Although sheer, barely-there balms and sparkly lip glosses have their place in our make-up bags, when you need your lip color to last, a long-wearing formula can’t be beaten. Most long-wear formulas tend to be a matte texture as they don’t slide around like creamy satin finishes. Of course, there are exceptions with satin lipsticks that have been developed to last (and you'll find some in our round-up) but in general, a matte formula is your safest bet.
Another thing to look out for is the color pay-off. Lipsticks often fade with wear but find one rich in pigment and you shouldn’t need to reapply. A formula that coats the lip in color with one swipe should also be on your radar. These tend to last a lot longer than sheer lipstick which can disappear with one lick of the lips. Knowing how to stop lipstick bleeding and feathering by using a lip pencil first can also make a huge difference to the longevity of your look.