The best options are lightweight, pigmented, and budge-proof —but don’t be fooled; finding one that checks these boxes (and more) is no easy feat. So, we put nearly 40 different options to the test in our lab facility in NYC and then at home in the real world, evaluating each one based on its pigmentation, comfortability, transfer resistance, wear, and shade range . Ahead, we’re sharing which ones performed the best, earning them the Byrdie stamp of approval.
Whether it’s your go-to nude shade for date night or a fiery red for a special occasion, you want to swipe on a long-lasting lipstick and practically forget it’s even there. Read: no smearing, stickiness, fading, crusty dryness, or heavy feeling on your lips. “I typically prefer to use a lipstick with a matte finish because matte lipsticks tend to last longer than glossy or satin finishes,” says celebrity makeup artist Renee Sangoo . In addition to matte finishes that can aid in longevity, cosmetic chemist Julie Pefferman explains that ingredients like silicones , silicone polymers, and isododecane are used in long-lasting lipsticks to help them dry down faster and adhere to the skin better.
Best Overall
Urban Decay Vice Lip Bond Liquid Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$28
View On Ulta
$28
View On Urbandecay.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Comfortable on the lips
Pigmented
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Very transfer-resistant
Shiny finish
Offered in a range of neutrals and pops of color
What We Don’t Like
Takes a few minutes to set down
You’ll find that a lot of long-wearing lipsticks have a matte finish since shiny options packed with oils and emollients tend to fade and migrate faster, but this option from Urban Decay delivers both shine and longevity. The lightweight liquid formula is comfortable and non-drying on the lips, and we loved how pigmented and smooth just one to two layers looked. It didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, or feather. While it did take about five minutes to fully set and dry down, once it did, it was almost completely resistant to transfer. It lasted beautifully through eating and drinking with just the most minor transfer in one area—we were quite impressed by how well it remained intact. It’s pigmented, non-drying, smooth-looking, and long-lasting, earning it rave reviews from testers. If you prefer a lipstick with a shiny finish but have been struggling to find one that’s truly long-wearing and budge-proof, we think you’ll love this formula.
Finish: Shiny | Shades: 19 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge
Gucci Transfer-proof Matte Liquid lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$47
View On Nordstrom
$47
What We Like
Slightly thick consistency makes it easy to control
Pigmented
Packaging shows the true color of the lipstick
Solid transfer-resistance
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Luxurious packaging
What We Don't Like
Feels drying on the lips
Needs to be build up a bit for full, even coverage
There’s something fun and special about splurging on a luxe lipstick. If you agree and you’re in the market for a long-wearing option, we recommend this one from Gucci. It features a classic liquid lipstick formula that has a slightly thick consistency, which helps with controlled application and prevents it from being too runny and bleeding outside the lip lines. While it offers solid pigmentation, we found that it looked the most even and opaque after two to three swipes. Once applied, it set down quickly and was immediately transfer-resistant—it lasted beautifully through our transfer tests without smearing, fading, or coming off. We also appreciate that it comes in a range of shades that are wearable for every day as well as a few occasion-friendly colors. Plus, a nice detail is that the gorgeous packaging is true to color—it shows up on the lips the same color that it looks in the tube.
One thing to note is that the formula does feel drying on the lips and can emphasize lip lines. This is quite common for long-lasting liquid lipsticks, but it’s something to keep in mind if you have chronically dry lips. However, if you prep your lips with lip balm and you’re looking for a completely matte finish that won’t budge, it’s absolutely worth trying out.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lip Color
Sephora
View On Amazon
$10
View On Ulta
$13
View On Target
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight formula
Small applicator makes precision application easy
Feels comfortable on the lips
Can use the matte formula on its own or layer with the glossy topcoat
Comes in an extensive shade range
Matte formula is very transfer-resistant
Doesn’t bleed or feather
What We Don't Like
Gloss formula feels sticky
Shades look very different on the lips than the color of the packaging
The drugstore has awesome lipstick offerings, and this is one of our absolute favorites. It seriously impressed us during our test thanks to its long-wearing formula and versatility. It has a classic liquid lipstick formula with a matte finish on one end that can be used alone or layered with the clear lip gloss on the other end. The matte formula is pigmented, very transfer-resistant, and relatively comfortable and non-drying on the lips compared to other similar formulas. The small doe-foot applicator makes it easy to apply the color precisely, and we love that it sets down quickly and doesn’t settle into fine lines on the lips. You can totally wear the liquid lipstick formula alone if you like a matte finish, but if you want lasting color with a high-shine finish, it’s nice that the product comes with a gloss on the other end.
