In today’s beauty landscape, countless videos showcase women flaunting their perfectly painted lips, only to rub their fingers across their mouths to prove that the color remains intact. This trend seems to have originated with the LipSense brand, a multilevel marketing company that claims their lipsticks won’t budge or smudge for a staggering 18 hours. However, the price tag is steep—around $55 for a lipstick and gloss combo—which left me hesitant to invest.
Determined to find a more budget-friendly alternative, I scoured the aisles of various drugstores. My mission was to discover long-wear lipsticks that wouldn’t break the bank. I focused on options promising at least 16 hours of wear, purchasing six different shades, each priced under $15. I committed to testing each one from breakfast to bedtime.
Lila Green’s Lipstick Review:
- L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Color Lipstick in Heaven to Henna
This shade turned out to be my least favorite, likely due to my poor color choice. The two-step application felt heavy on my lips, making me reluctant to eat or drink. By the end of the day, my lips felt awful, and the color had faded significantly. - Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Ultimate Orchid
As the only matte liquid lipstick in my lineup, this shade was vibrant but left my lips dry and peeling by nighttime. The color clung to my lips in unsightly patches. - Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor in Relentless Raisin
This dark shade is what I initially loved, but it ended the day looking like I had just applied an old lip liner. My lips felt parched and uncomfortable. - Rimmel Provocalips 16hr Kissproof Lipstick in I’ll Call You
This lipstick received my vote for the worst performer. It lasted about an hour before patchiness set in, leaving me embarrassed during a Mother’s Day event. - Maybelline New York Superstay 24, 2-step Lipcolor in So Pearly Pink 110
While it promised longevity, my lips felt like they were coated in a sticky film, and I couldn’t wait to wash it off. - CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Your Classic Red
Surprisingly, this one lasted the longest. Although it did fade, it did so more evenly than the others, and my lips felt less dry.
Across all these lipsticks, I found that while they may not transfer during casual kisses with my family, by the end of the day, my lips were so uncomfortable that kissing anyone felt unappealing. It became clear that perhaps we shouldn’t strive for 16 to 24 hours of wear. A solid eight hours should be the goal, especially when you’re engaging in everyday activities.
For those seeking a more comfortable lip experience, I recommend hydrating options like Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, which offers rich color and moisture. L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Balm also provides a sheer tint while keeping lips hydrated.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that our expectations for long-wear lip products may need to be adjusted. If you’re curious about more insights on home insemination, feel free to check out this post. For expert advice on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom, and for health-related topics, the World Health Organization is an excellent resource.
In summary, while long-wear lipsticks may promise endurance, the comfort of your lips should take precedence. I’ll stick to my hydrating options and accept that periodic touch-ups are part of the beauty routine.