Style

These 11 Seriously Smudge-Proof Lipsticks Will Last Through Every Mistletoe Encounter

by Alexa Tucker

A bold lip is the perfect accessory for any holiday ensemble — until you catch a glimpse in the mirror a few hours in and realize your masterpiece has turned into a hot mess, thanks to a few hours of eating, drinking, and possibly a little kissing.

Maybe you realize that the inside of your pout is totally color-less, or that some of your lipstick has mysteriously made its way outside the lines or onto your front teeth. In any case, your first question is most likely, how long has it looked this way? And your second question is probably, how do I keep this from happening?

Fear not: Where there's a will, there's a way, because it's no fun to have to touch up your makeup after every sip of wine or smooch.

Sure, there are a few "insurance policy" steps you can take to reinforce your look. First, in addition to using lip liner to, y'know, line your lips (which helps prevent bleeding and feathering), you can also use it to fill in both your bottom and top lips before you apply to give your lipstick something to "bond" to. You can also set your lips with powder by placing one ply of a piece of toilet paper on your lips and dusting powder overtop.

But quite possibly the most important step is choosing a formula that's really, truly smudge proof. Here are 11 products that fans across the internet swear by for a lip look that stays put — liquid lipsticks have particularly great track records, but there's something for everyone.

1. ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in Kae, $6, ColourPop

This warm brown liquid lipstick is both modern and '90s-inspired.

2. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Vampira, $20, Sephora

As the shade's name suggests, this deep burgundy shade is fabulously vampy.

3. NARS Lipstick

NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $28, Sephora

This orange-red shade is a fresh, unexpected holiday pick that'll be in your rotation all year long.

4. Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Fashionista, $10, Ulta

Long-lasting matte lipsticks can be drying, but this lipstick promises to keep your pout hydrated without fading away.

5. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte Lipstick

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Liquid Matte Lipstick in Red, $20, Sephora

This pro-favorite liquid lipstick is the absolute perfect shade of holiday red.

6. Rimmel Provocolips Lip Color

Rimmel Provocolips Lip Color in Kiss Fatal, $7, Target

This two-step lip color is rich, pigmented, and glossier than many other liquid lipsticks.

7. Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Red Carpet, $29, Bobbi Brown

This best-selling lipstick is quick to go out of stock, but it's worth scooping up if you see it thanks to its creamy texture and staying power.

8. Maybelline SuperStay 24 Liquid Lipstick

Maybelline SuperStay 24 Liquid Lipstick in Timeless Toffee, $10, Ulta

This pretty metallic shade is like wearing candy on your lips. The dual-end lipstick has the stay-put color on one end, and a moisturizing balm on the other.

9. Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip

Beauty Bakerie Matte Lip Whip in She's Just Jelly, $20, Beauty Bakerie

Beauty Bakerie is an underground cult favorite brand thanks to their incredible vegan, cruelty free products (including this indestructible lipstick).

10. Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick

Smashbox Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Stacked, $21, Ulta

This deep wine color will perfectly match the glass of vino in your hand.

11. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Moscow, $6, NYX

This fan favorite lip cream comes in a wild array of colors, so you can be as bold as you like this holiday season.