Image: MomJunction Design Team
If you are looking for a hydrating lip product, our list of the best lip stains can help you out. Unlike lipsticks, lip stains are not wax-based but gel or liquid-based. So, lip stains can last longer on the lips and don’t get smudged easily. The colors stay on your lips for hours, even after the water base evaporates, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying. With an airy, light texture, these stains are available in multiple flattering shades to give you a subtle touch of color to brighten your look. You can also use these versatile products to highlight your cheeks and eyelids.
With the benefit of a lip balm and tint in one, these lip stains prevent your lips from drying out or cracking for an even, smooth finish. So, explore some expert-recommended options and add a suitable shade to your makeup kit.
Top Picks
17 Best Lip Stains
1. Best For All: Revlon Balm Stain – Honey
This lightweight lip stain not only gives the perfect flush of color to your pout but also keeps your lips soft and supple at all times. It’s enriched with a triple butter complex of coconut, mango, and shea butter. Your lips get an iridescent shine and a pearly shimmer with this one-of-a-kind lip stain. It contains pH reacting pigments for a personalized shade of lip stain. Available in eight different shades, this shimmering lip stain comes in the form of a chubby, retractable crayon, and doesn’t require a sharpener, which makes it convenient to use.
"I adore the subtle hint of color, and it also lasts a while. It can be carried in a purse and stains just enough to look natural. I just wish it kept my lips moist too. However, it's a great everyday lipstick."
2. Best Lightweight: L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain – I Rule
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 4,735 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
This product has the rich color of a liquid lipstick with the “barely there” feel of a lip stain. This lightweight, matte lip stain features a precise applicator that lines and shapes your lips perfectly. It doesn’t have a sticky or cakey texture and is highly pigmented, giving long-lasting matte color that enriches your lips with a plush and even coat of color. The lasting color impact of this lip stain makes it ideal for use through the day, especially as you feel you have no makeup on. Here’s a product testing video to help you understand the matte lip stain better.
"I love this stain for its vibrant shade. The applicator feels more like a lip ink, but it's not so moisturizing. However, it wears comfortably - no stickiness for me! Remember, it takes time to dry! Despite these quirks, I would recommend it."
3. Best Long Lasting: Golden Rose Lip Marker – Burgundy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,751 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
This long-wearing lip stain stays on for hours, and its water-based formula is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, so your lips never dry out. It gives a natural finish to your lips and has buildable coverage depending on how bold a lip color you want. The applicator has a unique chisel tip that precisely outlines your lips and also fills them in with color minus streaking. Its transfer-resistant and smudge-proof formula offers long-lasting color. And it’s safe to use as it’s dermatologically tested, and the product has never been tested on animals. It gives you the color and shine of lipstick and lip gloss without any added stickiness.
"I found the color pretty intense at first, but it matched my lips well. The lip stain has long-lasting power and keeps the lips hydrated. The application was easy, and it's overall a good purchase."
Do rememberRevlon Balm Stain - Honey Best For All | L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain - I Rule Best Lightweight | Golden Rose Lip Marker - Burgundy Best Long Lasting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Honey | I Rule | - |
| Skin Type | All | All | Dry |
| Dimensions | 4.38 x 0.7 x 0.7 inches | 0.79 x 0.73 x 4.27 inches | - |
| Weight | 0.6 Ounces | 0.63 Ounces. | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,221 | 4,735 | 1,751 |
| Price | $8.37 | $8.98 | $7.99 |
4. Best Smudge-Proof: Palladio Lip Stain – Nude
This long-lasting and smudge-proof lip stain will probably change the way you view lip stains. Rich in natural botanicals such as aloe vera and coconut oil, this hydrating lip stain keeps your lips supple and moisturized. Powerful botanical extracts like limonene nourish your skin and keep it soft and smooth. It’s also infused with antioxidants like vitamins A, C, D, and E. The chisel tip marker allows you to outline your lips with precision and then fill them with color without streaking or bleeding. You can also build up the color for a bolder look. You can wear this lip stain alone or blend it with other shades to create your own unique color. The formula of this waterproof lip stain doesn’t dry out your lips and keeps the color intact for as long as you want. It’s suitable for all skin tones and types as it’s 100% paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Click this review video to learn more about the features of this lip product.
"I love this lip stain for its transfer-proof formula and marker-like design, ensuring smooth application. It has the right pigmentation for a natural look. However, I had to reapply it as it didn’t last long. If you want to achieve darker shades, layering can help."
