In recent times, I’ve come across numerous videos online featuring women flaunting their vibrant lips and then rubbing their fingers across their mouths to showcase the lipstick’s impressive staying power. It turns out this trend is largely tied to LipSense, a multilevel marketing brand that claims its lip products can last for up to 18 hours without smudging or transferring. However, there’s a catch: LipSense doesn’t come cheap. The price for a basic set—lipstick and gloss—can set you back a staggering $55.
Given the hefty price tag, I was reluctant to invest, especially when I knew there were more affordable alternatives out there. After some research, I set out to find budget-friendly long-wear lipsticks that wouldn’t require me to cut back on essentials like groceries. I ventured to the local stores, determined to find options that promised at least 16 hours of wear, and I managed to snag six different lipsticks, each priced under $15.
I committed to testing each one from breakfast through to bedtime. Here’s how they fared:
- L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Last Color Lipstick in Heaven to Henna: This shade was my least favorite, likely due to it being too warm for my complexion. It involved a two-step application—color followed by a clear seal. While it applied well, the feeling of product on my lips was overwhelming, leading me to avoid eating or drinking. By day’s end, my lips felt dry and colorless.
- Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick in Ultimate Orchid: This liquid lipstick was the only one without a sealing gloss. It applied beautifully matte and the color was vibrant. However, by night, my lips were dry and the remaining color was flaking off in unattractive clumps.
- Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor in Relentless Raisin: This dark shade initially appealed to me, but by bedtime, it looked like I had only old lip liner on. Not a great vibe. My lips were also feeling quite awful.
- Rimmel Provocalips 16hr Kissproof Lipstick in I’ll Call You: This one was the biggest letdown. It faded within an hour, leaving my lips looking patchy and parched. I had to hastily remove it before a Mother’s Day event at my son’s school.
- Maybelline New York Superstay 24, 2-step Lipcolor in Pearly Pink 110: The worst feeling of the bunch. My lips were dry and peeling, with a gummy texture and unsightly white lines of product buildup.
- CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lip Color in Your Classic Red: Surprisingly, this one lasted the longest. While it faded, it did so more evenly than the others, and my lips felt less dry compared to the rest.
All of these lipsticks held up well initially and didn’t transfer when I kissed my loved ones. However, by the end of the day, the discomfort made kissing seem unappealing. It seems that aiming for 16 to 24-hour wear may not be worth it. A solid eight hours of wear feels like a more reasonable goal, especially considering the daily activities that put our lip colors to the test.
If it meant avoiding the drying, peeling sensation these long-wear formulas provided, I’d gladly reapply every few hours. The CoverGirl Outlast is the only one I could see myself purchasing again, as it performed better than the rest.
As for LipSense, I’m not convinced it’s worth the splurge. Users report similar end-of-day issues, and the company’s claim that dry lips are merely the result of years of wax buildup is dubious at best. The real cause? Likely the irritating ingredients such as alcohols that strip moisture from your lips.
So, what do I recommend? For everyday wear, I gravitate towards hydrating lipsticks and balms. The Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter offers moisture-rich color that’s easy to reapply, while L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Balm provides a sheer, vibrant tint that keeps lips hydrated.
Ultimately, it’s wise to temper your expectations when it comes to long-wear lip products. If you’re interested in exploring other options for home insemination, check out this informative piece on intracervical insemination or visit Make a Mom for expert advice. Additionally, for more insights on fertility and pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is a valuable resource.
Summary: Long-wear lipsticks often promise lasting color, but my experience showed they tend to leave lips feeling dry and uncomfortable. While some options performed better than others, most left me longing for a comfortable, easy-to-reapply alternative. For everyday wear, moisturizing lipsticks and balms are a far superior choice.