10 Under-$15 Lipsticks That Won’t Budge Under Your Mask, According to a Makeup Artist

Face masks have proven to be a great way to stop the spread of COVID-19. But one thing they aren’t exactly great for? Keeping your lipstick in place. Between sweat, friction, and hot breath, most color cosmetics don’t seem to stand a chance at staying put underneath your mask. But, according to celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio, it is possible to avoid all of that annoying lipstick smudging—as long as you choose the right product.

“Liquid lipsticks will dry matte, which decreases the risk of transfer to your mask,” says D’Amelio. “Gloss is never a good idea when wearing a mask, because it will stick to it and make a mess.” With that in mind, you’ll want to opt for a long-wear liquid lipstick that dries matte, so that you’ll avoid staining the inside of your mask.

“Liquid lipsticks don’t have as many emollients as regular lipsticks or lip gloss this makes them dry down matte as well as makes them last longer,” explains D’Amelio. As far as ingredients go, she suggests looking for dimethicone or silica, which are forms of silicone that she says “help the liquid lipstick stay on longer, apply smoother, prevent the product from cracking and oxidizing and changing color.” You should also check the label for ingredients that have the terms “poly,” “wax,” or “gum” in the name, which creates a barrier to help the lipstick dry matte and stay on longer. “They also aid in thickening the product, help moisturize the skin, and create a waterproof liquid lipstick,” says D’Amelio.

Scroll through for her picks for the best lipstick for face masks that won’t budge, no matter how hot and sweaty things get under there. As an added bonus, not a single one of them will run you more than $15.

Morphe Liquid Lipstick — $10.00

This liquid lipstick is designed to be “kiss-proof,” but scores extra points for being mask-proof, too. It goes on like a gloss but dries into a velvety finish that stays put all day, which means it won’t leave any sort of annoying color stain on your mask.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color — $10.00

Thanks to the matte finish that this liquid lipstick leaves behind, it will keep your lips looking brightly colored for the long haul. It’s made with a wax-free, gel formula, and comes in nearly a dozen boldly-pigmented shades that you’ll rarely need to reapply.

Colourpop Lux Liquid Lip — $8.00

In addition to its stay-all-day properties, this lipstick is formulated with an antioxidant blend of pomegranate, goji fruit, and grape seed extract that will nourish your lips while also delivering a buildable swath of natural-looking color. Apply one layer for a more subtle shade, or swipe on another for a more vibrant finish.

The Lip Bar Liquid Matte — $13.00

One of our favorite liquid lipsticks comes from The Lip Bar, and is made with all of the stay-all-day ingredients D’Amelio mentioned.

Stila Travel Size Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick — $12.00

Get the all-day staying power of Stila’s liquid lipstick in this mini size to save $10. It’s enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to soften the lips while silicones keep the color in place without transferring.

Tarte Sugar Rush - Mini Sugar Coat Velvet Liquid Lipstick - Cake Pop — $10.00

Grab this pretty pink liquid lipstick that has a yummy vanilla scent. It dries down to a velvety-matte finish that won’t fade, look cakey, or crack.

Juvia's Place The Reds and Berries Velvety Matte Mini Liquid Lipstick — $10.00

Infused with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this lipstick from Juvia’s place will provide some hydration. It provides a super-pigmented velvet-matte finish.

BLK/OPL Liquid Matte Lipstick — $11.00

This lightweight liquid matte lipstick from BLK/OPL provides a ton of color in a velvety matte finish with just a single swipe.

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick — $10.00

With 31 shades to choose from, you can find the perfect shade of this lipstick from Maybelline. It has a high-pigment matte finish that provides up to 16 hours of wear.

ULTA Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick — $9.00

Infused with vitamin E and primer, this matte lipstick feels super comfortable on your lips while providing long-lasting color.

And one more pro tip for keeping your lipstick in place? “You can spray the inside of your mask with setting spray, like the Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($33) which will help your makeup not transfer onto the mask,” says D’Amelio. Just be sure to give it a sec to air dry before putting it on.

Urban Decay Cosmetics All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray — $33.00

Speaking of quarantine-related makeup concerns, press play on the video below to learn how to properly get glammed up for your next Zoom meeting. 

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