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These Are the Best Lip Stains That Won’t Ever Fade
They'll even last through a makeout session.
Lip combo tutorials have taken over our social media feeds with every video showcasing yet another product we should probably add to cart—stat! Of all the star players in a lip combo video—nude gloss here, brown lip liner there—it seems more and more people are concerned with long-lasting results over aesthetics. There are quite a few hydrating lip glosses and lipsticks that provide longevity, but few formulas compare to the long-lasting power of a lip stain.
Where lipstick requires precise application and glosses don’t last past a single sip of coffee, lip stains, on the other hand, are easy to apply, long-lasting, and give your lips a tint that says, "I put effort into my appearance today." "A lip stain is perfect for people on the go who don’t want to constantly reapply and can feel confident knowing their color will last throughout a day—whether on the beach, a nighttime event, even through a good meal!" says Priscilla Ono, Fenty Beauty global makeup artist. "When it comes to a lip stain, you want a formula that delivers buildable color without making your lips feel or look dried out.”
Our picks for the best lip stains of 2025
Think of lip stains as the more mature older sister of lip oils. At one point, we all became obsessed with the Dior Lip Oil, but imagine if that sheen lasted even through a make-out sesh and two glasses of wine. It’s possible. After consulting Ono, ELLE editors, and customer reviews, we found the 12 best lip stain formulas for you to try.
Pros
- Buildable formula
Cons
- Could last longer
Also known as the ultimate classic lip tint, this tinted liquid from Benefit deserves all the accolades it has received. You can use it on your lips or cheeks for a subtle, watercolor-like tint that lasts all day long.
Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This was my first-ever lip tint, and was probably everyone else’s, too. The sheer, buildable formula provides a soft flush of color to the lips—similar to the tint you get after enjoying a red icee or drink.”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Great color payoff
Cons
- Dries fast so you need to blend quickly
Condense your makeup bag by investing in multipurpose formulas like this one from Milk Makeup. The Jelly Tint adds a pop of color to your lips, cheeks, and anywhere that needs a bit of dimension. It’s pigmented, making it a great topper on the cheeks or a flush of color to mimic just-bitten lips.
Sephora rating: 4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Not all formulas are intended for multiple areas on your face—the stinging sensation I got around my eyes from a past cheek tint gave me that wake-up call. However, I was overjoyed when Milk Makeup and other brands created products that can be used anywhere we desire. I love this Jelly Tint as a pink-ish base color before I apply my lip gloss. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll warm it up on my hands and gently tap it onto my cheeks—the pigment is insane, people!”—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some users note it can bleed a little
If you want it to look like you applied lipstick an hour ago and it faded into a lovely hue, try this stain. It’s completely weightless and matte, and leaves you with a gorgeous tint that doesn’t require touching up.
Ulta rating: 3.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I really love this product. I’ve been looking for a great lip stain and definitely this is the one.”
Pros
- Conditioning ingredients
Cons
- Some users notes the tube can leak a little
Is she a lip stain? A gloss? Or a deeply hydrating treatment? The answer? All three! This product goes on glossy and leaves behind a subtle sheen of color that will last all day. Plus, thanks to squalane, it also conditions your lips as you wear it.
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “From the first use, I’ve loved this product and color. The color lasts a super long time for me. The color changes a bit from when it is freshly applied to when it is just a stain, but both ends of the spectrum are beautiful. It feels very nice on the lips, and the applicator is a nice size for easy application. I’m going to buy some other colors because I love it that much.”
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Doe foot applicator deposits a lot of product at once
If you’re searching for a low-maintenance lip product that does the job of multiple products in one, try out this lip balm. Not only are the balm’s color options gorgeous, but it’s also deeply hydrating, glossy, and leaves behind a subtle tint when it wears off.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I LOVE THIS PRODUCT. I’ve purchased this a couple of times, it gives the perfect shade of tint and a great glossy shine. Highly recommend! The serum leaves your lips so smooth and soft. I keep this on me at all times!!!!”
