I’m always on the lookout for long wearing lipsticks for those times when it’s inconvenient to reapply my lipstick. And I’m always listening for everyone’s recommendations. Over the past several months, I’ve picked up three affordable long wearing lipsticks from the drugstore. A couple of them were mentioned in a Facebook group for makeup artists that I’m a lurker in. I figure I can get some great tips from them, and I have.
The three long wearing lippies I’ve been trying out are:
- NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16 Hour Lip Stain
- CoverGirl Outlast All Day Long Lasting Lip Color
- Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour 2-step Color
NYC 16 Hour Lip Stain
NYC 16 Hour Lip Stain is totally different from the other two long-lasting lippies because it’s a lip stain rather than a two-step creamy formula. Nevertheless, I still want to include it since it is supposed to have the same benefit: long lasting color.
The NYC Lip Stain comes in a pen, like a Magic Marker. The pointed stiff felt tip is saturated with color.
The lip stain itself is thin, like indelible colored water. I find this formula difficult to apply, specifically it’s hard to get it out of the tube and felt tip applicator onto my lips. The color is supposed to be buildable, but it gets to a certain point – still on the sheer side – and I don’t seem to be able to get any more on. Here’s what it looks like with me going over the color about three or four times. I just can’t get any more color on my lips, grrrrrr!
The shade I bought is Rock On Ruby, but it appears to be more of an orange red than a real ruby red. I like the shade, but I wish I could get more on.
Once I get it on, I apply lipgloss over it because the instructions say to add gloss plus my lips are so dry.
So, does it last 16 hours as the name implies? Not on me it doesn’t. Most of it comes off after a few hours, and if I eat anything with oil, it’s gone.
I looked online for some other reviews to see if my experience was different, and perhaps it was. It certainly looked better on others than it does on my lips. They claim about 5 hours of wear which is a little longer than I got.
I bought NYC 16 Hour Lip Stain at CVS with Extrabucks so it was free for me. The right price, lol. Usually, it’s priced at $4.99 in stores, and it comes in 7 shades.
CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor
CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor came out over a year ago. It’s a two-step long wearing opaque lipgloss with a separate moisturizing topcoat/balm.
The lipgloss and lip balm are separate, so the downside is that you have to carry around two tubes. Also, over time, it’s easy for the two tubes to end up apart from each other. So if they ever redesign this lippie, I hope they’ll make it a double ended tube, especially since they already have another product in a double-ended tube. Go figure.
I like the formula of CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor. It’s a thick opaque lipgloss with staying power. It’s applied with a doe-foot applicator. Once it dries, I apply the lip balm over it.
This lip color lasts for hours and hours on me. There is residual color on my lips many hours after I’ve applied it. It doesn’t come off on cups or glasses.
The shade I bought is Wine To Five and I love the shade: a very pretty berry-brown-mauve cream that goes on smoothly and evenly. CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor comes in 44 shades, OMG, and is priced in stores around $8.49.
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour 2-Step Color
This was the lipstick that I learned about in the Facebook group, In My Kit. A number of makeup artists said in one of the threads that they often use this product on brides because of its staying power, so I had to try it out.
It comes in a double-ended tube which is great. All-in-one wins in my book! Doe-foot gloss applicator on one end and lip balm stick on the other. Perfect.
The shade I bought, Infinite Petal, is a berry-pink/mauve shade with a bit of a shimmer. As you can see, I should have used a lipliner for a more precise edge, especially since this is a gloss with a lip balm over it.
It lasted for a number of hours, but not 24 hours. It didn’t really make it through a meal, so I guess the brides don’t eat.
Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Lipcolor comes in 35 shades and is priced around $9.99.
What’s the verdict?
CoverGirl wins this long-wearing lipstick drugstore brand competition for me. It definitely stayed on my lips the longest. After I swatched the three brands and photographed them, I removed the lip colors with a towelette. The NYC was gone instantly, most of the Maybelline came off with no problem, but the CoverGirl stayed on my skin and wouldn’t budge.
But in terms of packaging, Maybelline takes it. The all-in-one, double-ended applicator sure is handier than keeping track of two related tubes. CoverGirl, take a lesson!
