11 ‘Holy Grail’ Lip Stains That Won’t Dry Out Your Lips & Stay on All Day — Starting at Just $4

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 Lip Stains at a Glance

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

What are lip stains?

“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.

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Experts Cited in the Article

Jackie Alves, makeup artist and founder/lead educator at The Beauty Bar Makeup Artist Academy

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