5. Best Water-Weight: Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain + Balm – Twilight
This moisturizing lip stain with a water-weight formula is made with real fruit extracts and stains lips for a sweet and sensuous pucker. This 2-in-1 lip stain and balm is a fantastic way to color your lips, especially if you are tired of pigments fading, feathering, rubbing off, or flaking. Its felt rollerball tip allows for a precise application and delivers rich color, while the translucent balm moisturizes and nourishes your lips and gives them a soft and subtle shine. Once the lip stain dries, you can build it up depending on how intense you want the color. This celebrity-favorite lip stain is lightweight, transfer-resistant, and doesn’t streak or smudge. It comes in nine other shades as well and each one features its own fruity flavor and scent.
"I use this lip stain daily and love how the texture feels on my lips. It lasts quite long, and it's easy to apply on the go. Also, it doesn't smudge or feather, which is a great plus."
6. Best Highly-Pigmented: Meme Box Color Key Ring Water Gel Tint
Obtain a non-patchy lip stain with this Meme Box gel tint. The expert-recommended lip stain has a gel-like consistency and has been Infused with apricot kernel oil to prevent moisture loss. In addition, the apricot oil also aids in exfoliating to avoid flaky lips. With a travel-friendly design, this tint bottle features a keychain design that you can attach to your purse or backpack, making it convenient to carry. Available in seven different tints, this highly pigmented gel tint is vegan-friendly and free of parabens and soy.
"At first, I found this too bold; but now, I appreciate the color's slow fade feature that transforms it into a subtler, attractive shade over time. Though not very long-lasting post-eating or drinking, I'd say it still upholds its 'lip stain' title."
Quick tip7. Best Water-Based: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain – Saucy Plum
This water-based liquid lip stain gives your lips a subtle flush of color that lasts for hours without the stickiness and heaviness of an ordinary lipstick. This cult-fav lip stain comes with conditioners that smooth and soften your lips, keeping them in perfect pucker form. Its precision applicator gives a pen-like definition to your lips— so it can be used very easily and conveniently. This expert-recommended lightweight lip stain keeps your lips looking freshly made-up for hours and does not transfer to cups, glasses, or clothes. It doesn’t smudge or bleed, so you don’t have to worry while eating or drinking.
"I found this lip stain pretty long-lasting. It is easy to apply and has a natural shine. However, the lip stain doesn’t offer much moisture. I would suggest prepping your lips to achieve even color over the lips."
8. Best Paraben-Free: theBalm Creamy Lip Stain – Salut
This scientifically formulated glossy lip stain has a unique, flexible formula of polymers that starts as a shiny gloss and ends as a lip stain. In short, it starts as a lip gloss, then gives you the rich pigment of a lipstick with a creamy and rich texture, and ends as a lip stain. This highly pigmented liquid lipstick doesn’t dry out your lips; instead, it keeps them soft and supple and lasts for the better part of the day. To top it, this lip stain is safe to use as it’s paraben-free, and is never tested on animals.
"While I love the lightweight, non-drying formula of this lip stain, it does lack a bit in its staining power. However, it applies smoothly and evenly, with a soft, silky feel. The subtle fragrance did surprise me, but eventually, it became my go-to choice."
9. Best Oil-Infused: L’Oréal Paris Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain – Be Outstanding
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 451 reviews on Amazon, it's clear that many people love this product.
This oil-infused lip stain has a unique non-drying and ultra-thin formula. It does not dry out your lips, instead keeps them moisturized and smooth while providing a high shine. This versatile tint gives you the glossy finish of a lip gloss, the long-lasting wear of a lip stain, and the bold color of a liquid lipstick, without leaving your lips feeling heavy or sticky. High gloss polymers combine with vibrant pigments to provide a shiny and bold color, which leaves a bare lip sensation. The non-drying lip stain from the celebrity-favorite brand comes with a precision applicator for easy application, and the color doesn’t feather, smudge, or bleed, so you always have that just-applied look. This vibrant, lightweight lip stain gives your lips vivid color in a single swipe and is available in 12 shiny shades.
"I love the vibrant color of this lip formula. It has a silky, hydrating texture and a long-lasting effect, staying on even on for hours. Although it tends to dry a bit after prolonged wear, a quick touch-up with a gloss revitalizes its shine. I am really glad with this purchase."
Point to consider10. Best Hydrating: Rimmel Provocalips 16hr Kiss Proof Lip Color
Keep your lips hydrated and supple all day long with the Rimmel Provocalips 16hr kiss-proof lip stain. The double-ended lip color has an intense pigment on one end and a clear moisturizing top coat on the other. This expert-recommended lipstick provides color, shine, and hydration to your lips in just a few swipes. In addition, the hydrating lip stain stays put for up to 16 hours, as its lightweight formula is smudge- and fade-resistant. Available in sixteen highly pigmented shades, there’s something for every occasion and preference.
