Lipsticks that last long and are transfer-proof are appreciated at all times. But now that we have to wear masks for the foreseeable future, they’re more handy than ever. We asked our friends and colleagues to reveal their favourite transfer-proof lipsticks, as tried and tested since mask-wearing became mandatory.
Engracia is wearing Rom&nd’s Glasting Water Tint in #03 Brick Red
What she looks for in a lipstick now: “Staying power. Nourishment is also an important factor as the mask material can be chafing at times.”
What she recommends: Rom&nd’s Glasting Water Tint.
Why she likes it: “I like that it’s glossy and non-drying. The tint itself is rather unique—it separates into 2 layers upon application: the bottom layer stains your lips while the top layer is a clear/translucent gloss. Some shades yield a clear gloss layer, which means it won’t really discolour your mask.”
Why she recommends it: “Some shades do transfer, but the tint leaves a stain that won’t budge from your lips unless you eat something greasy. Even though it’s a glossy tint, it doesn’t transfer much and has good staying power.
In my opinion, it’s as good as matte liquid lipsticks. When the tint fades, it does so evenly, so there’s no significant patches unless your lips are really chapped.”
Tip: “Don’t apply lip balm after this tint. If you want to get a deeper colour, apply the tint in thin layers, but do so quickly.”
Price: $19.90
Where to buy: Guardian, Virvici on Shopee
Joselle is wearing Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick in 70 Amazonian
What she looks for in a lipstick now: “I look for ones that stay on longer and don’t require much touch-ups, as well as those that are more on the matte side.”
What she recommends: Maybelline’s Superstay Matte Ink Lipstick
Why she likes it: “I’m obsessed with this! I find it to be quite velvety after it dries.”
Why she recommends it: “It is long-lasting and does not smudge on my face under a mask. I can wear it throughout the day, and I would touch up at most once a day only if I’m out for long periods. The lipstick also doesn’t dry out or feel uncomfortable when you’re wearing it.”
Price: $17.90
Where to buy: Guardian, Watsons, Shopee
Joyce is wearing Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint in Unveil
What she looks for in a lipstick now: “I’ve always preferred a matte finish and long-lasting formulas so that hasn’t really changed much.
I only put on lipstick when I know I will be removing my mask soon after. Which is why I always keep a lip colour in my bag, so I can touch up anytime I want!”
What she recommends: Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint
Why she likes it: “I love how flattering the shade is. This entire range of liquid lip colours by Fenty Beauty is designed to be flattering on all skin tones and undertones!”
Why she recommends it: “Unlike many liquid lipsticks that are creamy, this one is completely like a fluid. Upon application, it sets in around 30 seconds and doesn’t budge until you remove it or eat oily food. I usually only need to touch it up maybe once a day if I’ve been snacking or drinking. The pigments around the centre of the lips might fade as one consumes food and drinks.”
Tip: “You can dust loose powder over your lips after blotting with a tissue as this absorbs any oil or moisture in your lipstick so it is less likely to smudge under your mask. Repeat the application and blot steps to intensity pigment payoff while keeping it matte and budge-proof!”
Price: $39
Where to buy: Sephora
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Zhi Yu is wearing ColourPop’s Crème LUX Lipstick in LA Lady
What she looks for in a lipstick now: “I rarely do a full face of makeup anymore, I only wear lipstick if I’m going to have a meal or a reason to take off my mask with people. I look for a lipstick that is not too drying and non-transferable.”
What she recommends: ColourPop’s Crème LUX Lipstick.
Why she likes it: “I like that the lipstick is matte but not drying. Since it’s a bullet lipstick, I like that it is easy to apply and I don’t need to wait for it to dry.”
Why she recommends it: It does not transfer much, especially if you pat it down before wearing a mask. I only need to touch up after meals if it’s oily. After a long day, it might transfer onto the mask a little. This is also less transferable and lighter on the lips than other lipsticks, in my opinion.”
Tip: “Putting powder on it helps! Or using a tint and dabbing it with tissue before putting on your mask.”
Price: From US$8 to US$10 (~S$10.69 to ~S$13.36)
Where to buy: Colourpop
Alicia is wearing L’Oréal’s Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick in 372 Petal Potion
What she looks for in a lipstick now: “Having any transfer on my mask isn’t great so I look for the heaviest-duty transfer-proof lipsticks.”
What she recommends: L’Oréal Paris’ Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick.
Why she likes it: “I like the wand, it’s much easier to apply with this than a regular doe foot wand. I also love the initial creaminess of the formula before it sets matte. Although it doesn’t transfer, it’s not sticky or heavy, but fairly light and creamy instead. Other liquid lipsticks I’ve tried feel much more vinyl or plastic-y when they’re drying, and weird on the lips.”
Why she recommends it: “I wore this lipstick out for about nine hours. Initially, it smudged a bit because I didn’t wait long enough for it to dry. Once it dried, there were no smudges throughout the day! I touched it up twice, once after lunch and once after dinner. Honestly, I don’t think I needed to touch it up that much, I didn’t see any transfer onto cutlery or my metal straw.”
Tip: “I usually put a balm on before I wear lipstick. But for this, I apply it straight and I find it really helps with the staying power.”
Price: $19.90
Where to buy: Watsons
You still deserve to look and feel good when you’re out, even under a mask. So if wearing makeup and applying some lipstick make you feel fierce, then a good transfer-proof lipstick will make the perfect accomplice.
For more ways to keep your makeup look intact and stay photo-ready, check out our list of makeup tips.
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