Makeup For Ever’s 24-Hour Wear Lipstick will stay with you, well, Forever

It’s important to choose a lipstick that can last for the entire wedding day, including cocktail hour and reception. Your lips must be flawless from the sun up to the sun down, even if you are in the bridal party. This was the exact problem I faced last weekend. I needed a formula that would last from the first application at 10 a.m., through the ceremony, speeches, cake cutting, and afterparty that would break even the most fervent bagpipe-playing uncles with flasks full of Scotch or livers of iron.

A colleague recommended me Make Up for Ever Rouge Artist For Ever Matte 24-HR Longwear Lipstick.

While gloss can be applied indefinitely with no repercussions, matte liquid lipsticks that I have tried over the years can become flaky and crusty after just a few touch-ups. This new launch was one of those exceptions. I applied it over a lip liner that was color-matched in the morning, and didn’t even think about it until the bride cut the cake. Photos from the day prove that this stuff stays around, comfortably — that’s what was intended when it was produced.

Eddie Duyos (Make Up For Ever Pro Artist, International Educator) says that liquid lipsticks can cause a drying sensation and sometimes flaking. This formula is lightweight and feels velvety matte. It’s waterproof, transfer-proof and can be worn for up to 24 hours. Duyos claims that this matte lipstick is comfortable and consistent. It’s made with specific ingredients, including silica microspheres to smoothen the lips and soft wax to keep it feeling comfy no matter how long it wears. Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist, confirms the value of these heroes ingredients, including kaolin Clay, which gives it an ultra-matte finish and doesn’t dry out.

The product’s contents are not the only reason I love it. Duyos explained that the applicator is specially designed with a reservoir in the middle that dispenses the right amount of product for single-swipe application. He says, «We designed this applicator to give the perfect shape to the lips. The outer, slanted tip can also be used for perfecting and cleaning the lips as if it were a pencil.»

Kara McGrath wore the same formula to a wedding and convinced me to make my own. She actually said that she thought she was done using liquid lipsticks, but the formula «dragged» her back. The applicator was also a key factor. She admits that everything, from the stiff, slanted doe-foot applicator to its purse-friendly size and the formula is flawless. The formula is «shockingly comfy,» she said, adding that it feels light on the lips and has an almost weightless finish. She loves «Constantly On Fire», which the brand calls a «classic red». McGrath says that the cool-toned crimson is very durable, especially when it’s paired with a coordinating lipstick.

Duyos suggests this method to increase the staying power. You can also layer the liquid on top of a sheer lipstick layer. A thin layer of product is better than a thick one when layering it over your favorite lipstick. He suggests that you top it off with a thin layer of your favorite gloss shade for a long-lasting shine.

Annie Blay, associate beauty editor, decided to apply a gloss coat over Always Au Natural. She explained that she is not a gloss girl as most lipsticks are too drying. However, this formula was different. It actually outperformed pigment-wise, despite its light wear. «I was surprised by how pigmented it was, and I ended having to wipe some to achieve a subtler lip… but if your preference is bold lips, you’ll love it,» she says. «It doesn’t matter if you are getting married, I will co-sign it.»

The Makeup For Ever Rouge Artist for Ever Matte 24HR Liquid Lipstick costs $25 and can be purchased at sephora.com.