Lip stains are a popular cosmetic product that offer a sheer-to-buildable pigment with long-lasting staying power, making them ideal for no-makeup days or busy workdays. Some instances when lip stains are preferred include when wanting a natural flush of color during sun exposure or when avoiding the need for frequent reapplication of lip products. Several top lip stains recommended by Vogue editors include Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain, Clarins Water Lip Stain, and E.L.F. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain, among others.
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip + Cheek Blush Stain is known for its burst of pigment that can be built up for a desired flush of color. The Clarins Water Lip Stain offers a matte finish with moisturizing ingredients, while the E.L.F. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain provides a glossier look with a satin finish. Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque is a peel-off lip stain that uses patented technology for long-lasting color infusion, and Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N offers a lip liner tattoo effect that lasts all day.
Hydrating lip stains like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain provide a glossy to matte tint with softening ingredients, while Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint offers a buildable formula for both cheeks and lips. Huda Beauty Lip Blush Cream Lip & Cheek Stain is a creamy two-in-one stain that provides a natural matte finish, and Dior Addict Lip Tint is a luxury semi-matte lip stain infused with cherry oil for hydration. Etude Dear Darling Water Tint, Peripera Ink The Velvet Lip Tint, and Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint also offer a variety of shades and finishes to suit different preferences.
Makeup artist Viktorija Bowers explains that lip stains absorb into the skin to create a blurred and soft appearance, resembling a bitten lip. The longevity of a lip stain depends on the brand and product, with some lasting up to eight hours or more. To remove lip stains, Bowers recommends using an emollient cleanser such as a cleansing balm or Vaseline, and exfoliating the lips if needed. Overall, lip stains offer a convenient and long-lasting option for adding color to the lips, making them a versatile choice for various occasions.
