8 Lip Stains That Provide Lasting Color and Comfort
August 30, 2021
How to Prep Lips for a Lip Stain
STEP 1: Moisturize Your Lips
The biggest mistake you can make before reaching for your new fave lip stain is skimping on lip balm. That little layer of moisture keeps flaky dryness at bay and gives you an overall smoother, softer surface to work with. Throw a tube in your bag to keep lips looking fresh and juicy throughout the day. We like the Maybelline New York Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Medicated Lip Balm.
STEP 2: Lock it in With Lip Liner
Yes, lip stains are designed to stick around, but it’s not going to apply as precisely as a good old-fashioned lipstick with a pointed bullet. Reach for a lip liner in a matching color (or clear, if you’re going for a more natural look). The goal here is to use a soft stroke, just to have a guideline. Pro tip: Blend the lip liner so there’s no obvious outline.
STEP 3: Choose the Right Color
Now, it’s time to choose the right shade for your skin tone. Cool tones, i.e. those that are blue-based, work better for fair skin. Warm tones, i.e. those closer to orange or red, look gorgeous on olive to dark complexions.
Best Lip Stains to Try, According to Our Editors
L'Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain
This lightweight lippie has become a signature stain in our collection because it’s long-wearing, feels extremely comfortable on and applies like a liquid lipstick thanks to the doe foot applicator.
YSL Beauty Tatouage Couture Matte Stain
For a watercolor-like wash of pigment, this stain doesn’t disappoint. One coat gives your lips a sheer flush of color, but for a more vivid effect you can layer the formula to pack an extra color punch.
Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Liquid Lipstick
With the weightless feel of a lip stain and the high-pigmentation of a liquid lipstick, this hybrid lippie is a must-have in your makeup bag. The patented petal-shaped applicator allows the perfect amount of product to be deposited on your lips for a mess-free look. Plus, it’s available in 13 high-impact shades ranging from deep reds to neutral pinks.
NYX Professional Makeup Shine Loud High Shine Lip Color
Get the staying-power of a lip stain with a glossy finish thanks to this dual-ended lippie. One side contains a high-pigmented base coat that’s infused with jojoba seed oil to keep lips nourished and soft, while the other side is a high-shine, non sticky gloss that locks in the look for 16 hours.
IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss
This five-in-one product is designed to give you a natural pretty flush of a lipstick with the hydrating feel of a balm and a longwear stain all in one. The formula is made with skin loving ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and collagen to hydrate, condition and nourish your lips.
Innisfree Vivid Cotton Ink
Formulated with avocado, camelia, cotton seed and mango seeds, this velvety stain keeps lips soft and kissable while providing a natural punch of color that lasts from morning to night.
Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint
Achieve a just-kissed look with this K-beauty staple. The weightless, high-impact formula softly adheres to every curve of your lips so you can go about your day without having to worry about reapplying.
Milk Makeup Glow Oil Lip Tint
If you’re a makeup minimalist, this lip tint will be your best friend because of the subtle pigment. Not only does the formula provide a slight glowing sheen and a beautiful flush of color, but it also contains antioxidant-rich rice bran oil to give your lips maximum hydration.
Read more