And finally, here are the swatches in case you want to get a look at the shades I bought.
So have you found a long-wearing lipstick that works for you? Do share!! Please leave me a comment with the brand and shade. I’m still really interested ‘coz I haven’t found my absolute HG long-wearing lipstick yet!!
The information was very helpful. I wouldn’t have bought a Cover Girl lipstick without this recommendation.
Thank you so much, Liz, for taking the time to comment! I was surprised that CoverGirl was the winner, but the formula was definitely superior to the other two brands. Just wish it was an all-in-one package!
How neat! I never would have thought Covergirl would win this one, but can’t argue with test results. I’ll check this one out!
Anastasia recently posted…Have a SPA Night Like a Parisienne with Blancrème
I like the Maybelline too, but it doesn’t stay on as long as the CoverGirl. And CG has so many shades!!
I never know what to pick up as far as drug store beauty goes. I like your choices of lippies.
Kim recently posted…Hair Care Tuesdays: 4 Tips for Wearing & Caring for your Hair Extensions
Thanks, Kim. Yeah, it’s tough when you can’t try a sample
This is such an informative post! Sometimes it is really hard to know what to try when walking through the drugstore beauty aisles! Interesting that Rock On Ruby really didn’t live up to anything close to their 16 hour claim! I love the Maybelline lip pie color, but clearly CoverGirl won the challenge!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Space NK Spring Beauty Edit Gift Bag Details! | February 18, 2015
I’m wearing the Maybelline right now. Giving it another chance, but the CG definitely won in terms of longevity hands down!
Wine to Five is a gorgeous look on you! I have picked up the new L’Oreal longwear lipsticks, but haven’t tried it yet. I love long wearing lippies, without dryness!
Amber recently posted…Simple Tips to Avoid Acne Flare Ups
Let me know about the L’Oreal, Amber!
I haven’t tried NYC, but the magic marker-type lipstains are sheer and non-staying on me as well. Outlast, on the other hand, outlasts anything! I wish they would make it double-ended as well, since I’m always misplacing the topcoat tube.
Renu recently posted…Too Faced Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar eye palette review, swatches
Glad you feel the same way, Renu!
Great comparison! Too bad the NYC 16 Hour Lip Stain is no good and fades from lips much quicker than promised.
Leelo R recently posted…Pure Protein High Protein bars
Thankfully, the NYC didn’t cost me anything, but I was disappointed because I liked the shade
I am still looking for the HG longwear lippie, but Colour Pop lippies last for a really long time on me! The mattes ones, not the glossy. The downside is that they still transfer. It’s like magic, really. I’ll give my hubby a kiss, and there’s still tons of color on my lips, but there’s some on him, too!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Dottin’ Love Is In The Air!
I’m dying to try Colour Pop. I wish that brand was sold in stores. I hate paying for shipping, lol, but I have heard nothing but raves for everything from Colour Pop
I like the look of the Maybelline lippie. It may not last as long as the CG one, but I can’t be bothered to spend a lot of time removing my lipstick lol. That NYC one instead was so disappointing!
gio recently posted…Product Review: My Beauty Diary Bird’s Nest Mask
I tried the Maybelline Super Stay again today, Gio, and it dried out my lips terribly as well as not lasting. If you don’t mind that, it is a pretty color. I am wearing the CoverGirl Outlast now 😉
I feel like long-wearing lip stuff makes them really dry!
Kendra recently posted…Gerard Cosmetics: The Lipstick and Glosses That Will Make You Swoon
The Maybelline Super Stay and the NYC make my lips quite dry. CoverGirl is much better
I wore that CoverGirl lip color to my wedding, a year and a half ago – it’s so amazing! It stayed on the entire time (though I didn’t really eat much, either – I was too busy!)
The Dalai Lama’s Nails recently posted…Digital Dozen does Patterns on Patterns: Floral Nail Art
That’s great to know that it actually lasted through your wedding, Hannah!! I’m wearing it right now, and the CoverGirl Outlast is so much better than the Maybelline that I tried again this morning.
Thanks for the swatches and comparison!
Phyrra recently posted…Fortune Cookie Soap Wonderland Spring Soap Box
You’re welcome 🙂
That’s really disappointing about the NYC one since I do like the color. They all look very pretty on your lips!
