $61
Related article: Celine Is Venturing Into the World of Make-Up
Best All-Rounder
Call me a loyalist, I’ve been using NARS matte lipsticks for years, simply because they do everything they promise. If you enjoy the convenience of a pencil, the Powermatte Lipstick Pencil delivers bold, saturated pigments in just one smooth swipe, and dries quickly to a transfer-resistant finish for up to 10 hours. More importantly, it feels very comfortable on the lips, not tight or dry.
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil, $48
Related article: It's Time to Get 'Nude' With Kim Kardashian
Best Staying Power
MAC has quite a number of matte, long-wearing lipsticks, but the internet has unanimously voted the Retro Matte Lipstick as an all-rounder performer that boasts intense colour payoff, matte finish and wear of up to eight hours, with no touch-ups. The best part: It hydrates the lips so there’s no worry of dry, flaky lips.
MAC Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick, $22.80
Best Colour Intensity
Huda Beauty's cult-favourite Liquid Matte lipstick gets a vegan-friendly upgrade. Now with an extended shade range, it delivers the same high-impact colour and smudge-proof wear we love. The secret? A weightless, ultra-thin formula with a velvety matte finish that lasts all day. Expect vibrant, one-swipe colour that's comfortable, flake-proof, and transfer-proof. Wear it solo or with Lip Contour 2.0 for a killer pout!
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick, $38
Best For Hydration
Rare Beauty's Lip Soufflé delivers a weightless, whipped matte that hydrates and lasts. Founder Selena Gomez loves "Inspire" red, but with shades like "Kindness" (a perfect nude), there's a colour for everyone. This 4.5-star Sephora darling lives up to the hype.
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream, $33
Best Luxury Buy
Forget touch-ups—Dior’s Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer Proof Lipstick’s long-lasting colour-rich formula ensures a flawless pout for hours with a velvety finish. You get up to 12 hours of uninterrupted wear time without feeling weighed down or dried up. We love that the bolder shades like Forever Radiant and Forever Charm stay put and don’t feather.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer Proof Lipstick, $64
Best Drugstore Brand
We can’t write about long-wear lipsticks without mentioning Maybelline’s Super Stay Liquid Lipstick. This intensely pigmented matte lipstick can literally stay on for days—if that’s your thing. We recommend priming your lips first before applying the lipstick because the formula can feel tight on drier lips.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick, $17.90