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7 liquid lipsticks you need in your makeup collection

That *won't* dry out your lips

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / February 14 2024

Few formulas divide the beauty crowd like liquid lipsticks. It's understandable, too; with hard-to-beat boldness/longevity but a tendency to run a little drying, they definitely pose a bit of a conundrum.

But while some of us were absolutely willing to sacrifice comfort for colour for a minute there, the latest generation of liquid lippy formulas won't force you to do anything of the sort.

Basically, they offer all the amazing budge-proof pigment as the OG crop, only this time around they've figured out how to hydrate and condition the lips to the point where they actually feel (dare we say it) comfortable.

Thinking it sounds too good to be true? Look, we won't lie to you; sometimes it still is. With a product as temperamental as liquid lipstick, formula is everything. Find a winner, however, and you'll be a convert in no time.

Luckily, though, we've found quite a few that smash the goals we set for them (longevity, colour, hydration) straight out of the park. And because we're feeling extra generous, we've rounded them up for you...

Revlon ColorStay Limitless Matte™ Lipstick

Don't think that Revlon ColorStay Limitless Matte™ Lipstick's 24 hour wear promise means it's the drying type of formula; this pick is lightweight and hydrating, as it's been infused with hyaluronic acid and cranberry extract. Plus, it comes in 16 flattering shades.

$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick

It should come as no surprise that Fenty Beauty’s latest launch has become an instant favourite. Rihanna herself wore the shade MVP during that iconic Super Bowl performance and her lippy did not move. The lightweight formula glides on like a dream, with a hyper-pigmented velvet-matte finish that will last you all day and well into the night.

$45 at Sephora

M·A·C Cosmetics Locked Kiss Ink

The newly-launched liquid lipstick from M.A.C has already taken over our For You pages and become a handbag staple for the BC team. The velvet matte formula promises 24-hour staying power for a transfer-proof, waterproof finish. And, most importantly, it’s spiked with shea butter and coconut oil to keep your lips hydrated and nourished through every wear.

$55 at M.A.C Cosmetics

Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lip Colour

This drugstore beauty buy is a cult- favourite among makeup lovers. Just one coat delivers an ultra-pigmented, glossy lip colour that won’t budge, smudge or flake. It’s even red carpet-approved, thanks to Haley Lu Richardson’s SAG Awards glam.

$22.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Liquide Mat Lipstick

Gucci’s liquid matte lipstick will be love at first swipe. The cream- to- powder formula provides the perfect coverage and won’t cake into your lip lines or smudge throughout the day. It feels practically weightless and is formulated with hyaluronic acid and rose oil, doubling as lip care. And did we mention the packaging? So dreamy…

$72 at Myer

YSL Beauty Vernis A Levres Vinyl Cream Liquid Lipstick

If a lip stain, lipstick and gloss had a baby, this luxurious lippy would be it. YSL’s Vinyl Cream Liquid Lipstick delivers a high-gloss finish and long-wearing formula that you’ll be reaching for again and again. The diamond-shaped applicator makes perfecting your lip contour and cupid’s bow effortless, no lip liner necessary.

$54 at The Iconic

Dear Dahlia Sensuous Matte Lip Suit Liquid Lipstick

One of the newest kids on the liquid lippy block, this vividly pigmented vegan option has made a big impression fast. Why? It’s anti-ageing formula features dahlia variabilis flower extract to smooth out lines as it goes on; very handy considering creases are practically liquid lipstick’s worst enemy.

$51 at Sephora

Main image credit: @allanface

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