12 Best Lip Stains for Long-Lasting Color, Tested & Reviewed
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you’re on the hunt for a lip color that won’t budge or move throughout the day, the best lip stains can do just that and more. Take it from me, who’s tried and tested over two dozen lip stains in my nearly seven-year beauty career. But I have to say, it took me a while to find the right ones. I’ve tried formulas that were either barely there, or so staining that it took days to remove traces of the color (flashbacks to vigorously rubbing with makeup wipes still haunt me to this day). But, after much lip-stain trial and tribulation, I can finally say that I’ve found a slew of options that pass the test: They’re hydrating, not overly staining, and don’t budge if you eat or drink. Our top pick is Fenty Beauty’s Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain because it lasts all day, holds up effortlessly (we’re talking through multiple meals), and has a very comfortable barely there wear.
Ahead, the makeup-artist-approved lip stains that we’ve tried and tested. These will give you the long-lasting, bold color you’re looking for, sans the mess.
The best lip stains, at a glance
- Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain, $28
- Best Drugstore Lip Stain: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain, $9
- Best Long-Lasting Lip Stain: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint, $15
- Best Peel-Off Lip Stain: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque, $22
- Best Lip Stain for Deep Skin Tones: Kulfi Staining Lip Oil, $24
- Most Natural-Looking: R.E.M. Beauty Lip Stain Marker, $12
- Most Versatile Lip Stain: Milk Makeup Cooling Jelly Tint, $24
Your lip stain questions, answered
Are lip stains bad for your lips?
According to the makeup artists we spoke to, lip stains aren’t bad for your lips, but they do have long-lasting power. While lipsticks, glosses, and lip balm products can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours, lip stains temporarily dye the skin and can last up to a whopping 8 to 12 hours. If you think that sounds a little too permanent, don’t worry—you can easily remove them with a makeup remover. Plus, they’ll save you the headache of having to reapply your lipstick or carry it around for touch-ups.
How long does a lip stain last?
“A lip stain can last up to 12 hours, depending on the product,” says New Jersey–based makeup artist Brielle Pollara. And if you want them to last even longer, exfoliate your pout before you apply. “Removing any barrier between the product and your lips will help,” she says.
What’s the difference between a lip stain and lip tint?
Similar to other lip products, lip tints will not last as long as a lip stain. “Tints, or liquid lipsticks, sit on the lips instead of sinking into them, which can make them dry out or feel flaky,” says celebrity makeup artist Randall Intrabartola. Because lip stains actually sink into the top layer of the skin, they shouldn’t dry out your lips in the same way a tint or liquid lip product might; instead, they will give you a sheer wash of hydrating color that stays in place.
How to apply a lip stain
“To get the best wear from a lip stain, you should prep with a lip mask or tinted lip balm, let it sit for a few minutes, then fully remove it before applying the lip stain. This is how you’ll get a lip that lasts all day without dryness,” says New York City–based makeup artist Jonet Williamson. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a longtime favorite of Glamour editors—the proof is in our review.
How do you remove lip stain?
“To remove a lip stain, you’ll need an oil-based makeup remover or a makeup wipe. If the lip stain is really strong, you may need to use a lip scrub to remove all of the pigment,” says Williamson. But you shouldn’t worry too much; the makeup artists we spoke to say a little scrubbing will definitely do the trick, and that some formulas actually will fade away on their own.
How we tested lip stains
We tested lip stains by surveying the amount of passes it took to apply them, how comfortable they felt on the lips, and how long they lasted throughout the day. We noted if they smudged or budged after eating and drinking. We also looked at how long they took to remove, for example, if we were able to get them off with a bit of light scrubbing and a wash. After dozens of lip-stain testing, these were the ones that withstood the test of time (literally).
Meet the experts
- Jonet Williamson, New York City–based makeup artist
- Randall Intrabartola, celebrity makeup artist
- Brielle Pollara, New Jersey–based makeup artist
Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
This hydrating lip stain is highly regarded by both makeup artists and Glamour editors. Just take it from me—I’ve been wearing this product since it first dropped in 2022. It’s super easy to apply, glides on to the lips like butter, dries down to an immovable lip stain that sinks into your lips, and lasts all day. I always reach for the red or berry hue, especially when I’m headed out to a long day at the office or traveling. The pigment is super thick and bold, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the lips. It’s actually quite lightweight, and doesn’t pill or smudge (even if you’re drinking out of a can, or slurping spaghetti).
- Pros: Long-lasting; extremely comfortable
- Cons: Pricey for the size
- Shade we tested: Berry Banger
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.22 fl. oz.
Best Peel-Off Lip Stain: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
You may recognize this TikTok-viral lip stain from your FYP, and as it turns out, it’s a favorite of Intrabartola’s too. “This is a super-natural-looking lip stain that doesn’t leave residue on the lips. It only takes a few seconds, but can be left on for up to 30 seconds to deepen the shade. You remove the top layer to reveal a beautiful, your-lips-but-better shade, and it lasts over eight hours without any need to reapply,” she says.
