The 7 Best Liquid Lipsticks (That Don’t Make Your Lips Look Like Raisins)
There are two words that both instill fear and incite fervor among makeup lovers everywhere: liquid lipstick. On one hand, there’s no denying the bold, long-lasting color. On the other hand, they can be sort of messy and leave your lips looking a bit, um, prune-y. Problem solved: We swiped dozens of formulas to find seven that don’t require any trade-off.
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Beauty by Brent Lip Service
“Liquid lipstick” is a bit of a misnomer because most formulas are pretty creamy. This one, however, truly is more fluid in texture. Though the consistency is thinner than many others we’ve tried, we’ve found that this actually helps with the application (it goes on more evenly) and wear (it lasts longer without drying out your lips).
Beauty by Brent ($18)
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips
The makeup artist behind this lipstick has decades of experience glamming the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell—and it shows. The lipstick has a nifty applicator that dips in the center (to avoid over-dispensing product) and a mousse-like texture that feels light and airy. It also contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and beeswax to keep your lips smooth and supple. Win-win-win.
Charlotte Tilbury ($34)
NYX Cosmetics Lip Lingerie
If you’re looking for an everyday neutral, there are 24 options to choose from with this cult-favorite (and Insta-famous) line. Regardless of which flesh-toned shade you pick, rest assured it will last all day long, between multiple sips and bites.
NYX Cosmetics ($7)
Context Liquid Lacquer
This conscious pick is paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free, but its color still packs a punch. Loaded with pigment and vitamin E, each swipe delivers opaque coverage and a hit of moisture (which, as any lipstick-wearer knows, is crucial).
Context ($24)
CoverGirl Melting Pout Liquid Lipstick
Typically, liquid lipsticks have a matte finish. (Or at the very least, they’re certainly not shiny.) This gel-based formula is unique in that it wears more like a gloss—only with a much stronger color payoff and a high sheen.
CoverGirl ($8)
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
If we had a quarter for every time we unknowingly complimented a friend who was wearing this lipstick, well, let’s just say that we would have enough to buy ourselves a tube (or three). The velvety formula is highly pigmented and glides on seamlessly—which is exactly how it wears throughout the day.
Stila ($22)
Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick
Two common complaints about liquid lipsticks: They’re too thick and too messy. This lightweight formula is neither. Its balm-like texture dries quickly, so you don’t get any annoying transfer on your, well, everything. The extra pointy tip makes the application easy-breezy and incredibly precise. We’ll take ten.
Giorgio Armani Beauty ($38)