Moxie recently posted…Lather Tinted Lip Balms Review & Swatches
Thank you! Yes, I was disappointed in that NYC lippie even though I got it for free because I thought the shade looked so nice.
Great comparisions Allison! I haven’t used any “specifically designed” long wear lippies in a while, but I might pick up one of the CoverGirl ones next time I’m at CVS, can’t believe there’s 44 shades! I do think the Kat Von D Liquid Lipsticks last an incredibly long time.
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Find Your Perfect Color with Paula Dorf
I haven’t tried the KVD liquid lipsticks yet. I have such dry lips, I have been afraid to spend the $ on long wearing prestige brands since long wearing lippies can be so drying.
When Covergirl first came out with the Outlast collection, I bought tons of them because they lasted so dang long. Unfortunately, it really does dry my lips out. Not that that stops me from wearing it!!!!
Great comparison post!
Kimberly recently posted…Wet ‘n Wild: Silver Lake Eye Shadow Collection
I have dry lips too, Kimberly. Although I often do wear the CG with the balm that came with it, sometimes I apply City Lips Lip Plumper that is incredibly hydrating over it instead. That is the best!
I have been loving the Stila liquid lipsticks! They stay on forever
Jess Scull recently posted…Pretty & Polished Valentine’s Day Exclusives | Live Love Polish
I think I’ve read that the Stila liquid lipsticks were very long wearing. Do you find it drying? I have such dry lips 🙁
CoverGirl for the win! I need something that lasts and is affordable!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…3 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her // Under $50
I put the CoverGirl on at about 4pm and I had a late dinner: cauliflower and broccoli roasted in olive oil and a chicken breast with broccoli & cheese sauce with lemonade to drink. I just looked in the mirror, and the CG is still there! Yes, CoverGirl for the win!!
I used the Maybelline Super Stay Blackberry something liquid lipstick for my wedding in 2009. It was the FIRST time I ever used a matte liquid lipstick. And, now I can’t get enough! <3
Shipra recently posted…L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss Nude Allure Swatches and Review
Yes, this week you’ve been reviewing so many of them! I tried the Maybelline Super Stay again today, and it dried the heck out of my lips so I went back to the CoverGirl!
Long Wearing lipsticks can be super tricky! I’ve tried some that are pretty good, but they can also be really drying and make my lips look super flaky! I don’t think I’ve ever tried that Covergirl, so maybe I’ll give that one a try!
Christine recently posted…Beauty Haul
I agree with you, Christine. I tried the Maybelline again today, and it just completely dried out my lips in spite of me using the lip balm over it. So I switched back to the CoverGirl that I find less drying. Sometimes instead of using the lip balm that comes with it, I use my trusty City Lips Lip Plumper that is loaded with HA & collagen and is so hydrating. That works best for me.
I’m not a big Covergirl fan but this looks like it’s worth a try.
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Spring 2015 Hair and Nail Trends!
I’m not usually either, but it is definitely superior to the other two I tried. Haven’t tried L’Oreal yet and I don’t think Milani has a long wear liquid lippie though I love their Power Lip opaque glosses. Because most long wear lippies dry out my lips, I don’t want to spend the $$ to buy a prestige brand.
I love the CoverGirl Shade, so pretty.
Mercedes recently posted…Winter Hair Care Routine with Head & Shoulders Moisture Care
Thanks, Mercedes! I’m wearing it today 🙂
I have several of the Covergirl Outlast lip colors and yes, they really do stay put for hooooours and houuuuurs and houuuuuurs 🙂 They can be bit drying, but they’re definitely long-lasting.
Kiss & Make-up recently posted…Review | Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil in Emerald Volt & Electric Cobalt
Sometimes instead of using the lip balm that came with the CoverGirl Outlast, I use my HG City Lips Lip Plumper with HA & collagen that’s so amazingly hydrating. It’s perfect over the long wear lippie!
“It didn’t really make it through a meal, so I guess the brides don’t eat.” haha I don’t think they do! Also, when did CoverGirl become so expensive? I feel like it used to be one of the cheaper drugstore brands. Great post!
