Splurge/Steal: Longwear Lip Color

With all the advances of modern cosmetic technology, I’m fairly certain it’s only a matter of time before my red lipstick is permanently lacquered to my face. But since we’re not quite there yet, I always reach for a long-lasting liquid lip color when I’m working a long day, going to a wedding or planning to dance all night at the gay bar. My go-to color is red, obviously, but both Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick ($22) and Wet n Wild MegaLast Liquid Lip Color ($3) come in a wide variety of shades to suit your needs, from fuchsia pink to easy nude. Both pack a punch of color and matte finish, so they’ll last 6+ hours without budging. (The Stila once went 10 hours, from my morning Starbucks to a drink with my ex. If only he were as fool-proof.) The texture of longwear lip gloss does feel a bit like sticky paint as they dry, but we make certain sacrifices for longevity, don’t we? Just pack a lip balm! –Kara