"I've finally found a long-lasting lipstick that stays on throughout the day. Although it took some trial and error to find the right shade for my age, overall, its rich pigment, comfort, and non-drying formula captivated me. However, do note that some shades can come off strong!"
11. Best Cruelty-Free:Colorgram Thunderbolt Tint – Romance Tok
This red lip stain comes with a dewy, glossy tint and offers soft and seamless application. It’s formulated with aloe vera and rosehip oil to hydrate and soothe your lips and has a striking color payoff, making it ideal for daily wear. It’s infused with argan oil and completely coats your lips with moisture, keeping your lips soft and supple. This moisturizing lip stain has a new concept of tinting that gives a natural look to your lips, prevents smudging, and lasts a long time. This perfect fixing tint doesn’t smudge, bleed, or feather after applying, so you always have that picture-perfect look.
"It is like a tinted gloss, yet sets as a stain and doesn't smudge. Although I found it settle in my creases due to the texture, a lip scrub before applying it solves the issue. The end result is totally worth the effort. Plus, being buildable, it is perfect for creating a subtle as well as a bold look."
12. Pephuca Six Colors Red Wine Lipstick Set
Rich in pigments and heavily saturated, this set of professional-grade lipsticks in six shades gives you a flawless glitter finish. It has a unique arrow applicator for easy application, and the color can last up to 12 hours upon application. These lipsticks are rich in wine extracts sourced from France and give a moisturizing and matte effect without flaking or giving you a dry feeling. You can also use it to achieve a gradient effect.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-sticky
- Can be applied by hand
- Offers multi-dimensional shine
- Suitable for any occasion
- Waterproof and transfer-proof
Cons
- May not be easy to remove
- Colors may slightly differ from those advertised
13. Best Vegan Free:Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain
Get fade-free lip color with the scientifically formulated Wonderskin wonder lip stain. Crafted with the patented liquid blading technology and infused with dyes and pigments, it helps you achieve colored lips within a minute. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, alcohol, and gluten. In addition, the lip stain ensures long wear by keeping the lips flake-free. To achieve a bolder finish, you may need to re-apply the mask and leave it to set as instructed.
"It is a bit tricky to decipher its actual shade on the first application as it sets quickly, but a second or third coat amps up the pigmentation. The lip stain is quite durable, surviving food and drink. However, it does require the occasional touch-up toward the evening. I'm excited to try the other colors in this range."
14. Best Smudge-Proof:Au Naturale Lip Stain – Marsala
This lip stain is infused with natural ingredients such as castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, organic hydrogenated palm oil, cocoa seed butter, shea butter, and vitamin E to deliver visible results. This product with ethically sourced ingredients is designed to nourish, hydrate, and soothe your lips and has a rich color payoff. This deep mauve natural lip stain is formulated with EcoCert mineral pigments and contains no animal by-products, nanoparticles, synthetic preservatives, parabens, gluten, fillers, dyes, or toxins. It’s a 100% vegan, natural, and cruelty-free makeup product.
"This lip product left a great first impression on me! Its thicker consistency resembles a lipstick more than a stain, and it was darker than pictured. However, its rich shade and intriguing woodsy undertone were flattering. However, it dries out a bit, so I suggest coupling it with a lip balm or gloss to moisturize."
15. Best One-Stroke:Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain
Achieve flawless shine and suppleness with the Yves Saint Laurent lip stain. With high coverage, this lip stain provides ten hours of wear. In addition, the diamond-shaped applicator glides effortlessly, offering the desired coverage in a single stroke. A personal favorite of makeup artists, this lip stain is also fade- and feather-resistant. Moreover, the creamy formula keeps your lips hydrated.
"I enjoy this lip stain for its vibrancy and long-lasting pigmented color. While this lipstick smeared easily and felt more like a liquid lipstick than a classic lip stain, it still impressed me with its comfortable application and non-drying formula."
16. Best For All Skins:Kyda Four Colors Lip Tint Stain Set
The Kyda lip tint stain set includes four lip stains with bright textures and can also be used as a blush or eyeshadow. If you are worried about applying a lip stain fearing that sweat may hamper your look, this lip stain has got you covered, as it has properties that make it last all day long. Made of high-quality ingredients, the affordable lip stain offers a multi-dimensional effect and helps you create celebrity-inspired looks.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free
- Hydrates and moisturizes
- Non-sticky and waterproof
- Comes in a gift-ready packaging
Cons
- May have a peculiar smell
"This lip stain, despite not being overly moisturizing offers a lasting tint. It is long-lasting and buildable, making it perfect for light daily makeup. It has peculiar taste, but waiting for it to set in before eating or drinking helps combat this issue."
