As face masks became a daily reality, many of us retired our lipsticks, since our eyes were suddenly the only part of our faces on display. But if you miss the power of a red lip (or have applied lipstick for a Zoom meeting, just to have it smudge onto your mask while running an errand later in the day), there are plenty of mask-proof lip formulas out there. Perhaps unsurprisingly, “liquid lipsticks are going to be big for face mask wearers as they are long-wearing and smudge-proof,” explains makeup artist Pauline Briscoe. In addition to liquid lipsticks, our 11 experts, which include makeup artists and beauty editors, recommended a range of matte lipsticks, lip pencils, and even lipstick sealants that will survive your face mask.
Best liquid lipsticks
Two of the beauty editors we spoke to swear by this newer MAC formula. Compared to their ever popular Retro Matte Liquid lip (which makes an appearance a little bit lower on this list), Powder Kiss has a whipped, mousse-like texture which beauty editor Thatiana Diaz says “lives up to its name with a cushiony cloud feel on your lips” that creates a “blurred, natural finish for those days where you’d rather keep it more simple underneath your mask.” Beauty editor and writer Khalea Underwood agrees: “This formula is one of the most comfortable liquid iterations I’ve ever tried, and because the pigment is so rich, I only need a few swipes.”
“KVD Vegan Beauty’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick stays put for hours of wear and the pigment pay off is unparalleled,” says makeup artist Jessica deBen, whose favorite shades include Lovecraft, Lolita, and Outlaw. “They have a lovely formula and are packed with natural conditioners including Vitamin E and sunflower seed wax for smooth application and comfortable wear,” adds Briscoe.
Cult-favorite Fenty Beauty’s lip paints provide “amazing wearable shades with a long lasting finish,” according to Briscoe. The Stunna lip paint in Uncensored is also a long-time favorite of Rio Viera-Newton who writes that even after a four course-meal at a Mediterranean-food buffet (plus two-and-a-half glasses of wine), “the lipstick looked essentially the same as it did five-and-a-half hours (plus one messy meal) earlier.” And if it can survive all that, it can surely withstand your mask.
For a luxury lip stain (that’s worth the money), Yves Saintd Laurent’s three liquid lipsticks were namechecked twice. Margina Dennis says that the Vinyl Cream Lip Stain, Glossy Stain, and Water Stain Glow Lip Stain don’t disappoint when it comes to creating a “long-wearing look without being matte or drying your lips out.” She suggests allowing the first coat to completely dry before applying another layer. Of the three YSL stains, Briscoe has the most love for this one, the Water Stain Glow Lip Stain. It’s the sheerest of the bunch and gives the lips a pretty, glossy hue that lasts.
“For someone that is looking for a vast spectrum of 90 amazing colors (from black to green), I recommend Sephora Collection Cream Lipstain Liquid Lipstick,” says Amy Zdunowski-Roeder. While liquid lipsticks tend to feel very heavy on the lips, this does the opposite, she says, because “they are infused with avocado oil which keeps hydration in check.” Among all of the long-lasting lip products she uses, Zdunowski-Roeder told us she finds that these last the longest and, “will not dry out your lips or make them crack.” It’s also a favorite of our beauty writer Tembe Denton-Hurst, who writes that “In addition to being fairly opaque (I have two-toned lips and it covers my brown lip just as well as my pink one), it actually stays on, but not in an uncomfortable, moisture-sucking way.”
Makeup artist Jennifer Nam suggests this lipstick from MAC. She says the formula dries down quickly, but doesn’t set so firmly that you can’t blend it. “When using liquid lipsticks from any brand, it’s best not to consume too many oily foods like olive oil or fries because the oil will break down the lipstick,” says Nam. Similarly when you want them off at the end of the day, only an oil-based makeup remover do. Her go-to: Almay’s aloe-infused makeup remover pads, which are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
According to Diaz, this lipstick is so good, she can leave it at home—no reapplication needed. It’s survived face masks, sweat, a fried seafood lunch, and kisses from her fiancé. “I would trust this lipstick to last through a day at the waterpark,” she says.
