The 12 Best Liquid Lipsticks of 2021

Working from home has meant natural no makeup days. However, now we’re slowly returning to offices and socialising more, it’s time to get our glam on. And we’re certainly excited to put our beauty skills to the test again.

With that in mind, it’s important to refresh you makeup kit with new, fun makeup goodies. One key product for any glam look is of course the classic liquid lipstick. The liquid formulas stay put longer than lip gloss or cream lipsticks and can give your look a little extra oomph, whether you prefer a satin, matte or metallic finish.

With so many to choose from, it can be tricky separating the wheat from the chaff. But that’s where the beauty buffs at Cosmetify come in. We’ve collated the 12 best liquid lipsticks so you can easily find your new favourite shade in no time at all.

What is liquid lipstick?

They combine the liquid of your favourite gloss and the pigment of your favourite lipstick. A long-lasting option for bold lip looks, liquid lipsticks don't smudge or budge throughout the day – even in the heat.

Using a burst of intense colour, liquid lipsticks also provide a high coverage and can come in many different finishes, including matte, satin and metallic. They also come in a range of shades from red liquid lipsticks to nude, natural hues. To find your favourite formulas and new exciting brands, use our handy drop-down search filters.

How do you apply liquid lipstick?

It's crucial to prep your lips before applying a long-wearing liquid lipstick – especially if it's a matte formula. Prep your lips by exfoliating with a lip scrub and then follow with your favourite lip balm. Allow the lip balm to fully sink in before applying the liquid lipstick. For a sharper look, outline your lips with a lip liner first. Then using the applicator provided or a lip brush fill in your lips carefully with colour.

Unlike other lipsticks, it's recommended to not rub your lips together as this can smudge the formula while it's drying. And, because liquid lipsticks are usually highly pigmented, you only need one coat to achieve a bold look. To fix any mistakes simply dip a cotton bud in makeup remover and wipe the mishap away.

The best liquid lipsticks:

1. delilah Colour Intense Liquid Lipstick

The delilah Colour Intense Liquid Lipstick is a classic formula loved by beauty editors and influencers alike. We love this option as it provides a gorgeous matte finish with a high colour payoff. Better yet, there’s over six mesmerising shades, including beautiful berry, terrific teal and popping pink.

2. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Colour

Fenty Beauty is a must in any makeup bag. The liquid lip colour comes in bold shades that work from both day to night. Whether you want a sexy red or seductive purple, there’s a colour for every occasion. The formula is also budge-proof which means it looks amazing all day long.

3. Huda Beauty Liquid Matte

This liquid lippie from Huda Beauty feels comfortable on the pout, thanks to the super hydrating formula enriched with antioxidants. It also has a lightweight texture which dries down matte and comes in a range of stylish colours.

4. NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream

For a more affordable option, take a look at this purse-friendly cream liquid lipstick from NYX Professional Makeup. The doe-foot wand ensures you can effortlessly swipe across your pout for an even application. And the weightless texture dries matte to give you the perfect pop of colour.

5. bareMinerals Statement Matte Liquid Lip Colour

Discover the stunning matte shades from bareMinerals. The lipstick has a bold pigment which is transfer resistance so stays put throughout the day. Simply apply to exfoliated, clean lips for a long-lasting look.

6. Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Lipstick

For a luxury option, we can’t recommend this Yves Saint Laurent matte liquid lipstick enough. It provides a beautiful high colour payoff with a full coverage finish. From bright oranges to pretty pinks, there’s 18 sensational shades to choose from. Plus, it has a unique bevelled wand for super easy application on-the-go.

7. NARS Cosmetics Powermatte Pigment Lipstick

This award-winning lipstick is a firm favourite here at Cosmetify. It has a quick-drying formula, which is smudge-proof and feels lightweight on the pout throughout the day. NARS have a range of gorgeous shades to pick from, including versatile neutrals and statement bold colours.

8. KVD Vegan Beauty Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Searching for a vegan-friendly liquid lipstick? Look no further than this impressive option from KVD Vegan Beauty. Not only does it provide an intense wash of colour, but it’s also enriched with nourishing vitamin E and sunflower seed wax. This formula keeps your lips oh-so-kissable and prevents any drying or cracking come the midday makeup meltdown.

9. Revolution Pro Supreme Matte Lip Pigment

Revolution Pro offer a super affordable liquid lipstick in a wide variety of colours. Pick up a few to update your makeup kit, whether you prefer unusual blue shades or classic pink hues there’s one for every occasion and every makeup style. Each pigment feels comfortable on the lips and looks great even after a long day in the park.

10. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

If you are heading back into the office, why not try the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick from Stila? This luxury formula provides a semi-matte finish that feels hydrating on the lips, thanks to the blend of avocado oils and vitamin E. Plus, it comes in a range of wearable shades that look fab from desk to socially distanced dancefloor.

11. MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour

MAC are a go-to brand for lip makeup with plenty of formulas, textures and finishes to choose from. However, we adore their Powder Kiss matte liquid lipstick as it provides a highly pigmented wash of colour that still feels hydrating on the skin. For a chic, softer, daytime look, blur out the edges with your fingertips.

12. Lime Crime Plushies Lipstick

Finally, add a fun, flirty colour with the Lime Crime liquid lipstick in a range of shades, including cherry red, golden brown and peachy nude. You can easily build up the formula whether you prefer a sheer finish or a bolder look. Plus, it has a gorgeous, lip-smacking blackberry candy scent that makes us think of juicy lip balms.

Want even more lippie inspo? Take a look at the best black lipsticks you can wear all year round and the 10 best long-lasting lipsticks you should buy.