Originally published in Financial Mail Womens Forum on Friday, May 27th, 2011 at 6:00 am.

Tried and Tested: Long stay lipsticks that stay put without trashing your lips

Gia Mills knows all to well that you can pop a lippy on in the morning and by your first cup of morning tea it is a mere shadow of its former self, so she’s been trialling a range of long stay lipsticks that will really stay put but don’t give a nasty texture to your lips:

I have been busy trialling a range of long stay lipsticks that will really stay put but don’t give a nasty texture to your lips.

So I hit the beauty counters and high street stores and picked up some that promised no budging, some even claiming a full 24 hours no less.

For each one, I put it on in the morning and then carried on my daily activities and checked them mid morning, lunch and the end of the day.

Which came out the best……drum roll:

Mac: Pro Long Wear

Why? Most crucially for those claiming to be long lasting, it does not make your lips all flaky and crusty. It stays put (all be it a touch faded) for a full 5 – 7 hours and has a creamy texture which most of the other brands can’t deliver.

Comments – more colours please Mac

Max Factor: Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint

Why? This is not strictly a lipstick, but a tint or stain. However, it gives great bold colour which really lasted. I would suggest a bit of moisturising gloss top ups now and then to stop the lips looking too dull.

Comments – same as above, more colours please Max Factor

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