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Can feel a little sticky
Like a lightweight version of the classic liquid lipstick, this stain is anything but subtle. With multiple color options and intense pigment, this long-lasting lip color is kiss and coffee cup resistant.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The only lipstick I will use. Stays on for hours and fades without leaving a *ring* around your mouth when it does fade. Fairly priced.”
Pros
- Soft, airy texture
Cons
- Can feel a bit drying
Searching for a product that helps you achieve the bitten look? These velvety lip stains from Peripera are easy to apply, long-lasting, and comfortable–not to mention gorgeous. They’re so lightweight you won’t even be able to feel them, but they have intense pigment that can’t be missed.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Peripera’s lip stain lives at my work desk because it’s my favorite mid-day lip treat. The coral-pink shade is a step above my natural lip color, which gives me a soft, just-bitten finish. The airy texture makes it feel like I’m wearing nothing at all.”—NP
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some users note it goes on patchy
Looking for a lip stain that actually doesn’t budge? If Ariana Grande can wear this on stage and have it not move, it will definitely last for you. Just draw on your tint like the pen is a sharpie and marvel at the beautiful hue it leaves behind.
Ulta rating: 3.1/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love this stain so much! I use it as a lipliner, and I prefer the texture of a stain over a regular lip liner (long-lasting). I should note that before putting it on, make sure you have no other product on your lips! Add gloss after!”
Pros
- Weightless feel
Cons
- Can dry quickly
Looking to cheat your lip color a little? If you want a truly invisible finish but a bit more color, this product from Dior is a classic. The trick is to apply it precisely, and wait for it to dry completely before doing anything with your lips. After that, you’ll be left with a color that doesn’t budge.
Nordstrom rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Gorgeous, smooth color that lasts. Conditioning and cooling. It feels similar to the lip serum without the plump tingle; the sensation is refreshing. The color doesn’t bleed or transfer. I got Nude, Rosewood, and Berry. All beautiful. Ready for more colors.”
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- Could last longer
K-Beauty brands have long created lightweight lip tints, and this version by Etude House is the best of the best. It’s long-lasting, has beautiful color choices, and doesn’t budge. This will be your best friend on days when you don’t want to touch up your lip looks.
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Just bought my first bottle of this stuff, having LOVED the oil tint, and am so impressed. I love the watery texture and the fruit punch flavor. I love the subtle, buildable ‘stain’ effect and I usually layer gloss on top. Very beautiful. A winner. Will probably buy in all colors!”
Wonderskin Blading Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Long Lasting Lip Tint
Pros
- Long-Lasting
Cons
- Learning curve
You’ve probably already seen viral videos of this lip tint all over your TikTok. Carefully apply the color, spritz it with the included spray and then peel off the lacquered top coat to reveal your long-lasting tint. And when we say long-lasting, we really mean it.
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Beautiful color, has a flawless matte finish, very flattering! Lip stain is easy to apply, easy to peel or wipe off, color lasts throughout the day. Definitely make sure lips are well hydrated before application, my lips feel and look dry when I don’t. Great quality, great value, highly recommend!”
How is a lip stain different than a gloss or liquid lipstick?
"True to its name, a lip stain typically is longer lasting than a gloss and more lightweight than a liquid lipstick," says Ono. There's a time and place for them all! A lip stain is the best of both worlds; it has the staying power of a liquid lipstick and the lightweight finish of a gloss. “Best of all, coverage is buildable so you can create any look–subtle or supercharged–that you want," she adds.
Do you have a preferred way to apply lip stains?
Using a lip liner can help sharpen the look and create a border to keep the stain on the lips, but it all comes down to preference. "It's all about precision when it comes to lip stains!" says Ono. "I tend to apply to the outline of the lips first, and then fill in afterward, followed by one full swipe of color to add some more punch. If I want to make it more subtle, I gently dab the lips with a tissue to leave behind a softer tint."
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. ELLE editors and contributors tested a few top-rated lip stains for this piece. They also pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.
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