The Best Lipsticks to Wear Under a Mask

Want to wear lipstick but hate having it smudged all over your face when you remove your mask? I’ve been on a search to find lipsticks that are mask-proof, smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and drink-proof and I’ve found 5 different drugstore options that you’ll love! These highly pigmented lip colours last all day long and pack a lot of bold, beautiful colour. You’ll be able to remove that mask with confidence and give people your best smile! See which brands made the list…

Mask-Proof Lipsticks

For this post, I chose mostly cream, liquid lipsticks as I love the way that they dry matte and stay on all day long. When Covid restrictions are over and we can throw away (or burn) our masks, then this post can also be a testament to lipsticks that staying on while eating, drinking, and even kissing!? I’ve ditched most of my classic roll-up tube lipsticks for liquid lip colours because I like the rich, pigmented colour that they provide, as well as their easy application wands.

Application

Some tips for making them last like they should: allow them to dry for a couple of minutes after application before eating, drinking, or applying your mask. If you aren’t feeling so skilled using the wand applicator, line your lips using a lip pencil first then fill in with your liquid lip colour. This will also give your lips the perfect shape!

Removal

These lip colours were made to last so don’t be alarmed when you find that they can be a bit difficult to remove. I use a reusable bamboo makeup remover pad soaked with some micellar water to gently scrub my lips to remove the lip colour. For the Maybelline Superstay and NYX Shine Loud colours, you may need some extra help with an oil to help lift the lipstick. I use a few drops of Bio-Oil or a little bit of Vaseline on my remover pad to remove these brands.

The Best Lipsticks to Wear Under a Mask

NYX Cosmetics Shine Loud Lip Colour $14.49

These NYX Shine Loud lip colours have been widely popular in the drugstore cosmetics world. They last up to 16-hours and won’t dry out your lips due to the liquid infusion of plant-based oils. This lip colour has a double-ended applicator: one end provides the rich lip colour and the other a topcoat of glossy shine! Allow the base coat to dry for about 90 seconds before applying the non-sticky, glossy top coat. Another option that I like to do is apply the topcoat after removing my mask for instant shine and renewal.

Colour featured in this post: “On a Mission” Blue Red. I also own and love the fuchsia shade called “Hot Pink.”

Essense 8hr Matte Liquid Lipsticks $4.99

Essence’s line of affordable liquid lipsticks offers 8 hours of matte staying power. There are some beautiful colours to choose from and at this price point, you might want to try a few! They glide on easily and dry to a beautiful, bold matte finish. They are paraben and alcohol-free. Did I mention that they are always under $5?

Colours featured in this post: “I Dare You” in red and “Date Proof” in mauve pink.

Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink $11.99

Searching for the perfect shade? Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink liquid lip colours have 40 different shades to choose from! Try a soft, pretty neutral or a big, bold colour. These are applied with an arrow-shaped applicator that helps precisely lines your lips and fill in colour. Maybelline boasts up to 16 hours of wear with these liquid shades. They seriously stay put on your lips!

Colours featured in this post: “Shot Caller” in red 325

Maybelline Superstay Ink Crayon $9.49

If liquid lipsticks are a little beyond your comfort zone then try one of these 14 crayon lipstick shades. They last up to 8 hours and still hold their own under a mask. You can keep the tip sharpened wherever you go with a built-in sharpener that can be removed on the opposite end of the crayon. It’s pretty genius! If you can’t get to the drugstore, try the virtual try-on tool on the Maybelline website.

Colour featured in this post: “Reach High” 100

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour $9.99

Here is one more option for you that is kiss-proof, touch-proof, and even waterproof! There are 28 shades in this lineup and they don’t fade during the day. It does wear well under a mask but I did have to reapply some after eating lunch.