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When you want your lip color to look fresh after hours of wear, happy hour with friends, or wearing a mask, you need something a little more heavy-duty than your average formula. The best smudge- and transfer-proof lipsticks are liquid formulas, which are naturally longer-lasting, and contain silicone ingredients that help seal in the color. Most liquid lipsticks, especially matte ones, will last about 12 hours, and once they dry down (which takes only a few seconds), they become basically impossible to remove until you go in with a micellar water or cleansing oil.
How To Make Lipstick Last Longer
How you apply your lipstick can also impact how it holds up throughout the day. Prepping your lips by gently exfoliating away any rough patches and applying a thin layer of lip balm will create a smooth, clean canvas for the color to cling onto. That said, you'll want to make sure your lip balm has had time to completely sink in (or use a tissue to blot off any excess product), as too much balm on your lips can prevent the lipstick from setting properly. Then, to really lock your lipstick into place, line and fill in your lips with a lip liner in a similar color. After that, you can apply your lipstick, and even set it with a translucent powder or setting spray if you want to add even more staying power. Avoiding greasy or oily foods throughout the day can also help prevent your lipstick from smudging, bleeding, or transferring, since much like oil-based makeup removers, they can cause the lipstick to break down.
Shop The Best Smudge And Transfer Proof Lipsticks
In a hurry? Here are the best smudge and transfer proof lipsticks:
Marissa DeSantis has worked as a beauty writer for nearly 10 years. Her pieces can be found across print and digital publications like Bustle, Evening Standard, Teen Vogue, and InStyle.