Yahoo Lifestyle Buying a lip stain may just be the smartest makeup move you'll make
Love the put-togetherness that lipstick provides but don't love the cakey feeling of it? Let me introduce you to... the lip stain. They've been taking over our social media feeds as of late and for a good reason, too.
Whether it be a tint or stain formulation, these lightweight lip colours provide a pigment that leaves pouts with the wash of colour we all know and love, whilst being uber lightweight and non-sticky. Did I mention they'll last throughout happy hour too? Lip stains are in it for the long haul.
If you're not familiar with the viral sensation these lip products have caused, let me give you the lowdown.
What's the difference between a lip stain and a lipstick?
There are *so* many products out there, so why exactly do you need a lip stain in your life if you've already got a bunch of lipsticks floating around in your handbag?
"Lip stains and tints often have a lighter consistency than lipstick and tend to be gel or water-based. The lightweight formula allows stains and tints to be easily absorbed into the lips delivering sheer, yet buildable colour," explains Lauren Hogsden, Benefit Cosmetics National Brow Artist and Content Creator.
As lipsticks are wax or oil-based, they're more likely to offer a more opaque, bolder look.
Best lip stains and tints
I've put my lips through the ringer and applied every stain and tint I could get our hands on to determine the best. Below are my honest thoughts on the formulations, so keep scrolling to see which ones need to be added to your makeup bag. Did I mention they start from as little as £6? You're welcome...
Thrill Seeker Lip Latex
I love a juicy gloss, so a lip stain that promises to deliver lasting colour while hydrating the lips is right up my street! The Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Lip Latex layers on with a velvety-soft finish and a stunning pop of colour. It quickly sets – without feeling dry – and it lasts a good few hours without flaking off. To level-up on the shine, I layer on a slick of gloss too (I just can't help myself!).
Glossy Lip Stain
These viral TikTok stains initially apply as a sheer gloss and once dried, leave a natural flush to the lips. Think a 'your lips but better' effect.
The watery, vegan formula can be built up to a bolder colour if that's the look you're after – and it really is transfer-proof; meaning you won't have to dash to the bathroom after every dinner course. The best bit? They're just £6. Stock up whilst you still can.
Wonder Blading Lip Stain
I know you know exactly what this is. A viral sensation (not me, the lip product) the Wonderskin Wonder Blading is a huge hit on TikTok for its ability to lend a stunning and long-lasting pop of colour to the lips – kinda like you've been sucking on a juicy ice lolly. Apply on its own for a 'my lips but better' look or layer on a slick of gloss for a little more glam.
You can read the full review here.
Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
If anyone could solve the conundrum of a parched pout, it's Riri. This offering from Fenty Beauty provides the wash of colour we all know and love, but without the telltale dryness that usually comes along with a lip stain.
It's also a 2-in-1, as the oil-in-water formula leaves lips with a glossy sheen when first applied and then wears away to a blurry pout. My particular favourites are the wine-like hues that neither bleed nor fade unevenly.
Cooling Water Jelly Tint
These dinky jelly-textured balms have gone viral and I can confirm, believe the hype. From the jam-esque 'Splash' shade to the more coral-toned 'Spritz', these leave lips (and cheeks) with a burst of colour.
These dry at lightning speed though, so if you're using them as a blush I'd get blending ASAP. For lips, I'd recommend giving them a little scrub before application as the colour will sit in any dry patches you have. The natural watercolour-like finish these provide though is *chef's kiss*.
Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain
Arguably the OG lip stain (seriously, if you've never had one of these in your makeup/school bag, where have you been?), this dinky pot achieved cult status for a reason.
The rosy hue is not only universally flattering but this also isn't playing around when it comes to staying power. Kiss-proof, cocktail-proof, pizza-proof; whatever you want to call it, this isn't budging.
Is it the most hydrating? No, but if you're looking for that 'bitten lip' effect, look no further.
Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
Yes, upon first glance this looks like something you'd find in your school pencil case but bear with us. This marker pen format makes application a doddle, providing lips with a blood-rushed hue.
If you're looking for something subtle, step away from this piece of beauty stationary (the colour payoff is seriously impressive), but if you're after a lipstick effect without the touch-up fuss, Ari has done all the hard work for you.
Water Lip Stain
This is the most lightweight watery lip stain I've ever come across. The tiny applicator works like a pastry brush, but instead of glossing over baked goods, you're coating pouts in a jam-esque shade.
Once applied it's undetectable on the lips, allowing you to down your latte with ease. The colour payoff is super punchy too, so if you're looking for a bold wash of colour, add this to your basket.
Addict Lip Tint
Promising 12 hours of wear time, Dior isn't playing around with this lip tint. It's infused with cherry oil (as delicious as it sounds) that prevents lips from feeling as dry as stale bread and also makes the product super comfortable to wear.
The semi-matte provides lips with a flattering amount of colour that looks oh-so natural.
Water Colour Tint
Unlike most lip stains that opt for berry tones, I appreciated the burnt orange and muted rose shades 19/99 offers with this liquid tint.
Despite being super watery in texture, I was surprised at how pigmented the colour payoff was (no need to use lip liner under these). The watery-ness also meant my lips didn't shrivel up, even after they dried down and mattified – bonus. I loved the wash of colour these left my lips with and the more muted tones meant I didn't have to worry about needing a mirror to apply (a lazy girl's dream).
Sheer Touch Lip & Cheek Tint
Going from sheer to bold in just a matter of swipes, this vegan lip and cheek stain is the definition of customisable. Encased in a recycled and recyclable glass tube, this feels as light as a feather to wear and promises 12 hours of moisture.
It may only come in five shade options, but the collection is super wearable and was designed to suit all skin tones.
Lip Blush Creamy Lip and Cheek Stain
This creamy lip stain comes in a range of pastel shades that look like they belong in a box of French Fancies. The fluffy texture leaves pouts with a whipped cream texture that's bang in the middle of looking satin and matte.
Whilst they're not the most long-lasting lip stain we've tried, the unique texture and buildable colour make them a winner in our books.
Bitten Lip Tint
We came for the signature Victoria Beckham Beauty tortoiseshell packaging but stayed for the just-kissed flush it left behind on lips. The jelly-like texture is neither too sticky nor too dry and leaves lips looking smoother and healthier in just a swipe.
Filled to the brim with a hydrating duo of hyaluronic acid and squalane, this isn't going to leave lips chapped or peeling after you've removed it either.
$37.00 at victoriabeckhambeauty.com
Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
Think a tinted lip oil can’t be pigmented? Well, think again. Upon first application, these leave lips with a high-shine, non-sticky finish and an even coat of muted colour, but once dried, they provide your pout with a long-lasting stain.
If you’re a big fan of Rare Beauty’s viral Soft Pinch blushes, this lip offering will be right up your street.
Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Water Glossy Lip Stain
Most lip stains are either natural nudes or moody midnight shades, but YSL have gone full pop art with their colour palette. These bright shades apply so glossy, lips are left with a glass-look effect, which is as far from subtle as you can get.
The water-like formula is surprisingly buildable (depending on what kind of colour impact you're after). The wet-look effect isn't the most long-lasting, but it's worth it for the lightweight vibrant punch of colour they provide.
What are the benefits of a lip stain?
Lipsticks are great but they can require regular dashes to the bathroom to check that it hasn't smudged so much that you resemble The Joker. That's where lip stains come in...
"Lip stains and tints will provide a more subtle look, enhancing one's natural beauty for that 'no make-up look'. Designed to stain the lips, and provide a long-lasting colour," says Hogsden.
Her top tip for keeping lip stains around all day? "Once your lip stain is applied, blot your lips with a tissue, this will help remove any excess product whilst also helping the lip product adhere to the lips. This will give you maximum longevity from your stain or tint."
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