Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the web’s best products. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Our editorial team is independent and only endorses products we believe in.
If you’re tired of constantly having to reapply your lip gloss, stick, oil, or balm (who has the time?!), consider swapping ‘em out for a lip stain. As you can guess by its name, lip stains are specially formulated to “stain” the lip for 1) long-lasting wear and 2) a subtle wash of color.
The best lip stains also have a lightweight water- or gel-like consistency that allows them to absorb into the skin. Additionally, they’re often infused with hydrating or moisturizing ingredients — common ones include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane — so as to not dry out your pout.
We like
We don't like
Lip Stains vs. Lip Tints
While the terms “lip stains” and “lip tints” are often used interchangeably, they are two different products. Sure, both are designed to stay put for hours on end, but the latter typically have a thicker consistency and more pigmented formula compared to the former, which are quite sheer. With that in mind, it’s safe to say lip stains often offer a more sheer finish and subtle color payoff.
What to Look for in a Lip Stain:
Shades
Like any other lip product, lip stains come in various shade options to suit every skin tone. If you’re unable to try on the stain IRL, consider virtual try-ons — Sephora and Ulta have great ones — to get a better idea of how the color would look.
Finish
While most lip stains come in a matte finish, that’s not necessarily the only option. A handful of our top picks also offer glossy or semi-matte, satin-like finishes. While it ultimately depends on personal preference, lip stains with matte finishes typically have more staying power.
Ingredients
As previously mentioned, it’s key to look for lip stains enriched with nourishing and hydrating ingredients so your pout doesn’t dry out. (Because, let’s face it, chapped lips are the worst!).
The Best Lip Stains to Add to Your Shopping Cart
With over 30 million views on TikTok, it’s safe to say the now-viral Clarins Water Lip Stain is a fan-favorite. I especially love its sleek matte finish and weightless, transfer-proof formula that provides the perfect wash of color. Despite this, it’s packed with beneficial ingredients like moisturizing glycerin, anti-inflammatory aloe, and antioxidant-loaded green tea. Choose from four hues: Rose Water, Orange Water, Red Water, and Violet Water.
We like
We don't like
Think of this hydrating lip stain as a more elevated version of your favorite lip gloss or balm since it delivers the same hydration — that is, along with the perfect pop of color. That’s because it’s formulated with nourishing ingredients like glycerin and squalane. Despite the stain’s glossy texture, it dries down to a marvelous matte finish in almost no time. Take your pick of six stunning shades.
We like
We don't like
Available in six shades, the Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain has a glossy finish that creates the illusion of a plump, juicy pout. Its pigmented formula offers intense color payoff, while the diamond-shaped applicator tip allows for effortless, precise application. Oh, and did I mention it provides up to ten hours of wear time?
We like
We don't like
As you can guess by its name, this TikTok-approved beauty staple pulls double duty as both a lip and cheek stain, which means you’re technically getting two products for the price of one (girl math FTW). Its long-lasting formula has a unique jell texture that glides smoothly onto the lips. Its buildable formula is enriched with glycerin along with hydrating seawater, soothing aloe, vegan collagen, and niacinamide, the latter two of which can promote plumper pouts. The product is available in four color options: Chill (Red), Splash (Berry Plum), Spritz (Coral Orange), and Burst (Poppy Pink).
We like
We don't like
Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty is famous for its innovative product offerings, and this lip stain marker is among our favorites. The fun and functional marker-like tip makes it easy to apply the stain in hard-to-reach areas like the cupid’s bow. Meanwhile, its non-drying vegan formula is just the icing on the cake.
We like
We don't like
Available in eight shades, Milani's Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain goes on glossy before drying down to a sleek semi-matte finish. Its lightweight formula, infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane, offers eight hours of hydration and weartime. I’d also be remiss not to highlight the doe-foot tip, which allows for precise application.
We like
We don't like
This drugstore favorite delivers a sheer wash of color plus subtle shine in just one swipe — and each of the eight shades is specially formulated to last for eight hours without transferring, feathering, or fading. Ingredient highlights include moisturizing powerhouses like squalane and mango seed butter. And at just $6, it’s a total steal: I’ll take one of each shade, please and thanks.
We like
We don't like
This versatile lip and cheek stain is especially unique in that it’s formulated with real beetroot, which is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which is known for its brightening properties. Additional ingredient highlights include fatty acid-packed rosehip extract and vitamin E, which simultaneously soothes, protects, and moisturizes. The end result? A healthy dose of color and matte finish with a side of nourishment that’ll last all day long (read: no touchups required!)
We like
We don't like
