.JPG)
Sick of your lip color fading the second you sip your drink or dab your mouth? That’s where knowing how to apply a lip tint comes in handy. It’s easy to see why lip stains have surged in popularity recently: One simple step can give your lips a transfer-proof base that lasts all day—not to mention, it can take your lip combo to the next level. But without the proper technique and prep, you might not be getting the most out of your lip tint of choice.
Below, we asked professional makeup artists for a complete crash course on lip tints—from choosing a shade and prepping your lips for long-lasting color to safely removing peel-off stains. Whether you've never tried a tint or you’re hoping to perfect your method, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, find out how to apply a lip tint like a pro.
Featured in this article
How should I choose a shade of lip tint?
As you may have seen with viral lip tints like Wonderskin’s, the color that the product has when you put it on can appear very different from the stain it leaves behind. Lots of semipermanent lip tints start off dark blue, purple, or even black. After sitting for a few minutes, the original color rubs or peels away to reveal a natural-looking rosy stain. There are also plenty of lip-tint options that function more like liquid lipstick: The shade you see is the shade you get, the color is buildable, and no surface product removal is required.
But how should you go about choosing a tint that will flatter your skin tone? “When you’re choosing a lip tint, start with your actual lip color. Your lips aren’t neutral. They’re usually pink, mauve, brown, or peach, sometimes with a cool or warm cast,” says celebrity makeup artist Christian Briceno. “If your lips are naturally rosy or mauve, most rose and berry tones will melt in. If lips lean brown or gray, go for spiced rose, cocoa rose, brick, or warm berry so they don’t turn ashy. If they’re very pale, I would skip nudes and choose peach-rose, soft berry, or warm pink so they don’t disappear.”
Not sure where you land? Briceno says that the teeth test is an easy way to determine if a shade will be flattering. Hold the tint or shade indicator up to your teeth; it should make them look whiter and brighter. If it makes them look more yellow, that’s a clue that the shade you picked is too warm.
How to prep your lips for a lip tint
No matter how high-quality your product or technique, any lip tint will underperform if you’re not prepping your lips properly. “Exfoliating and hydrating lips well before application will enhance the overall performance and longevity of a lip tint,” says Brenda Orduno, professional makeup artist and senior product developer at Beauty Creations Cosmetics.
Briceno recommends cleaning your lips with a gentle, nondrying cleanser (his go-to is Purdori Natural Cleanser) to start. Next, he suggests, apply a hydrating balm and let it soak in for two to five minutes. Finally, “blot using a tissue to remove the excess. You want soft, not slippery,” he says.
How to apply your lip tint, based on your desired look
Use your lip stain as a base for cloud lips, the blurred lip trend that celebrities can't get enough of right now, which Briceno calls flattering and modern. Here’s how he says you can get the look using a one-step tint.
Step 1: Apply a dot of your tint in the center of both top and bottom lip.
Step 2: Tap the product outward with your fingertip or a small, dense lip brush. As you reach your natural lip borders, keep the edges diffused, not sharp.
Step 3: Blot your lips once. Add a thin second layer of product only if needed.
We all have 2016 makeup trends on the brain lately: Here’s how to put your Kylie Lip Kit skills to use in 2026. If you’re looking for a bolder look (or want to make your lips appear fuller), follow Briceno’s advice below.
Step 1: Outline your lips lightly with a brush or using the wand applicator. Follow the natural shape of your lips or stay just above it; remember, you can always sharpen things up with a lip liner later.
Step 2: Fill in the rest of your lips quickly and evenly. Orundo notes that “lip tints are great for allover coverage.”
Step 3: Let the product dry on your lips completely. If using a buildable tint, blot, then reapply a thin second layer.
If using a semipermanent tint, let the product sit on your lips for the duration recommended on the packaging (typically around a minute). Wipe the top layer away gently with a damp towelette or cotton pad.
Step 4: Blot, and repeat previous step to achieve a deeper shade if desired.
Step 5: Blot to remove excess product, then finish other lip products (liner, gloss, etc.) as desired.
.png)
Common lip-tint mistakes to avoid
Briceno says that lip tints “grab texture,” so applying them to dry, flaky lips won’t give you the smooth results you’re looking for. If needed, use a damp cloth to exfoliate your lips before applying your preparatory balm.
While you’ll want to hydrate your lips before using a tint, both experts recommend opting for a balm over a lip oil, which will break down the product. If you need to take off a lip tint quickly, on the other hand, cleansing oil will do the trick.
Briceno warns that loading on the lip tint can lead to product transfer, harsh edges, and a patchy finish. If you want more depth, he says to apply your tint in thin layers, tapping away the excess in between.
To get even coverage, keep your lips still and slightly parted while your tint is drying. When blotting, Briceno says, tap lightly with your finger rather than smooshing your lips together.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.
