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If you're tired of lipstick that smudges, feathers or requires constant touch-ups throughout the day, it might be time to switch to a lip stain. These lightweight formulas deliver long-lasting color that stays put through meals, drinks and everything in between—without the heaviness of traditional lipstick.Unlike traditional lipsticks that sit on top of your lips as a coating, lip stains use dyes that bind directly to the outer layer of lip skin, which is why they're so remarkably durable. The trade-off used to be dry, patchy lips that looked more harsh than polished, but modern formulations have come a long way. Today's best lip stains incorporate hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and nourishing oils that keep your lips comfortable while delivering that signature staying power. You'll find options ranging from sheer, buildable tints that give a natural flush to intensely pigmented liquid lipsticks that rival conventional formulas in color payoff.The texture variety has expanded too: there are now watery stains that feel like nothing on your lips, cushiony gel formulas, and even innovative peel-off versions that leave behind a transfer-proof finish. Whether you're looking for an everyday nude that survives your morning coffee or a bold red that lasts through a full evening out, there's a lip stain designed for exactly that purpose.We tapped professional makeup artists to share their go-to lip stains that actually deliver on their promises. From hydrating options that keep lips soft all day to peel-off formulas that provide intense, lasting pigment, these expert-approved picks cover every need and preference.Related: The 6 Best New Sephora Releases for Fall That Everyone Is Talking About
Best Matte (Tie):Dior Addict Lip TintBest Matte (Tie):Kosas Wet Lip OilBest Lightweight Tint:Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip TintMost Hydrating:Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip StainLongest-Lasting: ILIA Balmy Tint Lip ColorBest Peel-Off:Labiotte Wine Lip StainBest Sheer Wash:RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek StainBest Bold Color:100 Percent Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip StainBest Travel-Friendly:Kjaer Weis Lip TintBest for Sensitive Lips:Vapour Organic Beauty LipstickBest Drugstore:Hard Candy Lip StainWhat Are Lip Stains?
Lip stains offer a completely different experience from your typical lipstick. "Lip stains are lightweight, often water-based formulas that deposit color onto the lips for long-lasting wear without the heaviness of traditional lipstick," explains Brielle Pollara, a professional makeup artist at Brielle Beauty. "They are perfect for a natural, just-bitten look or a subtle wash of color that won't smudge or transfer."Pollara uses stains strategically in her day-to-day work. "As a celebrity makeup artist, I use stains when I need lasting color on set and tints when I want a fresh, effortless vibe," she says.Related: These 7 Gorgeous ‘Verry Berry’ Beauty Products on Walmart Are *Perfect* for Fall and Winter
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there's actually a subtle distinction. Dani Wagener, owner of Dani Wagener Beauty, breaks it down: "Lip tints generally look more natural, whereas a lip stain is a more opaque product that is generally longer lasting."Pollara adds more context to help you choose between the two. "Lip tints are usually even lighter than stains and give a sheer, natural flush of color," she says. "Lip stains tend to be more pigmented and longer-lasting, almost like a semi-permanent color that can last for hours, while tints are more about a soft, delicate wash."
11 Best Lip Stains, Tested by Professional Makeup Artists
Don't be fooled by the name, this is more a stain than a tint, and it's gorgeous. Wagener recommends this luxe option for its sophisticated finish. The formula features a semi-matte finish that's long lasting without drying out your lips—a common complaint with matte formulas.
Best Matte (Tie): Kosas Wet Lip Oil Lip Stain
Pollara loves this one for photo-ready looks. "Delivers a sophisticated matte finish without drying out the lips, giving a polished look for photos," she says. The oil-infused formula keeps lips comfortable even with that coveted matte effect.
This gelée-textured formula from Victoria Beckham's beauty line is another one that's called a tint but is more of a stain—it's also one of Wagener's favorites for its buildable color. It's infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, so you can layer on color without any dryness.Related: This Simple 2-Minute Hack Makes Any Lipstick Last All Day
Most Hydrating: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain, $30
Wagener calls this a great option for long-lasting wear with a hydrating formula and fabulous color payoff. The Fenty Beauty formula proves you don't have to sacrifice moisture for staying power.
When you need color that survives everything your day throws at it, Pollara recommends this pick. "This stain stays put through meals and drinks while feeling lightweight and comfortable," she says.
Best Peel-Off: Labiotte Wine Lip Stain, $10
If you want something a little different, this K-beauty favorite delivers. "Fun and unique, this peel-off stain gives intense pigment that really lasts while feeling playful," Pollara says. The wine-inspired formula provides long-lasting color with a unique application experience.
This multi-tasking hero is perfect for a cohesive, natural look. Pollara loves that it gives "lips a soft, natural glow while doubling as a cheek tint for a cohesive look." It's ideal for those who prefer minimal, effortless makeup.
Best Bold Color: 100 Percent Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Stain, $26
When the occasion calls for drama, reach for this clean beauty option. Pollara describes it as "highly pigmented, clean formula that's perfect for red carpet-worthy pops of color."
Pollara calls this one "compact, foolproof, and luxurious, perfect for touch-ups in a clutch or bag." The sleek packaging makes it easy to slip into any purse for on-the-go application. (And again, called a tint, but more of a stain!)
Best for Sensitive Lips: Vapour Organic Beauty Lipstick, $9
If your lips tend to react to products, this gentle but long-wearing option is worth trying. Pollara praises its "gentle, clean ingredients that won't irritate delicate lips while providing beautiful, wearable color."
Best Drugstore: Hard Candy Lip Stain, $15 for Two
Celebrity stylist Sarai Martinez, who works at Sarai By Day, swears by this affordable pick. She calls it "one of the best over the counter lip stains in the market," noting it lasts all day and is very nourishing and pigmented.It’s also a favorite of celebrity makeup artist Lauren D'Amelio Ventre, who has worked with Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Jenni "JWoww" Farley and many more. She loves its impressive formula and performance. "It's great because it's formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Jojoba Oil, and Acai Berry and Cherry Oil Extracts, so it's very hydrating and won't make your lips feel dry like some other lip stains can," she explains. The formula lasts up to eight hours without smudging, making it ideal for long-wear looks that need to last through the day.
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Related: The 7 Best Lipstick Shades for Winter if You’re Over 50 (Makeup Artist Approved)
Sources:
Brielle Pollara, a professional makeup artist at Brielle BeautyDani Wagener, owner of Dani Wagener BeautySarai Martinez, celebrity stylistLauren D'Amelio Ventre, celebrity makeup artistHence then, the article about 11 best lip stains tested by professional makeup artists was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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