Sammi, good point! I don’t know if you’ve noticed but CG, Maybelline, Revlon, and L’Oreal have definitely increased their prices over the past few years so they are approaching or exceeding the $10 mark especially in drugstores like CVS & Walgreens. Now brands like Rimmel, NYX, NYC are the bargain brands. 🙁
I remember trying out one of those marker style stains a few years ago and hating them. It really dried out my lips and just didn’t look good. Quality long wearing lip products are hard to find and imho even harder to find in drugstore brands. Kudos to you for a well researched post.
Thanks a lot, Lisa! I was really disappointed in the NYC product, but thankfully it didn’t cost me anything. Many of the drugstore brands have huge R&D budgets from their parent companies, and their products usually are very good quality, often rivaling prestige brands in all but packaging. I am very happy with the CoverGirl Outlast lippie. Sometimes instead of using the lip balm that came with the CG lipstick, I will use my City Lips Lip Plumper on top of it. The City Lips has HA & collagen and is extremely hydrating, and the two together are fabulous.
I used to use the one from NYC in the past but haven’t in a year or so… I do like it. Haven’t tried the others.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Color Switch by Vera Mona
Gee, I’m glad you had good luck with the NYC lip stain. I tried it again, and I just can’t get much color out of it. Maybe I got a bad one! I’m thinking I should just toss it. 🙁
I used to use the CG one all the time, should check out the shades again. Great comparisons!
Bailey recently posted…Essence Like an Unforgettable Kiss Collection
With 44 shades, you’ll probably find one you ‘need’ 😉
I hate when that happens… it could just be the shade. The ones I had was a nude type peach and a red. The peach didn’t show up as much as I would have liked… but it worked. The red was a nice juicy red on my lips.
Honeygirlk recently posted…Color Switch by Vera Mona
I’m wondering if I just got a bad one. Trying to dissuade myself from going to Sephora to pick up the LE La Maison Du Chocolat/Sephora Longwear Lipgloss today.
I love the Covergirl Outlast lippies!!!!! They last forever on me 🙂
Kristin Bassett recently posted…Valentine’s Day Date
I’m glad you love them too, Kristin!
I love reading smackdown posts 😀
Laura MyNewestAddiction recently posted…3 Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $50
Love that! Yes, this was a battle of the bands for lippies
thanks for the review dear, all colors suits on you but i personally love the maybelline, actually i have this color also and its really goes well with my tone.
hira khan recently posted…Tips to Get Glamorously chic this valentine’s Day!
Nice to see you, Hira! Yes, the Maybelline Infinite Petals shade is beautiful. In fact, I wore it again yesterday but it is so drying on my lips I bailed after a few hours and put on something else. I’m glad that it suits you and doesn’t feel uncomfortable when you wear it!
I just got one from Rimmel that I’m absolutely loving!!!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…Easy Valentine’s Day Nail Art Wrapped with a Bow featuring KBShimmer & Glitter!
Which Rimmel is it, Stephanie??
I think it is called 1,000 kisses? It is double sided!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…Easy Valentine’s Day Nail Art Wrapped with a Bow featuring KBShimmer & Glitter!
Thank you! I’ll look for it 🙂
This is great information! I’ve been trying to get into wearing lipsticks/stains more frequently but get so overwhelmed when I got to the drugstore to pick some out. I know which brands to try now!
Chelsie, thank you. This certainly wasn’t an exhaustive comparison of drugstore lipsticks, but just 3 long wears that I had around the house! But the CG is definitely worth buying. I also just tried one of the new shades from Jordana’s Twist & Shout Moisturizing Lip Balm Stain, and I must say I’m impressed. It’s very moisturizing and it does leave behind a long-lasting stain. 🙂
This is a super informative post! I’ll be putting that Cover Girl lipstick on my drugstore shopping list!
Thanks, El! You should, it’s worth a try!
i’ve heard that the rimmel provocalips are actually quite good and long lasting! (ordered a batch this week, will be sure to keep you updated on whether they’re really that good 🙂 )
Thanks, Kimmi! I’ve tried lots of Rimmel eye products but none of the lippies. Please keep me posted on the Provocalips!