I Tested 5 Different Lipsticks Against My Morning Coffee—Here's How They Held Up

Here's something you should know about me before we continue: I have had at least one cup of coffee nearly every single morning since I was 13 years old. That might be slightly concerning, but I'm just giving you the facts. 

Though I might have a slight coffee addiction, it's not for nothing. Believe it or not, I've learned a few tips and tricks on my daily journey to caffeination. Mainly, I know to nearly always wait until after I've finished my last cup to apply lipstick, as lipstick tends to leave marks on my mug, and hot coffee typically ruins the finish of my lipstick. 

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(Image credit: @styleheroine)

For the sake of science, I decided to test a few of my absolute favorite lipsticks against my morning coffee to see how they held up. While most did transfer a bit to my mug (I'd be shocked to find a lipstick that didn't transfer to a mug, no matter how smudge-proof it's supposed to be), they all held up surprisingly well. Below, find my reviews for how well five of my all-time favorite lipsticks square up against piping-hot coffee. 

Maybelline Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipcolor

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Point-blank, this lipstick stays put. It has a beautiful reflective finish, which, in my mind, would mean it smears easily, but it truly doesn't budge. With the shine of a lip gloss and the grip of a liquid lipstick, this liquid formula is a no-brainer for anyone on the go who wants something that will last all day long without looking dry. 

Glossier Generation G

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

I love a sheer wash of color on my lips on days when I'm wearing bright colors—it feels effortless and very French girl. I always assume that they won't hold up to any sort of beverage drinking, but I was impressed with how well the Generation G formula stood up to my coffee drinking. It came off a tiny bit as I was drinking but still looked good. 

Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

I love a red lip, and this formula is one of my absolute favorites. It has the smoothest applicator, and it's such a great true red on me. It also held up remarkably well against my coffee—I didn't have to reapply all day. 

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque 

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Nyx Shine Loud Vegan High Shine Long-Lasting Liquid Lipstick

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(Image credit: @ktberohn)

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Not only is this lipstick only $12, but it also impressed me the most in terms of transfer. This formula does not budge. I think the only reason there's any transfer at all on my coffee cup is because I applied the gloss on top—I had to scrub the color underneath off with cleanser and a washcloth. If you want a lipstick that will not move for a great price, this one is your best bet. 

Next, Honestly, I Love It: The Barrier-Repair Cream That Just Might Work Miracles

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.