The Best Long-Wear Red Lipsticks We Actually Tested for All-Day Staying Power
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
To find out which red lipsticks can actually go the distance, I tested four long-wearing formulas against real-world conditions - eating, drinking, and everything in between - to see which ones hold their colour and which ones need a touch-up by lunch.
Fast Facts You Need to Know
- Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink held up best overall, surviving a beach dunking, two coffees and an icy pole.
- MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist fades evenly rather than cracking, so there's no need to reapply if you don't want to.
- M.A.C Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour is the most comfortable long-wear formula, with a soft, mousse-like texture that never fully dries down.
- Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream had the weakest staying power of the four, but reapplies easily without a mirror.
Below you'll find each lipstick's staying power, comfort and shade picks, so you can decide which long-wear red is right for your day.
Nothing says 'I've got my sh*t together' quite like a punchy red lip.
It's chic and strong, and can take your look from meh to magical in less than a minute.
The only problem is, red lipstick isn't all that... practical. It has a real knack for migrating from your lips to your forehead and back down to your chin, doesn't it?
Some might even say daring to wear red lippie, especially when you'll be eating, drinking or taking lots of photos, is downright reckless.
I prefer to think of it as bold.
That said, no matter how lovely the lipstick, no one wants to manage a high maintenance makeup look.
So, I decided to review four equally stunning long-wearing red lipsticks to make sure they pass all the eatin' and drinkin' tests.
These red lipsticks come with different price tags and finishes, but the one thing they all have in common? They promise to last all day - let's find out if they're actually up to the task.
Note: I wore each of the following lippies over the top of M.A.C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Lip to ensure a level playing field.
Let the games begin.
Best Red Lipstick for Maximum Staying Power
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
A super intense, matte liquid lipstick that promises a flawless finish that'll stay put for up to 16 hours.
Best red shades:
- Pioneer (a true blue-based red).
- Heroine (more of a neon orangey red).
Verdict: Does. Not. Budge. You might even still be wearing it a week later.
I'd hate to use the Lord's name in vain, but JESUS this red lipstick would make it through an apocalypse. The formula also smells like cake and is easy to apply using the pointed applicator, despite its runny consistency.
I wore a slick of the shade Pioneer to the beach - it made it through an unexpected dunking, two coffees and a drippy icy pole, no problem.
Is it the most comfortable matte lipstick I've ever worn? Nope. But would it look near-perfect after an eight-course degustation? Absolutely.
Best Red Lipstick for Eating and Drinking
MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Lipstick
A high-impact satin matte lipstick that reckons it can deliver long-lasting intense colour payoff that's also comfy to wear.
Best red shades:
- 314 Glowing Ginger (a rusty brick orange with a hint of red).
- 402 Untamed Fire (a bright, warm red with orange and pink undertones).
- 410 True Crimson (your classic red).
Verdict: Looks good, feels great and can last through lunch, and boy does she know it.
If you're after the colour payoff and longevity of a matte lipstick, but can't bare the thought of a dry, chalky finish, satin matte formulas are your best mate.
This lippe has a silky, creamy texture that glides on beautifully, and although it never fully dries down like a traditional matte, it did a great job of staying (mostly) on my lips when eating a few chocolates (I'm wearing Glowing Ginger in the pics above).
You don't need to reapply if you don't want to because the colour fades fairly evenly throughout the day, leaving you with a very acceptable stain.
Best Red Lipstick for All-Day Comfort
M.A.C COSMETICS Powder Kiss Liquid Lipcolour
A matte liquid lipstick with a comfortable, lightweight texture that doesn't feel like a matte lippie.
Best red shades:
- Devoted to Chilli (a spicy, burnt red).
- M.A.C Smash (the epitome of a bold red lip).
Verdict: The long-wear lipstick for people who hate long-wear lipsticks.
I've written about my love for this lipstick before, but it really is the most wearable yet pigmented matte liquid lip colour I've tried. No crusty flaking, cracking or hectic lip liner look throughout the day. Just lips that feel like you're wearing a cloud.
Again, the powder yet mousse-like texture never fully dries down, so you can keep rubbing your lips together all day as if you were wearing a lip balm. I wore the M.A.C. Smash shade on a day running to different events and meetings, scoffing bits of food when I could.
It definitely could've benefited from a quick touch up, but it was still passable without it.
Best Luxury Red Lipstick
Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Liquid Lipstick
A luxurious velvet-matte liquid lipstick with a comfortable, non-drying formula. It's a cult product for a reason!
Best red shades:
- 205 Rouge Clique (a strong, blue-based red).
- 201 Rouge Tatouage (a slightly tropical orange-based red).
Verdict: A truly beautiful lipstick that you won't mind reapplying.
OK, so this lipstick didn't have the best stamina, but gosh it's lovely to use and wear.
The frosted tube with the iconic gold YSL lettering practically screams luxury, and the silky liquid formula has the classic YSL fruity fragrance.
The doe-foot applicator makes it really easy to swipe the product on, but a brunch of halloumi and hash browns left the shade Rouge Tatouage looking pretty deflated.
The upside? I was able to reapply it without a mirror, no problem.
A Couple More Contenders Worth a Mention
These two didn't front up for the eating-and-drinking trial, but they've earned plenty of love from customers who wear them daily, so they've earned a mention here too.
Best Red Lipstick for Dry or Sensitive Lips
Jane Iredale Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick
A satin-matte lipstick dosed with natural moringa oil, made to feel comfortable rather than tight or drying, even on lips that are prone to flaking.
Best red shade: Gwen (an apple-toned, popping red).
What customers say: "It is very hydrating for my dry lips and looks amazing." - Dhanoa, Adore Beauty customer review
Why we picked it: We haven't put this one through our own eating-and-drinking tests, but it's a genuine standout for anyone who finds most long-wear reds too drying to wear comfortably.
Best Affordable Red Lipstick
Designer Brands Lip Stix Creamy Lip Crayon
A vegan-friendly, cruelty-free lip crayon with a built-in sharpener, built for quick, no-fuss application on the go.
Best red shade: Berry Me (a raspberry-red).
What customers say: "The price is affordable and this product lasts all day long!" - rania, Adore Beauty customer review
Why we picked it: At a fraction of the price of the other lipsticks on this list, it's a low-risk way to try a long-wearing red without the investment.
Want more tried and tested makeup product recommendations? Check out these helpful stories below!
