Three months ago, if you offered me a liquid lipstick, I'd give it a hard pass. I've tried a few before, and saw little advantage to applying lipstick from a lip gloss-like tube versus a traditional bullet. But sometime between that time and today, I did a complete 180. Now, I wear liquid lipsticks almost exclusively.
So what happened? Part of this is due to the sheer fact that liquid lipsticks have popped up just about everywhere, from YouTube to Instagram to photo shoots on this very site. I also learned that their formulations have seriously improved, so I gave them another whirl and ended up loving the punch of opaque color, which I quickly realized you can only get from the liquid stuff.
After months of trying dozens of different liquid lippies, I've found a few favorites. All of the products ahead are beautiful, easy to apply, and don't leave my lips feeling parched or looking crusty. Check them out, ahead.
One major downfall of liquid lipsticks? They can feel super sticky going on. This version is as light as a balm, but delivers major shine.
Tarte Tarteist Glossy Lip Paint, $20, available at Ulta.
When it comes to applying liquid mattes, precision is everything. Thankfully, this lipstick’s trowel-shaped applicator makes coloring inside the lines a snap.
Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick in Bawse, $24, available at Smashbox
This metallic liquid lipstick offers a Klimt-like gilt with major staying power. Even better, it doesn’t suck the moisture out of our lips.
Milani Cosmetics Amore Matte Metallic Lip Crèmes, $9, available at Milani Cosmetics.
Don't sleep on H&M's beauty section, y'all — it's the real deal. The brand's liquid lipsticks are a staple in our makeup bags, and 100% live up to their velvet moniker.
H&M Velvet Lip Cream, $9.99, available at H&M.
Dose of Colors is an indie company that deserves all of the mainstream attention. We have a particular affinity for the brand's liquid lipsticks. They go on velvety, dry matte without leaving your lips parched, and the color payoff is major. We're partial to this chocolate-brown shade, which is a dead ringer for Kylie's True Brown K Lip Kit shade.
Dose of Colors Matte Liquid Lipstick in Chocolate Wasted, $18, available at Dose of Colors.
Makeup artist Jeffree Star's lipsticks are so good they're constantly out of stock. The liquid lippies are matte, opaque, and comfortable on the lips. They come in a variety of bad-ass shades including deep reds, whites, blues, and grays. Our favorite? Androgyny, a beautiful plum-mauve.
Unfortunately, Androgyny is sold out, but it will be restocked in early June. Until then, a host of other lipsticks are available on his site to satiate your liquid lipstick desires (including the shades I’m Nude, Prom Night, Blow Pony, Rich Blood, Gemini and Unicorn Blood which will be restocked this month).
Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Androgyny, $18, available at Jeffree Star Cosmetics.
This summer NARS fans will finally get a liquid lipstick from the iconic brand. The lipsticks aren't matte (they've got a touch of luminosity) so they're super-comfortable and moisturizing on the lips — and they don't get crusty or dry throughout the day like many other formulations.
NARS Lip Cover in Do Not Disturb, $28, available at NARS.
Lip Bar's liquid lipsticks are seriously matte — like so matte they're almost powdery. But, despite their mega matte finish, they somehow manage to sit comfortably on my lips without flaking off or making them feel dry.
Lip Bar Matte Liquid Lipstick in Drama Queen, $20, available at Ricky's NYC.
Anastasia Beverly Hills' mousse-like liquid lipsticks apply like velvet and stay soft and comfortable even after hours of wear.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Tara, $16, available at Sephora.
When it comes to liquid lipstick, you can't go wrong with ColourPop. (Even Kylie Jenner loves them!) Although the brand has traditional matte liquid lipsticks, we're partial to the new Ultra Satin Lips which never make our lips feel parched. Plus, the lipsticks come in a slew of different shades including this gorgeous gray-lavender number.
ColourPop Ultra Satin Lip in Marshmallow, $6, available at ColourPop.
Last year Revlon joined the liquid lipstick game and totally slayed. The brand's Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor is plush, hydrating, and applies easily and evenly.
Revlon Ultra HD Liquid Lipstick in Obsession, $8.99, available at Ulta.
I have professed my love for these liquid lipsticks more than once (here and here) so I won't bore you with the gushy details. I'll just say that if you're looking for a pigmented liquid lippie that feels weightless, these will not disappoint.
Jouer Long-Wear Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick in Praline, $18, available at Jouer Cosmetics.
Nyx's Lip Lingerie line is a nude-lover's dream. The collection includes a host of neutral shades of every persuasion — brown, tawny mauves, beiges, you name it.
Nyx Lip Lingerie in Beauty Mark, $7, available at Nyx.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Beauty Products On Sale NOW