Okay, let’s get real for a second. I have a lip product problem. My makeup bag is a graveyard of dried-out liquid lipsticks, sticky glosses that catch my hair, and stains that promise the world but disappear after one sip of water. I’m always on the hunt for that holy grail: something comfortable, long-lasting, and won’t make me look like I kissed a donut. So when I saw the USHAS Moisturizing Smudge-Proof Liquid Lipstick Lip Gloss 24-Piece Box pop up on my feed, I was equal parts intrigued and skeptical. Twenty-four shades for under $30? That screamed “too good to be true.” But the promise of “smudge-proof” and “waterproof” got me. I caved, hit order, and prepared for the best—or the worst.
Listen, when the box arrived, my first thought was, “This is a lot of lipstick.” It’s a substantial box, and opening it felt like Christmas. Rows upon rows of sleek, slim tubes in every color imaginable—from your everyday nudes and pinks to bold berries and a stunning, deep burgundy that made my heart skip a beat. The presentation is no-frills but neat. Honestly, for the price, I wasn’t expecting luxurious packaging, and it’s perfectly functional.
First Impressions & Swatch Party
I immediately did what any sane person would do: I swatched half my arm. The applicator is a standard doe-foot, which I actually prefer for precision. The formula, right out of the tube, has a creamy, mousse-like texture. It’s not watery at all, which is a good sign. I started with a neutral pinky-brown shade. The first swipe was smooth—like, buttery smooth. The pigment was rich and opaque in one coat. No streaking, no patchiness. I was already impressed.
Then came the wait. The key with these liquid lipsticks is letting them dry. I gave it a full minute. I pressed my lips together. Nothing transferred. I took a sip of water from a glass. No ring left behind. I did my infamous “finger smudge test,” where I gently press a finger to my lip. Can you believe this? Nothing. Not a speck of color on my finger. That was the game-changing moment. This stuff, once set, does not budge.
The Real-World Wear Test: Coffee, Food, and… Life
Alright, lab conditions are one thing. Let’s talk real life. I wore a gorgeous mauve shade to work. My morning ritual involves a giant mug of coffee. Typically, this is where my lipstick says its goodbyes. The USHAS lipstick? It held on. There was the tiniest, barely-there transfer on the rim of the mug, but my lips still looked freshly applied. Lunch was a salad with oily dressing (the ultimate test for a “waterproof” claim). I braced myself. After eating, I checked my reflection. Here’s the thing: there was some fading in the very center of my lips, where all the chewing action happens. But the outer perimeter was still perfectly intact. I didn’t look crazy or like I had lip liner with no lipstick. A quick touch-up in the center, and I was good to go for another 5 hours.
The “moisturizing” claim is where things get interesting. It’s not a balm. Don’t expect a hydrating, glossy feel all day. When it’s first applied, it feels comfortable and not drying. As the day goes on (and we’re talking 6+ hours), it does start to feel a bit more matte and, I’ll be honest, a tiny bit tight. It’s not the most comfortable long-wear formula I’ve ever tried, but it’s far from the worst. For the price and the staying power, it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make. Just make sure your lips are exfoliated and moisturized beforehand.
How It Stacks Up: The Comparison
I know you’re wondering, “Is this as good as my high-end liquid lipstick?” Let’s break it down.
| Feature | USHAS 24-Piece Box | High-End Brand (e.g., Stila) | Drugstore Favorite (e.g., Maybelline Superstay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per Shade | ~$1.16 | ~$22.00 | ~$10.00 |
| Longevity | 6-8 hours | 8-10 hours | 8+ hours (but can be flaky) |
| Comfort | Good for first 4-5 hours | Generally more comfortable | Can feel very dry/tight |
| Color Range (in one purchase) | 24 shades – HUGE variety | Buy shades individually | Buy shades individually |
| Smudge-Proof | Excellent once set | Excellent | Excellent |
I gotta say, for a fraction of the cost, the USHAS lipstick holds its own. It’s the best affordable lipstick set for someone who wants to play with color without commitment.
The Good, The Bad, and The Pigmented
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable Value: 24 shades for under $30 is insane. Perfect for building a collection.
- Seriously Smudge-Proof: Once it sets, it does not transfer. Kisses, cups, masks—it stays put.
- Rich, Opaque Pigment: One coat is all you need for full, vibrant color.
- Great Color Range: From work-appropriate nudes to statement-making darks, there’s something for every mood and season.
- Dries Down Matte: Gives a beautiful, velvety matte finish that looks sophisticated.
❌ Cons
- Can Feel Drying Over Time: After several hours, it starts to feel a bit tight. Not for those with extremely dry lips.
- Precision Required: Because it sets so quickly, you need to apply it carefully. It’s not as forgiving if you make a mistake.
- Needs a Good Makeup Remover: Your standard face wash won’t cut it. You’ll need an oil-based remover or micellar water to get it all off.
My Go-To Shades & Final Verdict
After testing a bunch, I have my favorites. The dusty rose shade is my perfect “my lips but better” for everyday. The classic red is stunningly vibrant and lasted through an entire dinner date. And that deep burgundy? Love at first swipe. It’s my go-to now for nights out.
So, is the USHAS Moisturizing Smudge-Proof Liquid Lipstick worth it? A hundred times, yes. Does it really work? For smudge-proof, waterproof wear at an unbelievable price, it absolutely does. It’s not a perfect, luxury formula—it has its quirks—but for what it is, it’s a stellar product. If you’re bored with your lip color lineup, on a budget, or just want to try a long-wear formula without dropping serious cash, this box is a no-brainer.
🎯 Who Should Buy This?
- Makeup Beginners & Experimenters: With 24 shades, you can figure out what colors you love without wasting money on singles you hate.
- Anyone on a Tight Beauty Budget: This is arguably the most affordable liquid lipstick set that actually performs well.
- The Busy Person: If you need your lipstick to last from school drop-off to afternoon errands without constant reapplication, this has your back.
- Mask-Wearers (Remember those days?): A truly smudge-proof formula is a godsend to avoid messing up your mask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USHAS liquid lipstick really smudge-proof?
Yes, once it dries down completely (which takes about 60-90 seconds), it is impressively smudge-proof. It survived my morning coffee and a greasy lunch with minimal fading. Just be patient and let it set before you press your lips together or eat/drink.
How long does the USHAS lipstick last on the lips?
I got a solid 6-8 hours of wear with only minor fading in the very center after eating. It’s one of the longer-lasting affordable formulas I’ve tried. It won’t feel as fresh and comfortable at hour 8 as it did at hour 1, but the color will still largely be there.
Is the 24-piece lipstick box worth the price?
Absolutely. For under $30, you get 24 shades. That’s just over a dollar per shade for a formula that performs well. It’s a fantastic deal for experimenting with color, filling gaps in your collection, or finding a new signature shade without breaking the bank.
Is it drying?
It’s a matte, long-wear formula, so it’s not hydrating. It starts off comfortable but can feel a bit tight after several hours of wear. I highly recommend exfoliating and using a lip balm beforehand. If you have chronically dry lips, you might find it too drying for all-day, everyday use.
How do you remove it?
You’ll need an oil-based makeup remover or a dedicated lip makeup remover. A cleansing balm works wonders. Regular soap and water or a light face wash won’t get it all off—you’ll be left with a slight stain (which, honestly, isn’t the worst thing!).
