This $9 Lipstick Can Withstand Anything, and It's My Latest Obsession

I consider anything lip related (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, etc.) my favorite makeup products. I just love a statement lip more than anything. More often than not, my makeup look consists of minimal eye makeup, some concealer or light-coverage foundation, brow gel, a dash of blush, and a bold lip. It's my favorite look because it takes very little time and effort and looks good, and I almost always get nice compliments.

The problem with relying on lip products, though? Many of them can smudge and fade, so you have to reapply over and over again. Have a sip of water? Time to reapply. Eat a few bites? Better get that lipstick tube out. Give someone a smooch? Yeah, you're going to have to swipe that lip gloss on again (and maybe even give that someone a napkin, too). It can be annoying, but hey, a little fading is inevitable, right?

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(Image credit: @sarahayang)

Well, it turns out it doesn't have to be completely inevitable. There are actually some amazing lipsticks out there that have major staying power—you just have to find the right one. For me, my "aha" moment came recently when I discovered Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick ($8). Holy moly, this thing sticks to your lips in the best way possible. I bought two tubes to wear to my friend's New Year's Eve wedding earlier this year, and I only had to reapply once, and that was after midnight, about seven hours after I first applied the product. It withstood eating, drinking, and some kisses, and it didn't even smudge onto glassware or my boyfriend's face.

So of course, I'm now absolutely in love with this lipstick. Not only is its staying power crazy good, but it also is so affordable. It costs just $8, so I am planning on buying more colors. (There are more than 50 shades to choose from.) Plus, the matte finish looks so chic and flattering, and the color is super pigmented and bold.

You can shop my rec or take a look at other long-lasting, smudge- and fade-proof options (that also happen to be editor and reader favorites) below.

1. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

2. Dior Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer Proof Lipstick

3. Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick

4. Smashbox Always On Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick

5. Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick

6. Giorgio Armani Lip Power Long-Lasting Satin Lipstick

7. Lancôme L'Absolu Lacquer Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick

8. Revlon ColorStay Overtime LipColor

9. Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment Liquid Lipstick

10. Covergirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color With Topcoat

11. Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick

12. MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipstick

13. Chanel Rouge Allure Ink Fusion Ultrawear Intense Matte Liquid Lip Color

Conditioning Lip Products to Shop

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.