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13 Liquid Lipsticks For A Long-Wearing Power Lip
Cue the brave hues and budge-proof formulas.
Remember the days when traditional bullet lipsticks had lacklustre colour payoff and could be smeared to infinity by even so much as a sip of water? We try not to. Back then, liquid lipsticks were the only way to get a guaranteed punchy lip colour that lasted all day. But, from pigmentation to wear time, bullet formulas have really stepped up in the last few years and as a result, our expectations of the once cult liquid lipstick have also made a jump.
There was a time when we tolerated the potentially drying feel of liquid lipsticks in the name of vibrant hues and impenetrable longevity, however, compromising comfort for colour won't cut it anymore. A new generation of hydrating fluid formulas have replaced the tacky and dehydrating textures of the past; same vibrant tones and life-proof promises but with more intelligent ingredients and a softer feel on the skin.
How do I wear liquid lipstick if I've got dry lips?
Though the dry-down of liquid lipsticks have made a definite improvement in recent time, dry, textured or flaky-looking lips may still reap the benefits of an extra level of TLC. Make-up artist Joy Adenuga says the best way to prevent a pout in drought is by prepping the lips the night before; a gentle scrub followed by a rich lip balm before bed and avoiding liquid lipstick formulas that dry ultra-matte.
'Always start with well moisturised lips. Liquid lipsticks do not sit well with dry and cracked lips,' she explains. 'My personal favourite for this is the classic Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream. By morning, your lips are soft, supple and ready for liquid lipstick application. Depending on the colour, most shades can be applied directly on their own. I advise using a lip liner to define your lips. This also seals out fine lines and prevent the colour bleeding out.'
Pro tip: you can aid the longevity of your liquid lipstick and prevent transfer by applying and blotting with a soft ply tissue. 'Do this two or three times and it becomes transfer proof,' Adenuga advises.
Jaw-dropping shades, blurring finishes and nourishing formulas that will stay locked to your lips for hours (we're talking double digits here), meet the standout liquid lipsticks for a bold and bouncy statement lip.
Shop The Best Long-Wearing Liquid Lipsticks
Passing on mattes? If the dry-down of traditional liquid lipsticks has you heading back to bullets, this high-shine hybrid formula might be for you. Somewhere between a gloss and a lipstick, it boasts all the coverage of a bold lip paint but with a hydrating mirror-like glaze.
Decadent packaging, vitamin-rich ingredients, this Gucci lipstick is high fashion beauty at its finest. The shade Goldie Red is beloved by ELLE UK Senior Beauty Editor, George Driver; treading the line between blue and brown undertones, it's the perfect all-flattering red for everyday.
Forget fading and feathering, this ultra-fine colour sets to a transfer-proof film in just 15 minutes. Full coverage in a single swipe, 12 hour wear and a bare lip feel? Say no more.
Bright in tone and light in feel, this cloud-like whip is the epitome of modern liquid lipstick textures. Rich in vitamin E, it has all the best characteristics of a fluid formula (pigmented, long wearing, easy to layer) without any of the dreaded drying downsides.
If past liquid lipsticks have left you with trust issues (that's right, we're calling out those so-called weightless finishes and budge-proof broken promises), let us introduce you to this magic fluid formula. Not only does this bold colour pack a pigmented punch, it's ultra-thin consistency couldn't feel lighter on the lips. If it wasn't for it's vibrant long-wear stain, you could completely forget that you're wearing it.
Maybelline Superstay 24 Matte Ink Lipstick - £9.99
Whether it be an accidental overline at your cupid's bow or not quite being able to catch those narrow corners, applying liquid lipstick can be tricky. This innovative matte is equipped with a unique arrowhead applicator making layering this long-wear colour oh-so-easy.
Designed with Patrick Ta's signature monochromatic make-up look in mind, this quartet of velvet neutrals are perfect for that structured nineties nude lip.
If you're already a fan of traditional matte liquid lipsticks, this plush lip colour was made for you. Where some powder matte finishes can air a little on the dry side, these rich rose-inspired shades remain soft on the lips all day long. But what less would we expect from the queen of make-up herself?
Not only has this cult favourite found itself on our top tier of liquid lipsticks, it was also ranked among our top 10 lipsticks full stop. From its innovative lip-hugging applicator to its modern and universal shade range, this is a lip colour that dries momentarily and leaves a lasting impression.
Another reformulated classic that still hails icon status, Huda Beauty's Liquid Matte Lipstick has been reimagined for 2022. Rich in conditioning olive oil and vitamins A and E, it's more comfortable than ever while retaining the saturation and pigment that garnered its original fanbase.
Finding an opaque, lasting lip tint doesn't always mean to defaulting back to matte. This satin lipstick not only drenches your lips in a generous layer of full-coverage colour, its argan oil and shea butter formula will leave your lips looking better than before, even after the shade fades.
When we think of liquid lipsticks, the original KVD Everlasting formula is one of the first that comes to mind. This flexible fluid not only resists flaking throughout the day, but when it does eventually fade, it's easy to layer without the worrying of caking, crusting or having to take it off and start all over again.
We take the pop star seal of approval rather seriously here, particularly when it comes to smudge-proof lipsticks; just take one look at the list above. Rounding up the celebrity-approved lip lines is this brilliant matte fluid from Halsey's About Face. Not only is it evidently microphone-proof (for all you karaoke fans), but we also trust it to hold its own against other everyday risks. You know, like takeouts and make-outs.
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