We were very impressed by how well this drugstore buy performed, though it’s worth noting that the lip gloss does have a pretty tacky feeling (though this is good for longevity) and the colors appear different on the lips than what’s represented on the packaging. All-in-all, it’s a versatile and affordable product that’s excellent for anyone on the hunt for a long-lasting lipstick.
Finish: Matte formula with shiny topcoat | Shades: 24 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Drugstore, Runner-Up
L'Oréal Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick
Ulta
View On Amazon
$10
View On Ulta
$14
View On Target
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Creamy, lightweight texture
Bold pigmentation
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Lots of neutral and bold shades to choose from
Doesn’t feel drying on the lips
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
Another drugstore lipstick that earned high praise during our test is this one from L'Oréal. The skinny bullet is easy to apply precisely, and just one swipe delivers full-on, opaque color payoff. It’s offered in 22 shades, including neutrals, a variety of pinks and rosy shades, and some bold hues. We loved that it applied smoothly and felt creamy and lightweight on the lips while setting to a matte finish. It didn’t fade, bleed, or emphasize lines or texture on the lips— it looked seamless.
While we did experience some transferring during our transfer tests, we still absolutely think this formula is long-wearing compared to other traditional lipsticks on the market. You might need to reapply after eating or drinking, but other than that, it stays put beautifully without smearing or fading. This one is much more comfortable compared to other matte, long-wearing options that can feel tight and dry on the lips. If you’re on the hunt for a drugstore pick that comes in a beautiful shade and offers longevity without being overly drying, this is the one for you.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 22 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Nudes
Makeup By Mario Ultra Suede Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$28
View On Kohls.com
$28
View On Makeupbymario.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Excellent shade range
Nudes come in unique and wearable undertones
Lightweight and creamy formula
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Impressive pigmentation
Magnetic cap
What We Don’t Like
Transfers a bit
When you're in the mood for a subtle neutral shade, Makeup By Mario's Ultra Suede line is where it's at. This range is available in fun pinks, reds, and more unique hues, though the selection of nudes is what makes it stand out. Founder and CEO (and iconic MUA) Mario Dedivanovic knows how to create neutral lip colors with perfect undertones that beautifully compliment people with all different complexions.
In addition to the impressive shade offering, we were incredibly impressed by the performance of these lipsticks. One or two swipes delivered full and even coverage, creating an opaque look with a slightly blurred finish. The formula is creamy and non-drying while maintaining a totally matte finish, and once applied, the colors (even the super-bright ones) don’t feather or bleed outside the lip lines. Though there’s a slight transfer when eating while wearing this one, it’s really quite minimal. Plus, it’s easy to layer without getting cakey, so we don’t mind re-applying this one after meals if needed. If you’re in the market for a comfortable matte lipstick with a lightweight feel and a long-lasting formula, we recommend picking up your perfect nude from this line.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Shade Range
Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick
Nordstrom
View On Sephora
$47
View On Nordstrom
$40
View On Dior.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Soft matte finish
Buildable
Comfortable on the lips
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Good transfer-resistance
Tons of neutral shades and pops of color
What We Don't Like
Has a strong perfumey scent
If you’re searching for long-lasting lipstick in a specific color, chances are you’ll find it in this range from Dior. Available in 36 shades that span from light nudes and baby pinks to crimson reds and espresso browns, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone. Aside from the impressive shade offering, we loved how well the formula performed. It’s a classic bullet lipstick with a soft matte finish that feels lightweight and comfortable on the lips. It offers bold and buildable pigmentation, and we experienced very minimal transferring during eating, drinking, and blotting our lips. It didn’t bleed, feather, or emphasize lip lines, and while it didn’t feel hydrating per se, we appreciated that it wasn’t too drying.
