A liquid lipstick is a staple in every beauty lover’s makeup bag. It’s known for going on smooth, drying down to a matte, or soft matte, finish. But, the one problem with so many liquid lipsticks is that most dry out your lips. Fortunately, most does not equal all. 

There are liquid lipsticks out there that deliver the qualities you love from the long wearing product and don’t pull all the moisture from your pout. “They are intensely pigmented but pleasant to wear – never sacrificing the vibrant color payoff for which liquid lipsticks are so adored,” licensed beauty consultant and founder of online site A Beauty Edit, Sarah Roberts, told 21Ninety. 

How To Find a Non-Drying Liquid Lipstick

To find a non-drying liquid lipstick, you’ve got to look at the ingredient details. “When shopping for liquid lipsticks, look for moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid,” cosmetic chemist for Genie Supply Labs, Nicole Ho, told 21Ninety. “Stay away from formulas with a lot of alcohol, which can be very drying,” Ho warned. 

According to Roberts, additional ingredients to look out for are jojoba, argan, and almond oil. These oils moisturize the lips to keep them plump and smooth. That way, you’ll avoid creases and cracks. 

Tips for Applying Liquid Lipstick To Avoid Dry Lips

Before you even reach for the tube of liquid lipstick, prep your lips. “Exfoliate with a soft brush or cloth to remove any dry flakes,” Ho suggested. Then, continue to follow the cosmetic chemist’s advice by applying a lip balm or oil on your lips. Next, blot off excess balm or oil with a tissue before putting on your lipstick. 

As you put on your liquid lipstick, “start filling in the rest of your lips from the center; proceed outward, taking care to apply evenly: this technique ensures a smooth finish,” Roberts noted. The licensed beauty expert also recommended using a lip liner for the most long-lasting wear with your non-drying liquid lipstick. 

Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Lipstick

Pat McGrath Labs’ LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Lipstick offers up to 12 hours of powerful color. It’s lightweight, glides on creamy, and is smudge- and transfer-proof. Available in 14 colors, from deep brown to light pink, you’re able to pick up the next workhorse in your makeup bag. 

Fenty Beauty Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick

$29
Photo Courtesy of Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty’s Icon Velvet Liquid Lipstick is more than the lipstick Rihanna wore during the Superbowl. It’s a whipped liquid lipstick that keeps your lips soft and comfortable. This non-drying liquid lipstick is made with a combination of ingredients that let the lipstick set without depriving your lips of their natural moisture. Plus, you still get that full-color coverage you expect from a liquid lipstick. Right now, there are 12 shades available to shop.

HUDA BEAUTY Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick

HUDA BEAUTY’s Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick literally has comfort in the name. That means, this vegan formula is designed to not feel like a tight film is on your lips. The ingredient list includes a brand exclusive “Lip L.O.V.E. Complex” that is a blend of olive oil, fatty acids, and lycopene along with vitamins A and E. 

Along with its lip-loving liquid formula, this fragrance-free lipstick is available in 16 full-coverage shades. That way, you’re able to comfortably swipe a range of neutrals or bold colors onto your lips comfortably. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick

Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Liquid Lipstick is a full-color liquid lipstick with smudge-proof wear. It comes in 16 non-drying colors that span browns, pinks, purples, and reds. This non-drying liquid lipstick lets you laugh, chat, and chill without your lips flaking off. Plus, its slim applicator makes it easier for you to draw your lips on without going outside of the lines. 

Stila Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick

Stila’s Stay All Day Long Wear Liquid Lipstick comes in a whopping 28 shades. From pinks to reds, and a number of neutrals in between, there’s a shade for everyone. Along with the vast color range, this is actually a comfortable non-drying liquid lipstick. Plus, its cruelty-free formula offers up to 12 hours of wear without ever feeling dry. 

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