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Fight transfer and fading with flattering stains and high-impact mattes

Finding a long-lasting, smudge-proof lipstick that survives all day (and night) isn't quite as easy as it might sound. Mandated mask-wearing may have pushed brands to react with a host of smudge-proof formulas, but many fall short of the mark when it comes to finish and, crucially, comfort.

A long-lasting lipstick needn't settle into fine lines, or prove so drying it leads lips to flake and crack. In fact, today's best options offer the best of both worlds, working to plump and hydrate while delivering a flattering veil of colour that doesn't migrate onto your teeth (or your wine glass).

Place your trust in one of the best long-wearing lipsticks out there, and it'll see you seamlessly from work to weekend – and on to those anticipated spring parties.

So whether you need a bold red that'll stick around through a dinner date, or a great nude for every day, you're bound to find the perfect bullet here.

Gucci's beautiful liquid lipsticks are considerably creamier than any other we've tried, blending budge-proof longevity with true comfort. There's a shade to satisfy every whim, but the vivid postbox Goldie Red is the most classic move.

Inspired by the vivid nightlife of Tokyo, Shiseido's matte lipstick comes in some striking shades. The ultra-light formula dries like a powder, leaving behind an airbrushed veil of colour that doesn't feel sticky or dry. 

L'oreal's latest lipstick launch is simply outstanding. These brilliant bullets are truly rare in that they merge velvet-matte colour with a creamy, hydrating finish that skims over lines to make lips look smoothed and plumped.

The result is a shine-free finish that doesn't quite last a whole day, but stays put for long enough.

There's something brilliantly unique about the formulation of Gucci Westman's Lip Suede colours: they're intensely hydrating and ultra-comfortable, yet deliver a soft, fuzzy-edged finish that doesn't slip and slide across your skin (or teeth).

This bold palette contains four flattering shades that can be worn alone or blended to create a custom colour. With jojoba and avocado oils – as well as skin-boosting peptides – this one truly ticks every box.

These beautiful lip colours from Serge Lutens are ideal for anyone who prefers a sheer hint of definition, rather than all-out colour. Don't be intimidated by the deep hues on the applicator: they all fade out to a translucent stain on application.

The texture is lightweight and almost gel-like, so you can apply in the morning and forget all about it (even when wearing a mask).

This criminally underrated lip colour may be described as a 'velvet mousse', but the airy texture is one of the most comfortable and hydrating we've ever tried.

It's light and fluffy, imparting a weightless touch of translucent colour that delivers a pillowy look with softly diffused edges. If comfort ranks high on your list of demands, this is bound to impress.

Hermés' new lipstick collection is something truly special. First, there's the glossy, satisfyingly heavy magnetic case, which is designed to be kept and refilled continuously. Then, there's the unrparalelled formula: matte, velvety and yet somehow, perfectly comfortable. A single swipe delivers bold, outfit-defining colour.

Industry legend Pat McGrath has created a long-lasting lipstick that doesn't dry lips into a flaky mess. These high-pigment liquid colours apply ultra-matte, yet don't dry enough to become uncomfortable. As for the shades? Unsurprisingly, there's an entire spectrum of seriously high-impact hues.

KVD Beauty's vegan liquid lipstick formula delivers a high-impact matte finish that won't make your lips look dry and patchy. Vitamin E and sunflower-seed wax ensure hydration, while vegan-friendly red pigments are a rare yet welcome find.

Tom Ford's longwear lip colours are are luxe as they come. This liquid formula is matte yet creamy, pigmented without looking garish, and lasts flawlessly from day to night.

It should come as little surprise to learn that there is absolutely nothing subtle about Christian Louboutin's signature velvety lipsticks.

Available in a spectrum of nudes and reds – Rouge Louboutin is the perfect match for your stiletto soles – these formulas are bold, opaque, and astonishingly long-lasting. The filigree packaging might be gift-worthy, but be sure to treat yourself too.

Trust Kilian to craft the most luxurious lipsticks around. Exclusive to Harvey Nichols, these gilded tubes reveal a matte yet remarkably hydrating bullet that imparts velvety colour with real staying power. A nod to the brand's perfumery legacy, each one is scented with a heady blend of orange blossom and vanilla. Choose from a spectrum of neutrals, or go bold with one of the vivid red hues. 

Designed with mask-wearing in mind, these liquid colours dry over the course of 15 minutes, forming a feather-light film over the lips that doesn't smudge or crack. 

Rihanna designed her lip paints to stay in place all night, without feathering, smudging or losing all their vibrancy. What's more, this lip-defining red is designed to suit all skin tones, making teeth appear whiter without dulling anyone's complexion. 

Available in flattering shades for all skin tones (the pinks are our favourite), this liquid formula clings to your lips for longer wear and utilises an arrow-shaped wand to make application easy.

The super-matte finish is brilliant for longevity but for the best results, make sure your lips are hydrated with a good balm before you apply.

If you're not sold on the idea of an ultra-matte lipstick, consider Chanel's Rouge Allure Laque: the perfect compromise between shine and staying power.  Infused with oils, it's incredibly comfortable to wear and delivers a satiny colour that really goes the distance. 

In search of the perfect party red? Code 8's vivid pillarbox Opera shade, with its matte finish and striking vibrancy, may well be it.  

Despite its matte finish, Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution range is easy to swipe on smoothly because the formula is packed with nourishing oils to make it creamy straight from the bullet.

It's little wonder the make-up artist has won award after award for both her nude and statement red shades.

When you're particularly conscious about lipstick transfer, you can't go wrong with MAC's classic matte formulas. From every shade of nude to the most iconic reds, there's bound to be a hue that satisfies.   

Dolce & Gabbana's liquid lipsticks are some of the most pigmented around: a single swipe delivers even, ultra-bright colour. Impressively, they're simultaneously hydrating and comfortable, with a light, semi-matte finish that never cracks or peels.