We didn’t love that strong perfumey fragrance that was very noticeable during application, but luckily it faded after a few minutes. It’s a luxurious and easy-to-use product with a high-quality formula, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soft matte formula in a specific color.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Transfer-Proof
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick
Ulta
View On Amazon
$20
View On Sephora
$20
View On Ulta
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Completely budge-proof
Smooth, creamy texture
One-swipe color payoff
Dries down quickly
Doesn’t bleed or feather
What We Don’t Like
Feels drying on the lips
Shades look different on the lips than the color of the packaging
If you like a classic liquid lipstick formula that promises fully saturated color payoff and a seriously budge-proof formula, this one from Anastasia Beverly Hills is for you. The liquid consistency is creamy and easy to apply, and we loved that just one layer offered even and opaque coverage. It set down quickly into a matte finish that didn’t bleed, feather, or smear, and it performed almost flawlessly during our transfer test. Only the tiniest bit of color from one small area transferred onto the cup while drinking water, but it didn’t impact how the color or finish looked on the lips. It’s long-lasting and stays almost entirely intact for hours and through eating and drinking, making it a wise choice for a special event.
Like most similar liquid lipsticks, it is a drying formula that can be a bit uncomfortable and can emphasize lines. However, if you need a lip color that you can swipe on without having to worry about it migrating or transferring, it’s a fantastic choice. Plus, applying a light layer of lip balm underneath can help make it more comfortable.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie /Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Comfortable
MAC Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
Macy's
View On Ulta
$28
View On Walmart
$30
View On Nordstrom
$24
Our Ratings
What We Like
Slim bullet is nice for precise application
Very lightweight on the lips
Offers one-wipe color payoff
Feels comfortable and slightly hydrating on the lips
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Comes in a wide range of colors
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
It’s no secret that long-wearing lipsticks can feel heavy and drying. This one is surprisingly comfortable thanks to a lightweight formula that feels mildly hydrating on the lips. In addition to being quite pleased with how weightless and non-drying it felt as we wore it, we adored that the slim bullet allowed us to apply the color carefully. Just one swipe offered full and even pigmentation, and once set, it didn’t emphasize lip lines, bleed, feather, or fade. It did transfer a bit during our transfer tests, so it’s not ideal to wear while you’re eating, but the transfer was definitely more minimal than it would be with a satin or shiny lipstick. Between the comfortable formula, extensive shade range, impressive color payoff, and relatively budge-proof formula, this one has earned our stamp of approval. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a long-lasting, soft matte lipstick that won’t dry out your lips.
Finish: Soft matte | Shades: 23 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Best Pigmentation
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint
Sephora
View On Sephora
$29
View On Ulta
$29
View On Fentybeauty.com
Our Ratings
What We Like
Lightweight
Rich, one-swipe color payoff
Doesn’t bleed or smudge
Very transfer-resistant
Dries down quickly
What We Don't Like
Looks and feels a bit dry on the lips
Shade range is limited
Those that desire bold, one-swipe color payoff will appreciate this liquid lipstick from Fenty Beauty. The lightweight liquid formula applies smoothly and with full saturation in one quick swipe. After a few seconds, it sets down to a completely matte finish that locks in place and resists bleeding, feathering, fading, smudging, and transferring. It transferred just a bit while we ate, though it remained completely intact as we wore it throughout the day and assessed it for transferring by drinking and blotting. It feels a bit dry on the lips, but because the formula is so thin, it doesn’t feel heavy, cakey, or tight. The downside to the thin, matte formula is that it can emphasize lip lines and texture, so we recommend gently exfoliating your lips and applying lip balm before swiping on the color.