“To use it, you swipe it on (it goes on in a bold bluish-purple color that’s vaguely alarming), and then let it sit for, well, the packaging doesn’t actually tell you how long to let it sit, confusingly,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. The 30-second rule appears to be a word-of-mouth instruction from the viral videos. “I wore the shade Divine for about five minutes (careful to not let it touch your teeth!), and then wiped it off with a wet tissue, per its instructions. TikTokers peeled it off, but I didn’t want to get dye on my fingers. The result was that my lips (normally quite pale) had a rosy, just-bitten tint to them that lasted for the evening and looked pretty under gloss. I was impressed by its staying power, though I wouldn’t have minded if my lips were a little bit more red. I’ll try leaving it on longer next time.”
- Pros: Gives a very natural lip color finish; has a huge shade range compared to the other lip stains on this list
- Cons: The directions aren’t super clear on the packaging
- Shade we tested: Divine
- Shades: 17
- Finish: Natural matte
- Size: 0.14 fl. oz.
Best Long-Lasting Lip Stain: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint
I’ve always heard amazing things about this K-beauty tint product and was pretty blown away the first time I tried it. It actually does an incredible job of filling your lips with pigment (the applicator is small and flexible, making it easy to get into every nook and cranny of your mouth corners), all while keeping your lips feeling hydrated. The best part? It’s super long-lasting. I applied it around 8 a.m. and didn’t see it move or budge all day, even after eating a sandwich for lunch. It’s easy to remove with a little oil makeup remover or one swipe of a makeup wipe. If you’re diving into the lip-stain world, this is a great affordable Amazon pick.
- Pros: Very affordable—you can get a pack of 3 for $15!
- Cons: It does dry out your lips a bit over time
- Shade we tested: Cherry Ade
- Shades: 5
- Finish: Matte, popsicle-like stain
- Size: 0.32 fl. oz.
Best Lip Stain for Deep Skin Tones: Kulfi Staining Lip Oil
Williamson is a huge fan of this staining lip oil because it’s very versatile. “I love that you can wear it as a full-color lip oil. I actually like to blot it down (with a tissue) to wear it as a long-lasting stain with a matte finish,” she says. Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle tested this lippie and thought it was a great base color. “After applying it, I swiped it off and paired it with a lip gloss. The Black Cherry looks dark at first, but it tones down to a more natural shade. But, I did have to apply a couple of times to get the right shade. It feels just like a lip oil and dries quickly so it’s easy to work with,” she says.
- Pros: Very affordable—you can get a pack of 3 for $15!
- Cons: It does dry out your lips a bit over time
- Shade we tested: Black Cherry
- Shades: 5
- Finish: Matte, popsicle-like stain
- Size: 0.32 fl. oz.
.png)
Most Natural-Looking: R.E.M. Beauty Lip Stain Marker
“The felt tip of this lip-stain marker makes it so easy to use over a lip liner or lipstick to really lock the color down,” says Pollara. She also loves the shade range of this marker, which includes long-wearing pinks that look gorgeous on any lip and skin tone.
I personally love this lip-stain marker in the mauve shade Booked n Busy if you’re looking for a lip color that just enhances your lips with a soft yet noticeable stain. It melded with my natural lip tone and it’s extremely long-wearing. It certainly stays put, and actually took a little more effort to scrub off, but no other lip stain on this list looked as natural. However, it felt very drying on the lips after a couple of minutes, so if you have dry lips you might need to apply a good amount of lip balm before application.
- Pros: Chic package; flexible tip; long-lasting color
- Cons: Quite drying; not a ton of formula compared to the other lip stains on this list
- Shade we tested: Booked n Busy
- Shades: 4
- Finish: Soft matte
- Size: 0.05 fl. oz.
Best Glossy Finish: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Stain
Intrabartola highly recommends this Glamour-loved Rare Beauty soft lip stain that’s unlike any other lip stain you’ll try. “This formula is super unique because it’s an oil-stain and feels extremely hydrating on the lips, and gives them a nice plump. Once the shine of the oil wears off, you’re left with a beautifully stained lip underneath,” she says.
“One application, and I was sold on this stuff,” says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “It’s definitely my new go-to for lip color. The formula brushes on so smoothly and is the perfect hybrid of a lip stain and lip oil. It wears like a stain but feels like an oil, so my lips feel perfectly hydrated and not at all sticky with a great kiss of color. The finish lasted for hours, too—even through a venti coffee!”
- Pros: Very versatile; vegan; cruelty-free
- Cons: The smell isn’t the greatest
- Shade we tested: Wonder
- Shades: 8
- Finish: Glossy
- Size: 0.10 oz.
Best K-Beauty: Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Tint
“This lip stain is very opaque and feels velvety on the lips, which makes it a favorite of mine,” says Intrabartola. She also mentions that the finish you get with this stain is blurring, making it unique from other stains on this list. It gives your lips a soft-focus finish that won’t crack or fade, or settle into fine lines.
