13 Best Lip Stains of 2023, According to Professional Makeup Artists
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.
14 best cocktail-proof lip stains and tints
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 we 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 us give you the lowdown.
What’s the difference between a lip stain and a lipstick?
We know, 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.
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.”
Best lip stains and tints
We’ve put our lips through the ringer and applied every stain and tint we could get our hands on to determine the best. Below are our honest thoughts on the formulations, so keep scrolling to see which ones need to be added to your makeup bag. Did we mention they start from as little as £6? You’re welcome.
13 Best Lip Stains of 2023, According to Professional Makeup Artists
The name says it all: Lip stains boast immovable color. Just think lip blushing but without the permanence. “A lip stain is a unique product that is more long lasting than a typical lipstick due to its ability to stain the lip instead of just covering it with color,” says celebrity makeup artist Courtney Hart. These lip products paint a fresh tinge of pigment on lips and cheeks, leaning into trends like “strawberry makeup.” Plus, lip stains require much less maintenance. “You won’t need to reapply as frequently as lipstick or [lip] gloss,” adds celebrity makeup artist J Guerra. “Even as the color gradually fades, it tends to do so more evenly, avoiding the need for emergency touch-ups!”
Longevity is the hallmark of a lip stain. That means lasting for hours (anywhere from four to 12!) without disappearing altogether. So, we found the best lip stains that you won’t mind sticking around based on recommendations from our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab pros, GH staffers and professional makeup artists.