17. Best Non-Drying:Unny Club Talk That Tint – Hohenzollern
This liquid lip stain offers soft and smooth application with a silky texture. The non-drying formula does not dry out the lips nor does it leave a sticky residue. This highly pigmented matte lip stain gives intense color to your lips and has a long-staying power. It’s infused with avocado oil, apricot seed oil, rosa canina fruit oil, and vitamin E to keep your lips soft, supple, nourished, and hydrated. This peach-colored lip tint is smudge-proof and doesn’t bleed, feather, or flake. Its long-lasting moisture formula and creamy texture is as good as using a lip balm. It has a high-gloss, glass-like tint that keeps your lips glittering, and creates a layer on your lips so that there is no moisture loss or roughness. Its no-shine reversal texture provides a full coverage matte finish after it’s fixed. It’s flattering on all skin tones and is available in five shades.
"Despite the color inconsistency, I found myself embracing the lovely hue. I am impressed by its longevity, coverage, and non-drying effect, and it requires a single layer for a nice pop of color."
How To Choose The Right Lip Stain?
Keep these tips in mind when choosing one for yourself, so that you get that perfect blend of color and moisture for luscious lips.
- Decide what you need: You need to decide whether you want a lip stain with a creamy finish, a matte touch, shimmer, or a frost finish. If you want one just for moisturization, a soft-touch lip stain would make sense, but if you want a long-lasting stain, then a matte lip stain would do a better job. A shimmer and frost lip stain makes your lips sparkle and glisten.
- Choose the right shade: Bright lip stains make your lips look bigger, while darker shades of lip stains make your lips look smaller. For those with a fair complexion, a nude lip stain or soft mocha, peach, or pale pink lip stains can work wonders. For a lighter medium skin tone, you can try red, fuchsia, peaches, and browns. For a darker medium skin tone, copper, brown, and cranberry color look good, and for a dark skin tone, dark reds and a wine color work great. Opt for something that suits your skin tone instead of blindly following the popular lip stain trends.
, a beauty and skincare specialist and founder of Barbie’s Beauty Bits, says, “You should also choose the right color for your teeth. Choose a signature lip color that flatters your teeth and makes them appear whiter. It might surprise you to learn that lipstick colors can accentuate the tone of your teeth negatively. For instance, a yellow-orange lip color can accentuate yellow tones in your teeth, causing them to appear more yellow, a brown shade will highlight any brown hues in your teeth, and the color pink can draw attention to any imperfections in your teeth.”
- Check the ingredients: It is very important to check for any harmful ingredients before you buy a lip stain as they may cause harm to your skin or you may even be allergic to them. Avoid buying lip stains that have parabens, retinyl palmitate, and tocopherol acetate in them.
- Shelf life: Always check the manufacturing date and date of expiration before you purchase your makeup. Generally, most lip stains have a shelf life of 3 years. It’s always a good idea to go for fresh products manufactured in the same year to enjoy using them for the maximum time.
- Avoid non-transferable lip stain: Lip stains that claim they are non-transferable tend to dry out the lips. If you want a transfer-proof lip stain, make sure it has a hydrating formula. A good lip stain should moisturize your lips and keep them healthy.
Why Trust MomJunction?
A fashion enthusiast and passionate writer, Poulami Nag creates intriguing content on beauty, fashion, and personal care products. She brings in her experience and interests to curate a list of the best lip stains for her readers. These lip stains are hydrating, skin-friendly, and long-lasting to make you look gorgeous. Poulami has compared multiple products across the market to find the best ones for you. She has also considered user reviews and testers’ experiences to offer you an unbiased opinion.
The Bottom Line
Lip stains are a must-have in your makeup kit if you love the hydrating effect of lip balms with a good pop of color. If you have dry, chapped lips and find it difficult to wear liquid matte lipsticks, lip stains can be a suitable alternative as their watery consistency gives long-lasting performance and is lightweight. When choosing a lip stain, check the lip stain shades, ingredients, shelf life, and transferability. The options listed here for the best lip stains come in various colors and textures; some with a beautiful matte finish while others bring out the glossy glam queen within you. Our top picks include the Revlon Balm Stain for its shimmery finish and lightweight texture and the Colorgram Thunderbolt Tint for its natural-looking, smudge-resistant finish. You may also try the dermatologist-tested Golden Rose Lip Marker, which offers precise application with its chisel tip.
Infographic: How Are Lip Stains Different From Lipsticks?
Unlike traditional lipsticks, lip stains offer a lightweight and natural-looking tint that stays put for hours, making them a go-to choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet vibrant lip color. Check out the following infographic to better grasp the major differences between lip stains and lipsticks, allowing you to use each with better discretion based on your preferences and needs.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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