Liquid lipsticks have reigned supreme in the beauty world for the past several years. They graced the makeup scene in the 1990s but didn’t gain widespread popularity until around 2015 when it’s believed that beauty brand Stila launched the first popular liquid lipstick. Shortly after, Kylie Jenner released her liquid lip kits which were hugely successful and likely resulted in the increased popularity of liquid lipsticks.
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It wasn’t long after Kylie Cosmetics released their line that other big players in the beauty game began to jump on the liquid lipstick bandwagon. Drugstore brands like Revlon, Maybelline, and Wet n Wild created their own line of liquid lipsticks, targeting those who may not have room in the budget for a luxury lip product.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best liquid lipstick brands, difference between liquid lipstick, traditional lipstick, and lip gloss; how to store liquid lipstick, how to sanitize liquid lipstick, how to use liquid lipstick, and of course we cover the best liquid lipstick brands– from budget buys to high-end luxury lipsticks– that you’ll want in your makeup bag!
Bold lips are a statement and can help you stand out from the crowd. So keep reading for all you need to know about liquid lipstick – we’ve got you covered!
Liquid Lipstick vs Lip Gloss
It’s easy to get confused when it comes to the difference between liquid lipstick vs lip gloss and liquid lipstick vs lipstick. They all add a pop of color and perk up your complexion, right? So, how big of a difference could there be? Well, they actually are different and each has its place and purpose in your makeup bag. So let’s dig into how liquid lipstick differs from gloss and even traditional bullet lipstick.
Lip glosses are typically used to add shine for fuller-looking, moisturized lips. Gloss also provides more of a light tint than a true, dark pigment. So if you’re looking for a subtle color with a glossy finish, lip gloss is for you.
Lip Gloss Adds Sheer Shine 
Liquid Lipstick adds Bold Color
Liquid Lipstick vs Lipstick
Traditional lipstick has been around for ages and has stood the test of time. It comes in a nearly limitless amount of colors, you can blend or layer it with other colors or top it off with gloss, and it’s typically easy to remove with a damp cloth. However, being able to remove it easily means that it’ll probably fade faster and may transfer easily.
Perhaps the most notable thing about liquid lipsticks is their bold pigments. This typically means that a single application is all that’s needed for striking lip color that stays put. Liquid lipstick usually won’t transfer while eating, drinking, or even kissing!
Their matte, creamy texture makes them a good choice for those with thinner lips, as they can make thin lips look fuller. However, if you’re someone who often has dry or chapped lips, you’ll want to keep a tube of lip balm in your bag when you’re wearing liquid lipstick. Simply apply a small dab of lip balm as needed throughout the day to prevent your lipstick from drying out your lips too much. It can also be helpful to exfoliate your lips prior to applying liquid lipstick, preventing feathering.
How To Use Liquid Lipstick
With liquid lipstick, you get more bang for your buck. Often times, one swipe of the wand will deliver a stain that won’t budge throughout the day. But there are a few tips that you can follow to help you achieve that perfect pout. Here we’ll walk you through a few steps on how to use liquid lipstick that’ll have you applying your liquid lipstick like a pro.
According to makeup artists, the key to perfectly applied liquid lipstick begins with moisturized lips. It’s recommended to prep your lips by applying lip balm either before you go to bed, or before you begin your skincare routine in the morning.
Step 1: Remove Excess Shine
Blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess shine before applying liquid lipstick. Although there is an exception to this- when you’re wearing a very dry matte liquid lipstick. In this instance you should leave some of the lip balm in place so that it feels more comfortable throughout the day.
Step 2: Line Your Lips With Pencil & Blend
Using your preferred lip pencil, outline your lips starting with your cupid’s bow (the part of the upper lip where the lip comes to two points towards the center of your mouth). Then move to the lower lip, outlining the lower edge of the lip. Next, draw a line from the corner of the mouth to meet the lines you just created. Now fill in the rest of the lip with the pencil. Lastly, you can use a brush to blend and smooth the mouth edges. Lining your lips with a pencil actually improves the longevity of any type of lipstick.
Step 3: Apply Liquid Lipstick
For this step, instead of starting at the edges of the lips, you’ll want to apply liquid lipstick where your lips naturally purse or where the mouth opens, then carefully applying towards the edges of the lips.
Step 4: Correct Any Mistakes
In case you accidentally swiped lipstick on your chin, cheek, or anywhere else, don’t freak! A neat little trick we came across from Katie Jane Hughes, celebrity makeup artist, is to put a tiny bit of face cream on a makeup brush and then carefully brush it onto the mistakes. Easy peasy!
How To Sanitize Liquid Lipstick
Unfortunately, liquid beauty products are tricky to sanitize. Once you’ve used it and return the applicator wand back into the tube, it may be contaminated. A better question than how to sanitize liquid lipstick is how to prevent contamination in the first place. There are a few tricks to help keep your favorite liquid lipstick bacteria-free. Keep in mind that it’s best to sanitize your hands before handling makeup. Here are our pro tips:
- Use disposable lip applicator wands, like these Disposable Lip Applicator Brushes by BTYMS .
- Apply liquid lipstick onto a sanitized surface, like a makeup palette, and use a new brush or your sanitized finger to apply to your lips.
- If you wish to use the applicator wand that came with your liquid lipstick, be sure not to share it with anyone.
