Whether you rock a bold red lip shade on your wedding day, or opt for an ever-popular nude, the last thing you want is for your lipstick to have vanished before you’ve even made it up the aisle! But unless you choose a long-wear lipstick formula, your perfect pout simply won’t withstand all the champagne and kisses. This is something to discuss in advance with your makeup artist at your trial, as they’ll know the best formulas and tricks for making a lipstick really long-lasting.

However, consider buying a lipstick to have in your bridal handbag (or your bridesmaid’s) for top-ups. We’ve compiled our favourite long-wear lipsticks for brides, each long-lasting, non-drying, and available in a fabulous range of colours from nudes to bolder shades. Read on to find your perfect pout partner!

But First, Some Long Wear Lipstick FAQs Answered to Help You Choose:

I want a glossy look, but will it last?

For a glossy finish, choose a duo formula. The first layer will be a long lasting liquid lipstick or stain and the second layer will be a gloss or balm you can apply on top.

How can I avoid it sitting in the cracks of my lips?

Matte textures are more long-lasting and deliver deeper colour as they have more wax and pigment, but can be drying as they have less oils. This can also cause it to settle in any cracks in your lips. Avoid this by using a nourishing balm the week leading up to your wedding day. Then gently exfoliate your lips the night before, either with a special lip scrub (sugar, olive oil and honey is a great home remedy) or by lightly running your toothbrush over your lips.

How do I avoid it drying out my lips?

If you have naturally dry lips, then choose a matte texutre with a semi-creamy finish, or with a softly fine, powerdery finish. Also check the ingredients list – anything with alcohol, silicone or talc is a no. And it goes without saying, ‘hydrate, hydrate, hydrate’ with lots of water throughout the day!

How do I avoid bleed with bold colours?

Lip liner is your first line of defence here. Apply it all over the lip as an extra safety precaution and this will hold it in place. Some products come with a matching lipliner at the end which can be very useful throughout the day.

How do I avoid transfer?

The good news is that long wear lipsticks tend not to transfer, so you can greet your guests and sip away on your bubbles without worrying too much. However, as an extra precaution blot with a tissue after applying to remove any excess.

I love red and dark colours – but how can I make them last?

Unlike a nude shade that will gradually fade down to your natural lip colour. A darker colour requires more supervision. Ask your bridesmaid to keep an eye as to when your lipstick needs a top up. The secret to long lasting lipstick is to apply it in layers. Lip primer, lip liner, then two layers of your lipstick, followed by a top coat if it’s a duo.

Best Long Wear Lipsticks for Brides

1. Hydrating, long-wear, and drenched in true-to-colour pigments, Lisa Eldridge’s True Velvet Lip Colour lipsticks (€32) are ideal for a wedding day look. Available in 14 shades from nudes through pinks to reds and berries. Blush Lightly (above) is a perfectly pink nude with a velvety matte finish and a light sheen, and the intensely pigmented range has a non-drying effect for all-day comfort.

2. A cult hit for a reason, Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution collection (€37) is one of our favourite long-wear lipsticks. It has the perfect blend of waxes and oils, so you get a long-lasting finish that won’t dry, along with glowing pigments that catch the light beautifully. Try the Look of Love edit in the collection – four gorgeous rosey shades with Penelope Pink being a particular star!

3. This one is technically not a lipstick but a liner and primer in one. Shiseido’s LipLiner InkDuo (€32) can be paired with your favourite long-wear lipstick to give serious staying power, or worn alone for a matte finish with bold colour payoff.

4. The MAC Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour (€28) offers a formula that drenches lips in rich liquid colour while offering all the comfort of a balm. It gives a softly blown out matte finish that’s very vintage without being drying, and we love the applicator for easy top-ups.

5. The Code 8 Colour Brilliance Lipstick collection, (£28) has nine gorgeous nude pink shades and is super for brides with dry lips. It delivers vibrant colour payoff and is long-lasting, while it won’t last quite as long as a matte texture. This one is creamy and comfortable to wear.

6. The Lipfinity Lip Colour duo by Max Factor (€17.99) has been a best seller for a long time, and we can see why. Create a smooth, rich layer with the long-lasting matte liquid lipstick and pop on the glossy moisturising top coat as and when you need it. There are 34 shades to choose from!

7. One for our vegan brides, the Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick by KVD Beauty, (€22) is a stay-all-day, transfer-proof liquid lipstick that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. It’s packed with pigment in nudes, berries, reds and ‘pops’ for anyone who wants a statement shade, and it feels really flexible on the lips.

8. There are eight shades in this no-bleed Lip Contour Stain from Huda Beauty (€25.45), and it can be used as a lip liner, for a blurred lip effect, or to fill in the entire lip. The shade Rosewood is perfect for a wedding-day look that lasts all day, from Champagne sips to catch-ups. Pop a gloss or balm on top for comfort; the colour beneath will not budge.

Want more bridal beauty inspiration? We have a whole post about finding your perfect nude lipstick shade, as well as the best self tan, great blow-dry styles and waterproof mascaras.