Earley is also a fan of this formula because of its precise applicator. “This stain is pretty pigmented, so I appreciate the small size of the doe-foot applicator, which allowed me to apply the stain without any hard-to-correct mistakes,” she says. The bold color is something to write home about, too, according to Earley. “The color I have—Star Plum Pink—is a beautiful rosy pink with serious staying power. I peeked in the mirror after three hours (which included a workout), and my pout still looked pigmented, though the initial velvet lipstick-like finish had subsided.”
- Pros: Blurring finish; lightweight on the lips; the shade range is unmatched
- Cons: Drying after a few hours of wear
- Shade we tested: Star Plum Pink
- Shades: 46
- Finish: Soft matte
- Size: 0.14 oz.
Most Versatile Lip Stain: Milk Makeup Cooling Jelly Tint
If you want a stain that’s a little more versatile than just a lip product, look to this jelly tint that also works as a cheek stain. Williamson loves this one because of how versatile it is, and how easy it is to create a monochromatic makeup look with. “This one is super hydrating and is available in some really nice shades that suit different complexions,” she adds.
I’m also a longtime fan of these lip and cheek tints since they dropped earlier this year. This lip and cheek stain is probably my most favorite in my collection if I’m looking for a wash of color that’s buildable and constantly looks fresh. I used it constantly over the summer as blush and lip color because it’s as hydrating and cooling as it looks. Truly the ASMR stain of my dreams, and definitely worth every penny.
- Pros: Cooling; long-lasting; fresh and hydrating throughout the entire wear
- Cons: The gel format is delicate and splits easily, so don’t press down too hard during application
- Shade we tested: Fizz
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Fresh matte
- Size: 0.17 oz.
Best Budget: E.l.f Glossy Lip Stain
Lip stains don’t have to break the bank, and this glossy drugstore pick is a favorite of Earley’s for this reason. “This glossy lip stain is the perfect marriage of a stain and an oil. It delivers the perfect punch of pigment but is nice and hydrating. My skin (even my lips) skews dry, and this one doesn’t settle into any dry patches or lines. It isn’t at all sticky, either. It’s a fantastic value, and I’ll definitely be adding more colors to my collection,” she says. For under $10, it’s a great pick if you want a luxe-feeling alternative that won’t hurt your wallet.
- Pros: Super affordable; long-lasting; high-shine finish
- Cons: Sheerer than many of the lip stains on this list
- Shade we tested: Power Mauves
- Shades: 7
- Finish: Glossy
- Size: 0.63 oz.
Best Matte Lip Stain: Benefit Cosmetics Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint
When you think of Benefit, their Benetint Lip Stain probably comes to mind, but if you want a true matte, velvety finish, Intrabartola loves this formula that’s just as long-lasting. “If you’re looking for more opaque coverage, similar to a liquid lipstick, go for this matte lip tint that’s extremely long-lasting,” she says. This one also doesn’t compromise finish for consistency: It’s extremely nourishing and comfortable to wear thanks to a blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “I’m not a matte fan because my lips tend to get extremely chapped in the winter, but this lip stain is actually not drying at all. After application, it sinks in nicely and the color payoff is perfect, so much that I don’t add any other lip product,” says Glamour’s Calle.
- Pros: Very comfortable; smudge-proof
- Cons: Has a sweet potent scent that reads a bit cloying
- Shade we tested: Soft Fig
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.2 oz.
Most Lightweight: Clarins Water Lip
Williamson loves this lip stain because it’s extremely lightweight and very buildable. “You can customize your color, add more layers if you want more color payoff, or stick with one if you want a sheer finish.”
Glamour contributor Jessica Fields is also a big fan of this stain. “If you’re familiar with Clarins lip oils, you’ll likely be a fan of the packaging water stains. But the product inside is the real star. It has a gel-like consistency and is made with raspberry water and aloe vera, which makes it feel weightless and extra hydrating. The color payoff is also top-tier and leaves behind a true stain that delivers that just bitten look. It’s not glossy or too matte, and instead has a natural finish that works on its own or topped with a lip oil. The only caveat is the brush applicator, which can be a little tricky to work with the first go-around.”
- Pros: Buildable; just-bitten finish; long-lasting
- Cons: The brush applicator isn’t as flexible or easy to use as some of the other ones on this list
- Shade we tested: Violet
- Shades: 4
- Finish: Sheer matte
- Size: 0.2 oz.
Best Drugstore Lip Stain: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain
Here’s a drugstore recommendation from Pollara: “It looks and feels like a marker, and is totally mess-free during application. I always throw it in my bag and use it when I’m on the go,” she says.
But the love for this stain doesn’t stop there, as this one is actually a reboot of a former version that had a cult-following. “When I first heard Cover Girl was bringing back their Outlast Lip Stain, I wasn’t the least bit surprised. The original formula was one of the best drugstore options back in the day for the saturated stain it delivered and the marker-like design,” says Fields. “The newest version is an upgrade from the original, with a slim design and a more precise tip, but it won’t disappoint longtime fans. The formula is just as pigmented, plumping, lightweight, easy to apply, and stays put for hours.”
- Pros: Under $10; long-wearing; transfer-proof
- Cons: The tip itself dries out over time
- Shade we tested: All Star
- Shades: 14
- Finish: Satin
- Size: 0.06 oz.
