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17 Smudge-Proof Lip Stains That Will Last Through the Apocalypse
Allow us to introduce your newest routine favorite.
I'll forever be a fan of full-coverage lipsticks, but like many of us at the height of the pandemic, I expanded my beauty routine to include a few swipes of the best lip stains as well. Like mastering an easy cat eye or swapping all-over foundation with a few well-placed dabs of concealer, a great lip stain makes enhancing your beauty look a breeze, since they can practically be applied with your eyes closed. Plus, you won't have to worry about them accidentally rubbing off, since their formulas stay put through food, drink, and more—some for up to 12 hours per wear.
Shop Our Editors′ Favorite Lip Stains
Although stains get a bad rap for leaving lips feeling uncomfortably dry, experts say with the right prep and finish, your makeup look will stay nicely intact (and flake-free) with little to no effort. To save you some Googling time, we've rounded up a few top-rated options professionals, editors, and beauty enthusiasts have tested and highly recommend. From culty brands like YSL Beauty and Benefit Cosmetics. Plus, did we mention a few of these top picks are made to use on both your lips and cheeks for a perfect monochromatic look?
Here, we've listed 17 of the best lip stains we're loving this season and beyond that are definitely worth adding to your makeup rotation, along with answers to some of the most common lip-stain-related questions.
Related: The 15 Best Lip Oils for Maximum Moisture and Shine
Pros
- Features a pointed tip for easy application
Cons
If you're typically a fan of wearing gloss, we recommend taking a closer look at this creamy, high shine lip stain from the experts at YSL Beauty. It uses a diamond-shaped applicator for expert-level precision, and is designed to last for up to 10 hours.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Glides on and stays for a long time even after eating. This shade is perfect and all of my friends rushed to buy it after trying mine!" —Jovana26
| Number of shades available: | 7 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Glossy |
| Staying power per wear: | Up to 10 hours |
Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
Pros
- Vegan
Cons
R.e.m Beauty's pigmented, non-drying stain won't bleed into the cracks of your lips, and its marker-style packaging makes it a breeze place color exactly where you like (plus, it's fun).
One satisfied customer writes:
"Love that this is an actual stain—not a gloss, lipstick, oil, etc. I use this and am able to add a gloss on top. Love this stain!!!" —Ivy
| Number of shades available: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
Fenty Beauty's hydrating lip stain is a makeup staple that's ideal for anyone who reaches for balm on more than a regular basis. With sheer-to-medium coverage, a hydrating formula, and shiny finish (that eventually dries into a long-lasting stain), it's the gloss-lover's stain.
One satisfied customer writes:
"This color is everything! Love the way it stains my lips and is transfer-proof after!" —Svenja L.
| Number of shades available: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
This non-sticky lip stain combines the moisturizing power of a treatment with the pigmentation of a lipstick, with a water-based formula that lasts all day. "It applies like water then sinks into lips with a natural and long-wearing color," celebrity makeup artist Jamie Dorman tells BAZAAR.com. "It wears really well under a lip balm."
| Number of shades available: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Nearly 1,900 Ulta customers consider this creamy lip stain from e.l.f. Cosmetics one of the very best, since its gel-to-stain formula is not only vegan, but also a steal at less than $10.
One satisfied customer writes:
"The packaging is very sleek ( the same size as the liquid and metallic shadows). They're the perfect size for your makeup bag. It goes on very smoothly. It has a very cooling, silky formula. It's long lasting too! Combine this product with their love triangle lip filler liners for intensity. This is a must have in your collection." —Anonymous
Tinted Love
Pros
- Can be used on lips and cheeks
Cons
- Limited-edition
When it comes to my makeup routine I like to keep things simple, which is why a great multi-use product is always key. This popular stain from Charlotte Tilbury dries down to a dreamy, satin-like finish, and can be dabbed on your lips and the high points of the cheeks for a fresh-faced look.
| Number of shades available: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Balmy |
Pros
- Hydrating
- Transfer-proof
Cons
Since Dior's sheer tint is designed to last for up to 12 hours and fuses to your lips like a literal tattoo, we highly recommend wearing its lightweight formula on date night.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Had to get another. Was so impressed by the formula.. it’s like my lips but better, feels like I’m wearing nothing at all." —Vero
| Number of shades available: | 12 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Balmy |
| Staying power per wear: | Up to 12 hours |
Bitten Lip Tint
Pros
- Plumping
Cons
Here's a sheer, buildable gel stain from Victoria Beckham Beauty to provide lips with a subtle flush of color. It uses hyaluronic acid and squalane to keep them plump while boosting their overall hydration.
| Number of colors available: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Fixing Tint in Analog Rose
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
This K-Beauty favorite is available in up to 17 different shades, and has a soft matte finish that dries down in 60 seconds flat. And as an added bonus, you can round out your makeup go-tos with a set of three shades for under $30.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Super smooth and velvety. Dries quickly and doesn't leave a sticky residue." —Anonymous
| Number of shades available: | 17 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte/Glossy |
| Staying power per wear: | Up to 6 hours |
Pros
- Transfer-proof
Cons
Since Stila's Calligraphy Lip Stain features a rounded applicator that's designed in the shape of a tiny blade, you can get expert-level definition along your lip line with just a few swipes.
