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The best no-smudge lipsticks, tried and tested
We asked 120 women to wear these lippys and see which lasted all day. The results are in…
Tested by Denny DailyFormer Beauty and Grooming Tester
Jeans and a nice top. A well-cut little black dress. A classic white shirt. You’d be hard pressed to find an outfit that isn’t instantly elevated by a bold red lip or a playful coral pout.
But what often starts off as a fun idea while you're getting ready, can end up halfway down your face mid-way through a dinner date or after one-too-many margaritas. We've all been there.
The best lipsticks are long-lasting, hydrating, comfortable to wear and don’t flake or find a home in the crease of your lips. They lift you up and unlock confidence you just won't get with a simple lip oil or balm. They’re bold, bright and show-stopping. That's the standard we hold our lipsticks to anyway.
The Good Housekeeping Institute tested a range of the market leading lippies with the help of a panel of 120 women to see which ones lasted all day and night. These are their top picks at a glance but keep reading for our full reviews.
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How we test lipsticks
We tested a range of leading lipstick brands (each in a red shade, as it’s the boldest and most universal) with 120 of our at-home testers for a minimum of two weeks. We then asked for detailed feedback on their overall experience of the product, covering ease of application, blendability, comfort on the lips and longevity.
In the GHI lab, we conducted a transfer test, allowing the product to dry for one minute on the lips before drinking from a paper cup. We then reviewed the cups and rated the transfer level using a five-point scale (those with the least transfer scored highest).
So, if you’re a lipstick fan ready for your next big love affair, pucker up.
Score: 90/100
Our winning lipstick has a lot going for it – it’s good value and everyone found it comfortable to wear, yet it packs a powerful matte pigment punch. It barely left any transfer on the cups we tested and it lasted all day.
People loved the “sturdy yet sexy packaging” and every single panellist said it didn't dry out their lips, with one telling us" “it had a very matte finish, but was highly hydrating at the same time.” Need we say more?
Score: 88/100
Claiming to last for ten hours with – the clue’s in the name – a high-impact matte finish, this lippy is designed with a blend of colour-locking ingredients and transfer-resistant pigment to keep pouts looking powerful for longer. But did it deliver?
Our testers told us they liked the slanted applicator design, which meant it was really easy to apply, as it covered the whole surface of the lips in one swipe.” It didn’t drag and “stayed on for ages” with one tester telling us “it didn’t transfer at all, even after my daily Diet Coke.”
Everyone said they were happy with the colour pay-off and the shade was perfect for building up to reach their desired look. It’s also available in 15 flirty and fun shades. She’s versatile.
Score: 83/100
We love a liquid lipstick here in the GH beauty team, and this brilliant formulation was our panellists’ favourite in that category. With 39 shades, there should be something for any look. Liquid lippys tend to be less buildable and much brighter than many satin-finish solids, but let’s see what our testers had to say…
They loved the ‘stay all day’ credentials – it does exactly what it says in the name. There were no smudges once dry, and, as one tester told us, “the colour is stunning and the applicator was super precise.”
Some were a little scared of the liquid format, saying they weren’t used to having to be careful before it fully dried, but it really stayed put once it had.
Score: 82/100
Plan to pucker-up if you’re wearing this one, as one tester said it left their lips looking “soft and tempting”. Mwah. Halfway between a matte and cream finish, this satin lipstick looks and feels smooth on lips.
The creamy formula contains nourishing vitamin E and omega 3, which leaves lips looking plump and hydrated, rather than dry and cracked.
Despite the lower price tag than many we tested, the gold packaging felt premium and would look great on any dressing table.
All testers were happy with the colour pay-off too, and colour options span 70 different shades, ranging from a 90s-esque Deep Nude that wouldn’t look out of place on Rachel Green, to an eye-catching coral in the Chez Lui.
Score: 79/100
The Clinique Chubby Stick may be closer to a tinted lip balm than a lipstick, but the great colour pay-off has allowed it to sneak onto this list. Enriched with mango and shea butters, it immediately hydrates and moisturises lips – perfect for when they’re feeling cracked or you just want a bit of gloss.
This balmy number leaves behind a natural tint, too, and is available in ten different shades of Nude, Pink, Red and Violet. All testers were happy with the colour pay-off and liked that it was buildable, allowing them to achieve their desired finish. “Hydrating with a nice tint of colour,” was how one described it – a great combination.
Differing from the classic bullet shape and wind-up format of a lipstick, this pencil-like stick was praised for its ease of application, with the tip offering “more control than your average lipstick or balm,” according to one panel member. Easy and effective.
Score: 74/100
“Revlon is not a brand I use often, but after testing, I am converted,” said one of our testers, and if that’s not a testament to the performance of this lipstick, what is? The product's pigment was a big hit, with all testers satisfied with the colour pay-off. They also loved the feel of it on lips, saying it was hydrating and not dry, despite the more matte finish.
However, some testers did note that it didn’t last long, so a few extra applications may be needed throughout the day. However, for an everyday lippy, and for under £8, you can’t go wrong with this purse-friendly option from Revlon.
Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.
With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.
When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Denny our Former Beauty and Grooming Tester has an in-depth knowledge and background in beauty and PR. She has spoken on panels with Cosmetics Executive Women (CEW) and has worked with many beauty brands as a commercial model. Since joining in October 2022, she has worked on numerous testing categories including over 18 different brands for vitamin C serums, scalp scrubs, shampoos for dry hair and many more. She has over 20k followers on TikTok where she shares beauty and fashion tips otherwise better known as Denny Daily.
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