We wish the range offered more colors (it currently sits at 7), but if you do find a shade you like and you prefer opaque, matte lip colors, we think you’ll be quite pleased with this popular pick.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 7 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Pencil
NARS Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil
Sephora
View On Sephora
$30
View On Ulta
$30
View On Walmart
$26
Our Ratings
What We Like
Great for precise application
Rich pigmentation
Smooth, creamy formula
Dries down fast
Doesn’t bleed or fade
Transfer-resistant
What We Don't Like
A lot of the shades look very similar to each other in person
Lip pencils and crayons are great for people with small lips or those who want to achieve a super-precise application of their lip color. We were incredibly impressed with this pencil from Nars, thanks to the one-swipe color payoff, smooth and creamy formula, and notable transfer resistance. The formula glides onto the lips effortlessly, depositing a rich, even layer of color that quickly sets down to a matte finish. Once set, it doesn’t bleed, feather, or fade, and we were thrilled with how well it remained intact during our transfer tests. We experienced minor transferring while eating, but otherwise, it stayed put beautifully. While the thin formula does settle into lines a bit, it’s not nearly as drying as other matte options we tested, making it pretty comfortable to wear for a long period of time. Though we appreciate that the shades are pigmented and look nice on a wide range of skin tones, a lot of them do look quite similar in person. But if you find a shade you love and you appreciate the convenience of a pencil format, we highly recommend this one.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Joy Kim
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Best Lacquer
Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink Lipcolor
Ulta
View On Ulta
$13
View On Target
$10
View On Walmart
$10
Our Ratings
What We Like
Rich pigmentation
Applicator makes it easy to apply
Smooth, creamy formula
Non-drying compared to other long-wearing options
Very minimal transfer
What We Don't Like
Feels a bit tacky on the lips
Takes a few minutes to fully set down
Minor bleeding around lip lines
If you’re looking for a high-shine lip color that you won’t need to continuously re-apply, we recommend this budget-friendly option from Maybelline. Available in 20 shades that range from pale nude to cranberry red, you can swipe one on for everyday wear or pick a bold color for a special event. The liquid formula is creamy and easy to apply with the slightly pointed doe-foot applicator, and we appreciated that it’s quite pigmented and goes on evenly with just a few swipes.
Note that it does take a few minutes to fully set down, but once it does, it sits nicely on the lips without looking dry, heavy, or emphasizing texture. It maintains its shiny finish and feels pretty comfortable and non-drying compared to similar options, though it can be just a bit tacky as it’s setting. We did experience minor transfer with this one, but we actually think that’s due to over-application. Once we blotted off the excess, it remained completely budge-proof throughout the rest of our testing. We also recommend using this formula with a lip liner to prevent bleeding or feathering. Despite minor qualms, we think this lacquer is absolutely worth checking out if you’re looking for a glassy lip product that won’t fade after an hour or two.
Finish: High-shine | Shades: 20 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Best Lightweight
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream
Sephora
View On Sephora
$20
View On Rarebeauty.com
View On Kohls.com
$20
Our Ratings
What We Like
Weightless, whipped texture
Rich pigmentation
Buildable
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Doesn’t feel drying
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
This whipped, soufflé-like lip product is perfect for people who hate the feeling of a heavy, tacky, or drying formula on their lips. Despite feeling utterly weightless, it offers bold pigmentation that can be dabbed on with your fingertips to create a blotted effect, or built up for a full, opaque look. While it’s not necessarily moisturizing, it doesn’t feel drying, which is a major win in our book. Once it sets down, it won’t bleed or feather, though it can slightly emphasize lip lines, especially if your lips are extra dry. We did find that it transferred a bit during our transfer tests, although it didn’t remove the color or ruin how our lips looked.
Overall, we were very impressed with this formula. It comes in neutrals and fun colors, feels very soft and weightless on the lips, and remains in tact for hours. We also appreciate that it can be used to achieve different effects, making it a versatile option that you’re bound to get lots of use out of.
Finish: Matte | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Best Soft Matte
Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick
Sephora
View On Sephora
$39
View On Ulta
$39
View On Ulta
$39
Our Ratings
What We Like
Soft, creamy consistency
Not drying or cakey
Rich, buildable pigmentation
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Extensive shade range
Luxe packaging
What We Don't Like
Transfers
The difference between a matte lipstick and a soft matte lipstick is that while mattes are completely shine-free, soft matte formulas maintain the tiniest bit of shine for a more natural-looking finish. Soft mattes are also usually a bit less drying on lips. We adore this one because it features a lightweight and buildable formula that feels comfortable and non-drying without too much shine peeking through. You can apply a light layer of the color and pat it in with your fingers to create a blurred look, or build it up straight from the bullet for a more full-glam effect. Each shade in the extensive range—that includes nudes, hot pinks, wine reds, and more—is smooth and pigmented. Once you apply it, it sets nicely without bleeding or feathering, and it’s doesn’t highlight lip lines as significantly as full-on mattes might.
