The Best Lip Stains Deliver Transfer-Proof, Long-Lasting Color

In This Article

• What is a lip stain?
• How long does a lip stain typically last?
• Guide to Applying a Lip Stain as a Long-Wear Liner
• How to Ensure Your Lip Stain Stays on?
• Distinction Between Lip Stain and Lip Tint
• Best Ways to Remove Lip Stains
• Does a lip stain truly color your lips?
• How We Conducted Our Testing
• Meet the Experts

Top Choice: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

• Why We Adore It: One of the most acclaimed products in the industry, Benetint is popular for a reason. “It’s glowy and stays in place all day without feeling heavy,” notes celebrity makeup artist Dom Della. Fellow pro Alexx Mayo calls it “tried and true,” while makeup artist Sean Harris refers to it as “a classic for a reason.” The appeal lies in its transfer-proof, watery texture, delivering a vibrant pop of color across different skin tones that lasts throughout special occasions. Even supermodel Bella Hadid includes it as a staple in her routine.
• Insights from Editors: “This is the originator of lip (and cheek) stains, recognized for creating a subtle flush that’s perfect for minimal makeup days. Pairing it with my go-to lip liner is a must. Keep in mind that the water-based formula has a thin, serum-like texture that may drip, so have your brush or fingers ready to blend quickly.”—Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer
• Main Ingredients: N/A
• Finish: Skin-like
• Available Shades: 9

Best Lip Liner: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N

• Why It’s a Hit: If TikTok introduced you to this viral lip liner, you’re not the only one. We’ve seen it everywhere online and felt compelled to try it, and what a find! Line your lips with the applicator and let it dry for 10 to 20 minutes (the longer the wait, the stronger the color payoff). After drying, peel off the tint and you’re left with a long-lasting liner. “This is a staple for my daily glam and truly lasts all day!” raves pro makeup artist El DeBratto about its excellent wear time and soft color. My current favorite shade? ‘Muah-ve’ (or try the ‘noohde’ shade made famous by Billie Eilish!).
• Insights from Editors: “I practice precision when using the doe-foot applicator to only ‘line’ my lips instead of filling them. I’ve yet to nail my technique (the results often need a lip pencil clean-up), but it’s undeniable that the color holds all day.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Finish: Matte
• Available Shades: 10

Lightest Option: Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

• Why It’s Amazing: VB Beauty’s lip tint is so light; you might forget you even have it on. The texture feels like a barely noticeable lip balm that, once dried, offers a soft flush. “The blend of hydration and pigment creates a romantic flush that looks stunning both on camera and in reality,” states D’Amelio Ventre. “It layers beautifully without patchiness, loaded with nourishing ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid for continuous hydration.” It delivers a natural wash of color that mimics just-tinged lips with berries.
• Main Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, mustard sprout extract, squalane
• Finish: Sheer
• Available Shades: 4

Top Peel-Off Choice: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque

• Why It’s Noteworthy: Wonderskin’s lip stain is an example of not judging by appearances. You’ve probably encountered many videos showcasing beauty enthusiasts applying this product and revealing vibrant colors: electric blues, purples, oranges, and more. This is merely the first phase; after 10 minutes of setting, your desired shade is unveiled. “This is an incredibly effective option for long-wear bridal makeup or other special occasions—it’s resistant color that endures tears, kisses, and champagne toasts,” remarks D’Amelio Ventre. “The unique peel-off technology ensures deep pigment without heavy layers, keeping lips fresh and natural, especially in photographs.” They also emphasize the need for excellent lip preparation to avoid clinging to dry sections—using a good lip scrub first can help achieve a flawless look.
• Insights from Editors: “Don’t be deceived by the initial shade; while I was unsure at first, I loved how the final product turned out. My favorite shade, Whimsical, is a fabulous pinky mauve that starts off blue. One downside? This can be challenging to remove, so I prefer rubbing my lips with a tissue, towel, or finger for clean removal.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer
• Main Ingredients: Seaweed extract, glycerin, squalane, glucose
• Finish: Matte
• Available Shades: 17

Top Matte Choice: Clarins Water Lip Stain

• Why It Stands Out: This lip stain captures the delightful sensation of biting into a strawberry and having your lips take on a delightful pink tint—all without the need for actual fruit! “I truly love this lip stain; it’s super lightweight and comfy, providing a natural tint that lasts while keeping moisture,” shares pro makeup artist Brielle Polara. Though matte, all four shades are exceptionally hydrating because of ingredients like sanicle, raspberry bushes, and aloe vera.
• Main Ingredients: Sanicle, raspberry bush, African ebony, nipplewort, furcellaria, aloe vera
• Finish: Matte
• Available Shades: 4

Best from K-Beauty: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint

• Why We Recommend It: For an affordable, perfectly stained pout, this lightweight tint from K-beauty hit the mark. With nearly ten thousand rave reviews on Amazon, the formula perfectly balances hydration with color. Starting as a liquid, it dries down to a barely-there feel, infused with vitamins and a berry fruit complex that keeps lips soft while delivering a natural blush that lasts. Picture an effortless, just-pinched look that’s fresh and polished.
• Main Ingredients: Berry fruit complex
• Finish: Glossy
• Available Shades: 5

Best Gloss Finish: Kulfi Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil

• Why It’s a Winner: For glossy lips that last, consider Kulfi’s Lassi Lips. One swipe provides intense color and a glossy look that transitions to a more matte finish after a few hours. While the initial gloss may diminish over time, the color remains vibrant. Founder Priyanka Ganjoo stated, “Our community wanted a product that delivers hydration along with lasting color.”
• Insights from Editors: “I’ve always held a passion for fruity, juicy lips without the stickiness of a gloss. This non-sticky lip oil nourishes the lips and after the gloss fades, a lovely stain remains.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer
• Main Ingredients: Mango seed oil, coconut oil, vitamin E
• Finish: High shine
• Available Shades: 6

Best for Vibrant Color: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

• Why We Love It: If subtle isn’t your vibe, Fenty Beauty’s Poutsicle is designed with you in mind. Rihanna’s creation provides long-lasting, seamless color (goodbye, lipstick). Pollara has dubbed Poutsicle her favorite for a plump, glossy look that feels nourishing and melts into a burst of color that sticks around. Color remains vibrant even as its glossiness fades—perfect for coffee runs, dinners, and everything life throws at you. So pick your favorite punchy shade for a mood boost!
• Main Ingredients: Dimethicone, squalane, glycerin
• Finish: Glossy
• Available Shades: 6

Ideal Lip Marker: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stain

• Why It’s Coveted: Huda Beauty’s viral lip stain marker is essential for long-lasting beauty routines. “This is your ideal pick for an extended day,” Pollara notes. “It offers up to 12 hours of wear and is enriched with nourishing argan oil.” DeBratto is also a fan, recognizing how easy marker-tip lip stains are to apply—perfect for lining close to your natural lip shapes or overlining for a fuller look. Plus, it’s entirely transfer-proof, surviving anything from casual smooches to adventurous meals.
• Insights from Editors: “Daily, I alternate between my two trusted neutral shades (Toasty Brown or Soft Nude). Keep a Q-tip handy to blend right after! This formula sets quickly, so be prepared, but the color payoff lasts through meals and beach days.” — Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer
• Main Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, argan oil, glycerin, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil
• Finish: Soft matte
• Available Shades: 8

All You Need to Know