Somewhere between a lipstick and a lip balm, the best lip stains offer sheer, buildable and often moisturising pigment with unmatched staying power. A few of the instances when editors opt for lip stains over other products on the market are no make-up days in the sun when we want a natural flush of colour, and busy workdays where time doesn’t allow for continuous touch-ups.
’s favourite lip stains at a glance:
As party season approaches, the lip stain takes on even more appeal: swipe one on, and you can expect colour that stays smudge-free through any occasion, from sipping cocktails to mistletoe moments. Sounds like the kind of lip product your make-up bag is missing? You’ve come to the right place.
Scroll on for all the best lip stains our editors love for effortless – and enduring – lip looks.
Wonderblading All Day Lip Stain
- Why it’s -approved: If TikTok led you to this viral lip liner tattoo, you’re not alone. Proving not to be the stuff of internet legend, this buzzy find actually works. To use, line your lips as usual and let the product sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Once dry, peel it off to reveal perfectly lined lips that won’t budge all day long. A pro tip is to exfoliate your lips beforehand for a smooth application.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
’s Concetta Ciarlo testing the Sacheu lip liner stain
- Why it’s -approved: You know the feeling of biting into a strawberry and noticing your lips have been dyed the perfect shade of pink? That’s what this lip stain does for you – no fruit required. And despite its matte finish, each of the four available shades is notably moisturising thanks to ingredients like sanicle, raspberry bush, African ebony, and aloe vera.
- Key ingredients: Sanicle, raspberry bush, African ebony, nipplewort, furcellaria, aloe vera
’s Kiana Murden testing the Clarins lip stain