“The Lip Bar matte vegan liquid lip colors are winners for adding moisture while maintaining staying power underneath your mask,” due to the synthetic beeswax-infused formula, says celebrity makeup artist Yolonda Frederick-Thompson.
Nam also loves Chanel’s double-ended long-wear liquid lipstick which features both a liquid lipstick and a top coat, which she says has “excellent staying power” when applied correctly. “You should blot your lip balm off and wipe your lips before applying the color and wait a few moments for it dry,” she explains. “Once you feel that step one is dry, you can choose to leave your lipstick as a matte texture or you can paint a coat of the lip gloss for a glassy effect.”
For a super affordable option, Diaz trusts NYX’s liquid lipstick because it “won’t dry out your lips and has lasted over nine hours. Yes, I’ve counted,” she says. “It fades evenly on your lips as the day goes on, so it doesn’t look messy but more like a flush of color.”
“Believe it or not, drugstore lipsticks really have some amazing staying power,” said makeup artist Zdunowski-Roeder. You can find this “truly lightweight” lip stain in the aisles of your local pharmacy. “It has a very lovely, matte finish which is definitely comparable to more expensive brands.”
Makeup artist Amanda Shackleton told us this formula lives up to its brand name. “It feels like butter going on,” she says. And if you order two, the shipping is free.
Best non-liquid lipsticks
While our experts generally agreed that liquid lipsticks stand up best to face masks, there are a handful of regular matte lipsticks that are long-wearing enough survive. They’re a great alternative if you don’t like the feel of liquid lipsticks or struggle to apply them. “MAC’s Retro Matte Lipstick is the mattest lipstick on the market,” says Nam, who adds that “after one to two swipes, you’re golden.” deBen agrees: “It’s a creamy matte that won’t dry like most lip stains.” Nam’s tip: Blot your lips with a tissue after applying. “As long as your lips are not completely pressed into your face mask, this lipstick is long wearing and has minimal transfer,” she says.
First launched in 2017 with just nine shades, Pat McGrath’s matte lipsticks quickly became beloved for their densely pigmented, longwearing formula. “These transfer resistant lippies are not only non-drying and velvety smooth, but can withstand hours of mask wearing,” promises Frederick-Thompson.
According to Shackleton, “YSL really hit the mark with this updated formula,” which she describes as long lasting and non-transferrable that still has a lovely, non-drying sheen.
“Glossier’s Generation G Lipstick delivers a wash of color for that natural lip-bitten look that proves smudge resistant underneath your mask,” says Frederick-Thompson.
Best lip pencils
According to makeup artist Jill Powell, another good hack is to “use a longwearing or waterproof lip liner to fill in your entire lip to create a long lasting lip color.” She likes Il Makiage because the liner comes in a big range of colors.
“This line of all-over pencils goes the extra mile,” says deBen. “If it’s designed to stay put near the eyes, you know it will stay put on your lips.”
Zdunowski-Roeder calls this lip color “outstanding,” because it won’t crack and crease, despite staying on all day. For the price, “they are delightfully amazing.”
Best lipstick sealants
“If all else fails and you want to wear your favorite lipstick, then try a lipstick sealer like Mehron Lip Stix,” says Powell. “Simply apply your favorite lipstick, and then finish with a coat of Lip Stix to lock your color in place,” she adds.
Dennis suggested using a lipstick sealant like Model in a Bottle, which is made from a botanical plant base.
For a drugstore option, Dennis loves Covergirl’s Outlast All Day Top Coat. While it was designed to be used with the Covergirl Outlast Lipcolor, this topcoat has a cult following for working with other formulas,” she says.
Best face mask accessory
Nam suggests trying out a face mask bracket, which will create some space between your mouth and your mask. It’s a “very cool tool that lets you wear any of your favorite lipsticks,” even the ones that tend to transfer, she explains. While the exact face mask frame Nam recommended is currently sold out, we wrote about this set, which has more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
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