While this formula does transfer if you blot your lips, eat, or drink, we found that the color still looks relatively intact—you might just want to swipe on another layer after meals to keep it looking even. However, if you’re not eating or drinking, it stays in place beautifully for several hours. Between the comfortability, impressive shade range, and luxe packaging, this one really impressed us.
Finish: Soft Matte | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Best Vegan
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud Liquid Lip Color
Amazon
View on Ulta
View On Amazon
$12
View On Target
$12
Our Ratings
What We Like
Extensive shade range
Contains moisturizing ingredients
Doesn’t feel drying on the lips
Comes with matte liquid lipstick and a clear, glossy topcoat
Doesn’t bleed or feather
Rich pigmentation
What We Don't Like
Transfers a bit
If you prefer to use vegan makeup, we recommend checking out this vegan and cruelty-free, long-lasting lipstick. It comes with a matte liquid lipstick on one end and a clear, glossy topcoat on the other end, which can be used separately or combined to create a pigmented look with a glassy finish. The matte formula is pigmented, smooth, and doesn’t feel drying or heavy on the lips, and we appreciate that the clear gloss isn’t sticky. Once applied, it sets down quickly and locks in place without emphasizing lip lines, bleeding, or feathering. Though we did experience minor transferring while eating, it didn’t disrupt the look on the lips.
In addition to the high-performing and vegan formula, we appreciate that it contains nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and more to prevent it from drying out the lips. Another bonus is that it’s offered in 36 shades that range from medium rose and chocolate brown to fire engine red and even a royal blue. It’s a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, long-wearing lipstick with a high-shine finish—regardless of whether you intentionally seek out vegan products.
Finish: High-shine | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Joy Kim
Augusta: I was pretty skeptical about this one because it's a liquid lipstick, so the application of those is usually super tricky. BUT, this one was actually one of my favorites. It's really, really dry, but the color is beautiful and it lasted through sushi, a milk test, and about six cups of coffee (reading this is making me rethink my diet throughout a day). At the end of the day, it had faded — mostly around the center of my mouth — but it's pretty solid otherwise. Downside: It's incredibly hard to get off.
Jarry: Maybe I put on too many layers, but this got incredibly cakey and dry. The color was my favorite out of the five, but the pigment actually ended up staining my skin— as did the Wet N Wild one — to an even worse extent because it was so dark. I'm also not a fan of liquid lipstick and this was no exception — very difficult to apply without a lip liner.
Jessica: This one was my least favorite. The first thing I did was to try it on my hand to see how the lipstick would feel and, if I didn't apply it properly, how hard it would be to take off. I am happy I did this because I immediately realized that if I messed it up a bit while applying it, I was going to be stuck with that mistake all day. I was very careful when putting it on and I immediately felt like my lips were drying within seconds of applying it. I had hoped this would mean no residue would come off during the day, but I was wrong. At one point I realized I had some lipstick on my teeth, and it was so embarrassing. However, even though residue kept coming off my lips all day, the lipstick also lasted on my lips the whole day, and it was very hard to take off. The color was very pretty, but I didn't like the feeling of it at all. I wouldn't wear it again.
Arianna: This lipstick smells so much like frosting it was distracting. I wanted to eat it. I didn't, though; instead, I just wore it and enjoyed it quite a bit. Probably my favorite color of the bunch, and pretty long-lasting, if a tad drying. Since it is liquid, though, I could have benefited from a nice clear lip liner. It's harder to control the application.
Alexis: This is my favorite partially because of the color but also because this stuff works HARD. It stays on very well and doesn't even dream about fading over the course of the day. I was eating, drinking, blowing my nose, coughing into my scarf (I had a cold this whole week so the lipsticks had to survive that) and this shit stayed locked on. I mentioned the color before but have to reiterate — it's the best red I've ever had on my lips. It's deep, it's dark, it's poisonous and a bit scary. Everything I wanted. If there is one caveat about this lipstick though, it's that the Stila is harder to apply than a regular stick. It's very liquid-y and I had to take a Q-tip and fix my lines while I was putting it on. Definitely not entry-level stuff.