We roadtested five liquid lipsticks for staying power

Under the microscope.

Gone are the days of worrying about your lipstick smearing every time you take a bite to eat.

Now, it’s all about the matte finish – with lipstick formulas so long-lasting they could put a Nokia 3310 to shame. Here are five liquid formulas we put under the microscope.

Brand: YSL
Name: Tatouage Couture Liquid Matte Lip Stain
From: yslbeauty.com.au
Price: $57

If you’re looking for maximum pigment, this lippy delivers. I particularly enjoy that it can be worn as a light stain, or layered for a full matte effect. It lasts all day, but still leaves lips feeling moisturised and soft. While the price point is a little high, the luxe packaging and longevity of the product make it justifiable.

Rating: 4.5/5

Brand: NARS
Name: Powermatte Lip Pigment
From: mecca.com.au
Price: $38

As the name suggests, this product has some serious staying power and comes in a massive range of colours. Even with the intense pigment and heavy matte finish, it still feels lightweight. My only qualm would be it leaves my lips a little dry after a day of wear, however a touch of lip balm applied underneath remedies this issue.

Rating: 4/5

Brand: Too Faced
Name: Melted Matte Liquified Lipstick
From: mecca.com.au
Price: $30

While this lippy has a great reputation and I like that the formula is super creamy and not drying in the slightest, it’s not 100 per cent stay-proof. It’ll survive a drink or two, but does tend to move around a little bit once you start eating. So if you’re heading out for dinner, expect to touchup. Points are lost for the brush too, which makes precision application a little tricky.

Rating: 3.5/5

Brand: Bobbi Brown
Name: Velvet Matte Luxe Liquid Lip
From: adorebeauty.com.au
Price: $56

This matte liquid lipstick has been created with powder pigments and wild mango butter so that it glides comfortably without drying your lips out. The vivid shades are all very flattering, making this lipstick a stand-out (I tried Blood Orange and have my eye on the more natural Follow Your Rose). It’s definitely a high-end liquid lip, with luxe packaging and long-lasting wear.

Rating: 5/5

Brand: Smashbox
Name: Always On Liquid Lipstick
From: mecca.com.au
Price: $35

This liquid lipstick should come with a warning – it never comes off! Thanks to the water-resistant formula, I can wear it all night long without colour transferring. The shades are extremely pigmented, and my lips aren’t too dry after hours of wear (however I find it best to top up moisture with dabs of lip balm). Extra points are awarded for the applicator – unlike other brands, it’s shaped like a flat triangle, making it super easy to stay in the lines and reach corners without looking like a clown.

Rating: 4.5/5