- If you notice that it smells weird, it is time to replace it
How To Store Liquid Lipstick
Liquid lipstick should be stored in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat can cause it to break down over time. And don’t forget to check for expiration dates. Liquid lipstick needs to be replaced more often than regular lipstick, because of it’s liquid texture. Toss yours out every 12-18 months, or sooner if you notice it smells weird, or if it’s starting to change or separate.
Is Liquid Lipstick Waterproof?
Generally speaking, liquid lipstick is waterproof, as long as it is applied on clean, dry lips. Some brands last longer than others, and Stila brand reviewed below can last between 6 and 12 hours. Liquid lipsticks have the advantage over traditional stick lipsticks in this regard.
You will be able to eat and drink with minimal loss of color. However, it will also depend on what you are eating and drinking. Foods that are greasy, acidic, or require lip contact to eat (such as burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, corn on the cob, or chicken wings) may remove some color. If appropriate, cut your food into smaller bite sized pieces.
Be prepared to do a quick touchup after the meal, but it will likely be much less than you would have to do if your were using a solid lipstick. In fact, liquid lipstick can adhere so well that you may find it challenging to remove at the end of the day.
Best Liquid Lipstick Brands
To help you navigate liquid lipsticks, we’ve chosen some of our favorites and break down what makes each of them so different and special.
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
As we mentioned earlier, Stila is the OG brand of liquid lipsticks, having launched the first popular line of liquid lipsticks around 2015. Stila enriches its liquid lipsticks with Vitamin E and Avocado Oil, so it’s creamy and hydrates lips while delivering bold, long-lasting color. Their color-rich weightless matte formula is comfortable to wear and won’t bleed or transfer. Oh, and did we mention that it smells kinda like cupcakes?
Simply apply using the doe foot applicator (or a disposable lip applicator or lip brush) and refer to the section, How To Use Liquid Lipstick, for application tips.
This beautiful liquid lipstick has over 3,000 five-star reviews, raving about the beautiful pigments and how long one application lasts. This luscious formula gets our vote for the best long-wear liquid lipstick and it’s one you’ll want to add to your lippy collection for bold, beautiful lips!
LORAC Pro Liquid Lipstick
LORAC was created by a pro makeup artist who wanted to create professional formulas infused with gentle ingredients to soothe skin irritation and breakouts. This luscious liquid lipstick glides on like a gloss and dries to a matte finish comfortably. We love that these lippies are infused with antioxidants like vitamins C and E, Acai Berry, and Grape Seed Extract, keeping your lips moisturized.
To use, simply apply using the pointed side of an applicator wand to outline your lips and then fill in color with the flat side.
LORAC’s use of antioxidants prevents lips from becoming dry and uncomfortable, making it our choice for the best non drying liquid lipstick. You’ll want to grab one of these bold colors for the next time you need to look red carpet ready!
theBalm Set of 6 Mini Liquid Matte Lipstick
This Meet Matt(e) Hughes set of luxury mini liquid lippies features six highly pigmented shades that dry quickly and provide a lightweight, matte finish that lasts for hours. Don’t be fooled by their small size, though. A little bit goes a long way with these minis. One swipe is all you’ll need for long-lasting, beautiful full coverage. They’re perfectly sized to toss in your clutch for a night out on the town. And did we mention they smell amazing? Like chocolate mint – yum!
We love that you can try several different hues with this kit. And the fact that theBalm uses clean ingredients and their products are paraben-free and cruelty-free just makes us love these even more! That’s why this set of 6 mini liquid lippies gets our vote for the best liquid lipstick brand set.
Butter LONDON LIPPY Liquid Lipstick
Butter London decided to come up with a line of long-wearing liquid lipsticks in shades that match their famous nail lacquers. Our favorite thing about this lippy is that it’s a 2-in-1 formula, offering the darker pigments and full coverage of a lipstick with the shine of a gloss. And the more you apply, the deeper the pigment becomes. Plus, their formula is enriched with Vitamin E and Shea Butter to moisturize lips and smells like vanilla!
To use, simply apply using the pointed side of an applicator wand to outline your lips and then fill in color with the flat side.
These decadent liquid lipsticks last for hours and provide fabulous coverage. We love that Butter London uses clean ingredients and their products are cruelty-free. The Lippy by Butter London is our choice for the most moisturizing liquid lipstick and we think you’ll agree.
Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick
Last but certainly not least is Wet n Wild’s Liquid Catsuit Lipstick. This budget-friendly brand delivers bold, lightweight colors that glide on like a gloss and quickly set with a gorgeous matte finish. These long-lasting, cruelty-free lippies are moisturizing and available in several shades, suitable for all skin tones.
Wet n Wild’s Liquid Catsuit Lipstick has almost 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, testifying to its staying power, its gorgeous colors, full coverage, and many declaring it the best value liquid lipstick out there and we agree!
Conclusion
We all love our lip colors and even better when they can last throughout the day, right? This is precisely the reason that liquid lipstick has exploded in popularity the past several years and doesn’t seem to be losing steam. Whether you want a natural nude, a bubblegum pink, or a glam red, chances are you can find the hue of your dreams in a long-lasting liquid lipstick.
The brands we’ve listed here all offer beautiful, vibrant colors that will take you from morning coffee to late-night cocktails with little to no reapplication needed.
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API