The 15 Ultimate Lip Stains for an "I Just Naturally Have Perfect Lips" Effect

Until I began my career as a beauty editor, I frequently described myself as a creature of habit when it came to makeup. For years, my makeup bag consisted of five key products that were dependable and versatile, keeping my makeup routine simple, straight to the point, and under 15 minutes spent sitting cross-legged in front of a mirror. While I'm currently not wearing a full face of makeup every day (lip gloss, mascara, and a flush of color on the cheeks are all I need to feel put-together when in a time crunch), lip stains have wiggled their way into my routine as a fuss-free finishing touch to any makeup look.

I don't blame you if you're asking yourself why lip stains have suddenly spiked in popularity over the past few months. Part of me wants to assume it's thanks to social media users who, after rediscovering these products in the arsenals of their favorite brands, have taken it upon themselves to share the news. The other part of me is hoping it's indicative of an industry-wide push toward products that require no touch-ups during a full day of wear. Either way, lip stains are everywhere again, and I couldn't be happier.

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(Image credit: @hunvanngo)

Perfecting the Transfer-Proof Lip

What is it about lips stains that have beauty lovers everywhere hooked? My educated guess is that it has everything to do with fuss-free application. Like all makeup products, when applied properly and with care, lip stains can completely transform your finished look. How to apply it, however, depends on the formula. For cream-based lip stains that are full coverage and highly pigmented, starting at the center of your lips and sweeping the product toward the outer corners makes for an even base to build the color. Alternatively, you might have an easier time applying water-based lip stains in a similar way to how one might apply lip gloss.

Lip stains may also differ in their finish: drying matte, shiny, pigmented, sheer, or with diffused color. It might be worth it to study a lip stain's packaging before making the investment for transparency about everything from the ingredients that make up each product's unique formula to application tips and predicted drying times. My biggest piece of advice? Opt for a lip stain that's both long-wearing and transfer-resistant for a natural-looking wash of color that lasts all day.

Lip Stains vs. Lip Tints and Lipsticks

Determining the difference between a lip stain and lip tint comes down to the formula and how it wears on your lips. Lip stains last as long as they do because their formulas are heavily pigmented and meant to coat your lips with color. While there are some lip stains on the market that promise a shiny, vinyl finish, most of these products will leave your lips with a bold and matte color similar to that of a matte lipstick. Because of this, lip stains also last longer than your average lipstick.

Alternately, lip tints aim to deliver a natural-looking wash of color to the lips with a hint of shine and usually require reapplication throughout the day since fading is expected. However, hey can also be layered on top of lip balms and lipsticks. Their formulas have a tendency to be hydrating while also being more subtle, buildable, and blendable. Lip stains have less color payoff, and so can be applied more liberally.

Below, you'll find the 15 best lip stains on the market based on thousands of glowing reviews and my personal product go-to's. There's an option here for everyone, from YSL Beauty's crowd-favorite The Inks Vinyl Cream High Shine Lip Stain to Rose Inc's Lip Cream, the brand's newly released long-wearing lip stain. Ready to learn more? Keep scrolling.

Best Overall Lip Stain: YSL The Inks Vinyl Cream High Shine Lip Stain

Best Red Lip Stain: Dior Addict Lip Tint

Best Drugstore Lip Stain: e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

Best K-Beauty Lip Stain: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

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(Image credit: @hungvanngo)

Best Long-Lasting Lip Stain: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment

Best Affordable Lip Stain: Colourpop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Stain

 Best Pink Lip Stain: L'Orèal Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain

Best Moisturizing Lip Stain: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Best Matte Lip Stain: Rose Inc Lip cream

Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas wearing the Rose Inc Lip Cream

(Image credit: @itsmayalala)

Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas wearing the Rose Inc Lip Cream in Two Were One

Best Transfer-Proof Lip Stain: Bobbi Brown Crushed Liquid Lip

Shop More Lip Stain Favories

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

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Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.