Between the ceremony, the speeches, the reception dinner, and the endless photos, your lipstick needs to be as committed as you are. As a bride, you’re probably not going to have much time to touch up your colour every hour on the big day, which is why choosing the right formula is key. While the liquid matte varieties have the best staying power, they can often feel drying. The key is to find a formula that’s both hydrating and matte. These days, bullet lipsticks are also being formulated to offer impressive longevity, with some lasting up to 10 hours while maintaining a comfortable satin-matte finish.
So, how do you make sure your lip colour stays flawless from the first look to the afterparty? Luckily for us, celebrity make-up artist Puneet Saini has already shared her top hacks for ensuring your lipstick stays put. First, you need to prep your lips. Saini recommends exfoliating with a lip scrub to get rid of any flakes, followed by a hydrating lip balm. The next step is using a lip liner in a similar or slightly darker shade to outline the lips, ensuring your lipstick doesn’t bleed. Ideally, you should also fill in your lips with the liner, which gives the lipstick something to “grip” onto, keeping it in place.
When it comes to application, technique is everything. Apply in thin layers, blot with a tissue, and reapply for maximum longevity. And finally, don’t forget to set your lips with a dusting of translucent powder or a setting spray.
On the day of the festivities, avoid eating oily foods as they tend to break down lipstick faster, and use a straw to prevent transferring lipstick onto your glass.
Now that you know the trick to the perfect pout, below, see our edit of transfer-proof lipsticks that you need to add to your cart. From Nars’ intensely pigmented Powermatte Lip Crayon, which glides on like a dream and feels weightless once it dries down in seconds, to Maybelline’s rich and creamy Superstay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick, which passes the smudge test with flying colours while offering a high-shine glossy finish—no matter which format you prefer, our edit has got you covered.