Long Lasting Lipsticks on Trial—Just in Time for Valentine's Day

Kissable colors that will actually stay put

By Raleigh Burgan Feb 09, 2016 7:27 PMTags
Rosie Huntington-WhiteleyDonato Sardella/Getty Images

If you're a big fan of lipstick like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, you know oh too well just how many products claim to last forever. Tie that obsession in with your love for Maroon 5, now you're 100 percent certain "Nothing Lasts Forever." And thus, you find yourself in this predicament right before Valentine's Day. All you're asking is for these makeup brands to be honest, because come Sunday night when you're nose deep in a glass of delicious red wine (with a person you're really into), you're going to want to know what's happening on your face.  

Lucky for you, not only were these seven lipsticks worn for a full day, but they also underwent a series of ultimate Valentine's Day-themed tests. They were wiped on a napkin, used on a wine glass and kissed on a real human cheek (thank you, Billy Nilles!). Basically everything you'd want from your lipstick on the most romantic day of the year was tested—and here are the results.

Tom Ford Lips & Boys in Liam
The lipstick went on with a creamy consistency and never (for the entire day it was on) left my lips out to dry, which I loved because that's hard to find. Although color did come off during the three tests (napkin, wine glass and cheek), it didn't show when I took a look at my lips afterwards. HUGE win!
Overall Rating: 5 lipstick emojis

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in Trendsetter
If I'm being brutally honest, this was not a favorite. The color went on nicely, but didn't really grip my lips and made for weird spacing. It also came off entirely for each of the three tests meaning, although its $9 price is pretty unbeatable, this isn't the one for you.
Overall Rating: 1 lipstick emoji

Chantecaille Lip Chic Lip Color in Wild Poppy
I have to say, I think this brand has the most interesting colors (in the best way). The one I tried looks orangey-red, but when rubbed off, the color looked pink. I loved the way it felt on my lips—super creamy—but I do have to say, in a make-out situation this stuff is going to spread.
Overall Rating: 3 lipstick emojis

MAC Lipstick in Dubonnet
For everyday wear, you can ALWAYS trust a MAC lipstick. It stays on for long periods of time and won't come off for anything this V-Day. The one downside is that it's incredibly drying (a.k.a. after long periods, your lips will feel like the Sahara Desert). I recommend having a balm on stand-by or just reapplying whenever you can.
Overall Rating: 3 lipstick emojis

Butter London Plush Rush Lipstick in Frisky
If you're looking for vibrant color that really does last a long time, Butter London is a safe (read: smart) bet. Minimal product came off during the three tests, and I actually struggled (only slightly) when it came time to rub it off before bed.
Overall Rating: 5 lipstick emojis

Jacqueline Lee/E!

Paula's Choice Berry & Bright Lip Collection
This lipstick set comes as a pack of four, but I used the darkest red in the box. Color-wise, it was amazing. It was incredibly rich, and I loved the way it made my lips feel (very hydrating). It did, however, come off on everything and pretty quickly, might I add. With this on, you're a no snogging zone.
Overall Rating: 2 lipstick emojis

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella
First place in the never-coming-off category is this guy—it didn't leave a single mark. It's the closest you'll get to a lipstick lasting forever; therefore, it's perfect for anything Valentine's Day throws at you. Note: It dries almost instantly, so before you apply choose your color wisely. Also, have a really good makeup remover on hand because you're going to need it.
Overall Rating: 5 lipstick emojis

Tom Ford Lips & Boys, $35; Butter London Plush Rush Lipstick, $22; Chantecaille Lip Chic Lip Color, $36; MAC Lipstick, $17; Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede, $9; Paula's Choice Berry & Bright Lip Collection, $45; NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $26