Truth be told, I’ve never been a huge fan of lip stains. While that partially stems from laziness and a desire to have a product I can easily apply on-the-go (which many lip stains aren’t), the ones I’ve tried have been a little too drying for my liking. Even “cult-faves” that have seemingly worked for […]
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Truth be told, I’ve never been a huge fan of lip stains. While that partially stems from laziness and a desire to have a product I can easily apply on-the-go (which many lip stains aren’t), the ones I’ve tried have been a little too drying for my liking. Even “cult-faves” that have seemingly worked for tens of thousands of people have left me pretty disappointed. But of course, discovering that one product that works for you can really change the game. After finding a lip stain that actually stayed on all day, didn’t dry out my lips, and just made my lips look plump and healthier overall, I was hooked. And honestly, lip stains make a great option for anyone looking for a lip product that lasts all day. If you’re looking for one that you should try, I’ve got you covered!
Best Overall: Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Tint, $10
Makeup Artist’s Choice: Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love, $34
Best Splurge: Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain, $38
Best Affordable: ETUDE Dear Darling Water Tint, $4
Best Color Variety: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain, $28
Best for a “My Lips But Better” Look: rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint, $9
Best Find From a Celebrity Beauty Brand: Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain, $12
Best Packaging: Kaja Jelly Charm Lip & Blush Stain with Glazed Key Chain, $21
Best From a Clean Beauty Brand: Caliray Socal Superbloom Lip + Cheek Tint Soft Stain Blush, $28
“Lip stains are different from other lipsticks, balms, and glosses in that they’re meant to withstand long wear and daily activities like kissing, coffee drinking and maybe even BBQ rib eating!” Jackie Alves, makeup artist and founder/lead educator at The Beauty Bar Makeup Artist Academy, tells SheKnows. She further noted that lip stains will typically differ in application and feel. So, “make sure you apply a stain in layers, and don’t rub your lips together like you would with a traditional lip product.”
Speaking of applying lip stains, Alves has a couple of methods you can try to ensure your lips look amazing all day (and night!) long. For one, there’s the “layer and build process,” which is an application style that most of her bridal makeup clients love.
“Start with a build of lip stain on the top and bottom lips,” Alves says. “After it dries, apply a matching lipstick or gloss for added moisture or shine.” That’s especially the case if you’re working with a lip stain that’s matte.
Furthermore, if you’re big on lipliner or like over-lining your lips, Alves suggests applying the stain while it’s still a little wet. “Run your liner through it and define the outer edges of your lips with the combo of a pencil and stain,” she says. You’ll have a defined look that lasts for hours.
Of course, like most beauty products, finding the right lip stain for you can make all the difference. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options out there — knowing which ones are actually worth trying can save you a ton of trial and error. With that said, we rounded up some of the best lip stains you can buy right now. Whether you’re looking for drugstore finds, K-beauty faves, or willing to splurge a little to find your holy grail, the lip stain options below are definitely worth a try.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
As stated earlier, I was never a huge fan of lip stains — that is, until I tried this this game-changer from Peripera. The Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Tint glides right on, in the same way a creamy lip gloss or liquid lipstick does. It’s non-sticky and also moisturizes your lips upon application. That was honestly the one thing that really got me hooked on the product right away. Not only that, the shades available are really pretty. Numerous shoppers adore 03 Rose in Mind for being the perfect “my lips by better” shade (I have it and it truly is!). You also can’t go wrong with 022 Pink Prize, which is a gorgeous neutral pink that stains the lips nicely and lasts for hours. If you had to just get one product from this list, I highly recommend this one!
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
Alves, on the other hand, had two lip stains that she uses and recommends. The first being an option by JAFRA Cosmetics, which she’s been working with for eight years now. “It really has the stay-power it claims to have,” she says. A close runner-up? Charlotte Tilbury’s Tinted Love. Though it is on the pricier end, the product leaves you with a nice tint and doesn’t dry your lips out. Sounds like a win-win.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
When it comes to lip tints, there’s none more iconic than Benefit Cosmetics’ Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint. This cult-fave was designed to be smudge-proof, non-drying, and lasting. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a multi-purpose product that works equally good as a lip stain as it does as a blush? As one reviewer wrote, “This product is in my holy grail. I’ve used it for years and have tried others but nothing compares. It gives such a natural colored flush & lasts literally alllll day long. The quality is unparalleled.”
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
You know a product has to be good if it was purchased over 6,000 times in the last month and has over 14,000 five-star reviews. That’s exactly the case here with the ETUDE Dear Darling Water Tint. It’s described as being weightless and non-sticky, while providing vibrant color to your lips. As one reviewer wrote, “It stays looking super cute for HOURS. This little guy may be small but packs a powerful punch and a little goes a long way. If I had to pick only one cosmetic to use for the rest of my life: this. I would pick this. Hands down, it’s not even a debate. Love, love, love.”
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
Don’t sleep on this lip stain from Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty, especially if you’re looking for an option that won’t break the bank. It features a unique, gel-like texture that’s ultra-hydrating on the lips upon application, yet dries down to a pretty tint that you can comfortably wear all day (without feathering!). As one reviewer “obsessed” with the lip stain wrote, “It’s not dehydrating like other stains I’ve tried, and the stain is true to color and doesn’t change. It lasts much longer than other stains as well, even the lighter shades which surprised me. These are wildly underrated, and I’m sad they don’t sell them in store.”
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
Looking for a product that can help you achieve that “my lip but better”/”no-makeup makeup look”? Look no further than the rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint. This lip tint is popular among K-beauty fans for its beautiful shade range, staying power, and how comfortable it feels on the lips. “The quality of the lip stain is superb!” wrote one Amazon shopper. “It lasts forever once it has completely dried down. It is comparable to Rare Beauty’s lip stain … and is very comfortable for everyday use.”
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
If you’re willing to splurge on a little bit of luxury, consider trying the Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain. It’s described as a glossy lip stain that offers up to 10 hours of “rich, creamy color and comfort.” It’s not only hydrating, it’s smoothing and lip-softening as well. Unlike many other lip stains that tend to go on more sheer, this one actually offers full-coverage color.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
The Clarins Water Lip Stain is one of the best options you can get if you’re looking for a matte finish. It features a 77% water-based formula that’s part lip color, part lip treatment. Per a brand study, it was found that the lip stain lasts for up to 300 kisses.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
Shoppers love the e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain for its “amazing” texture and comfortable wear. It comes in eight gorgeous colors that leave a subtle shine and tint. At just $6 a piece, it’s definitely worth a try.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
The Caliray Socal Superbloom Lip + Cheek Tint Soft Stain Blush is another two-in-one product that’s getting a ton of love from shoppers for its gorgeous color, staying power, and clean formula. According to one shopper, it makes for a great everyday lip stain as it’s both moisturizing and comfortable to wear. Numerous reviewers also loved that it didn’t just come in shades of pinks and reds.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
Now, if you really want to see more variety in shades, you may want to check out Fenty Beauty’s Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain. Not only does it offer the reds, pinks, and corals, there are orange and darker purple shades as well. Per the brad, these were made to be “low maintenance” lip products that stay on all day. Shoppers love how rich the colors are.
BEST LIP STAINS 2024
If you’re like me and you’re a total sucker for cute packaging, you’re going to adore this lip stain from Kaja. It’s described as a lightweight and buildable formula that’s infused with moisturizing ingredients to give you that “jelly pop of color.” There are six colors to choose from, ranging from a darker mocha shade to peach fizz.
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Jackie Alves, makeup artist and founder/lead educator at The Beauty Bar Makeup Artist Academy
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