| Number of shades available: | 8 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
| Staying power per wear: | Up to eight hours |
Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Stain Kit
Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Stain Kit
Pros
- Transfer-proof and waterproof
Cons
This long-wearing lip tint lasts for hours, but easily comes off with a bit of makeup remover. "I love how easy this product makes creating a defined lip line," Dorman notes. And to use the kit, "Simply apply and layer the product as necessary and wait for it to dry. Once it has set, spritz with the activator spray and wipe off with the included swiper towel and reveal your perfectly shaped and stained lips," she advises.
| Number of shades available: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Cheekslime Blush and Lip Tint
Pros
- Great for oily and acne-prone skin
Cons
This oil-free stain is another favorite among BAZAAR editors for both your lips and cheeks—which makes mastering the art of the five-minute face easier than ever.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I like this stuff! Once you get the hang of it, it’s kinda magical (tricks: make sure you start w/well-hydrated skin, a little goes a long way, and work fast). It totally mimics a natural day-at-the-beach flush, and it has staying power." —laughingtart
| Number of shades available: | 4 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Liquid Lip Blush and Cheek Stain
Pros
- Smudge-proof
Cons
Benefit's viral Liquid Blush and Cheek Tint comes in six color options depending on your makeup mood, and contains a doe foot tip that makes it hassle-free to customize your stain intensity.
One satisfied customer writes:
"These tints are everything. So in love with them!" —Vee
| Number of shades available: | 6 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Balmy |
Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain
Pros
- Under $20
Cons
This top-rated stain from L'Oreal Paris is lightweight, and virtually a cross between lipstick and balm. It's infused with a range of hydrating oils, but still provides plenty of pigment for moments when you want a little something extra from your lip shade.
One satisfied customer writes:
"I absolutely love this product. The L'Oréal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain used to be my absolute favorite lip product ever and I was so sad when they discontinued it. But, they brought it back in an even better package and formula this time! The applicator makes it super easy to get a crisp edge without needing a liner and the formula is lightweight but impactful. It really is a unique product. Plus, it looks great even on dry lips and doesn't cling to patches like other stains." —Lydia
| Number of shades available: | 10 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Glossy |
Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
Pros
- Available in 74 different shades
Cons
- May be too full-coverage for those looking for a hint of color
This transfer-proof stain is a massive hit among Sephora shoppers—over 11,000 to be exact. Not only does it come 74 different color options to complement every makeup look under the sun, but it also has a creamy formula that feels nearly weightless all day.
One satisfied customer writes:
"It's so comfortable to wear, not too matte and doesn't settle into the lines on my lips. I also bought this for my sister and she has been wearing this almost every day!" —Thalyaanzheta
| Number of shades available: | 74 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Matte |
Lip and Cheek Stain
Pros
- Can be used on both lips and cheeks
Cons
- Must allow 30 seconds of drying time before manipulating stain
This sheer lip and cheek tint looks great on just about everyone, and is created by beauty and style influencer Camila Coelho. As an added benefit, its buildable gel texture and coconut water-infused formula wears well alone or with a little gloss.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Gives me the most natural and gorgeous tint and glow! Highly recommend!" —Emmy
| Number of shades available: | 1 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Balmy |
Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush With Keychain
Pros
- Can be used on lips and cheeks
Cons
You won't have to wonder what you did with your stain, thanks to this adorable version from Kaja. Its triple berry, olive squalane, and lemon fruit extract formula has plenty of hydration benefits, and aims to brighten and protect dull lips.
One satisfied customer writes:
"Just the most beautiful tint. I have a dark olive skin tone and this shade was beautiful and long lasting. The product is beautiful on the lips and on the cheeks. It gives a healthy glow." —NYCSerin
| Number of shades available: | 5 |
|---|---|
| Finish: | Glossy |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a lip stain?
Lip stains are known for being long-lasting, but that's not their only benefit. "Lip Stains are long-wearing, look natural, and last through movement without going out of place," Dorman says. "They're great for slightly over-lining lips and having the line stay in place."
How can I avoid dry lips while wearing a stain?
The key is to start with exfoliated, hydrated lips. "Before you put on a lip stain, I recommend scrubbing your lips. I often recommend the Lime Crime Golden Wet Cherry Lip Scrub," Dorman adds. "After scrubbing, try putting a small amount of eye cream on your lips and letting it sink in. This cream should sink in readily, as the thin skin around the eyes is similar to thin lip skin."
The artist suggests Alpyn Beauty's PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm Cream for its wrinkle-reducing effect. And once the prep work is done? It's time to apply your favorite lip stain. "After the cream settles in, lightly blot lips and apply your shade of choice. Once the lip stain has set, apply a balm on top to protect your lips from losing moisture, like the Alpyn Beauty Willow and Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask.
Meet the Expert
- Jamie Dorman is a celebrity makeup artist and creative director based in New York City.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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