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18 Best Lip Stains for Color That Won’t Fade

Last Updated: April 18, 2022

One of the many South Korean exports that have become popular in the West is lip stains. Some of the most popular lip stains come from Seoul, but there are many Western brands that have picked up on the popularity of lip stains and have created some great products of their own. 

Lip stains, unlike lipsticks that add a layer to lips, are absorbed into the outer layers of the skin for a sheer pop of color. They are perfect when attempting a no-makeup-makeup look or top to add some color to the lips. They are also known for not transferring so they are long-lasting and won’t come off on masks. We did the hard work for you and searched for the best lip stains available on the market right now.

We are sure you will find a lip stain to your liking with this diverse list of the best lip stains.

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Best Lip Stains 

L’Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain

Many have stated that this lip stain feels more like a cross between a lip stain and a lipstick due to the pigmented formula and the lightweight feel. 

Although it is labeled as a matte stain, it doesn’t dry out lips like other matte lip products. This long-wear formula stays on all day and doesn’t transfer, and at times some people have forgotten that they are even wearing it.


Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint

This is one of the best-selling lip stains for a reason. The hollow applicator delivers a pop of color and no need for touch-ups.

Plus, the tint can also be used as a blush on the apples of the cheeks. 


Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Lip Color

Even though this is considered more of a lipstick than a stain, it had to be included due to the wet textures, fast-drying and stain-like finish. 

With just one application it will last all day and all night. It comes with a stiff and precise applicator that makes it an easy application. It is matte though, so you might want to polish it off with some gloss for moisture.


Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment

Here is a lightweight tint that doesn’t dry out lips and leaves them looking silky soft.

This lip tint sinks into the skin rather than sitting on the skin’s surface and is smudge-resistant. 


Dior Addict Lip Tattoo

This hydrating water-like consistency lip stain is long-wearing and leaves lips with natural-looking color.

It is formulated with Dior’s color technology for weightless comfort and color.


Revlon Balm Stain

This creamy, moisturizing, and buildable lip stain goes on like a lip balm. After a few hours, it reveals a natural-looking shade. 

Plus, it’s formulated with shea, mango, and coconut butter to protect and hydrate the lips. 


Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

This creamy lip stain is designed to last up to 10 hours and it is loaded with pigment. Even more, the added glossy shine is perfect for a night out.

The diamond-shaped applicator allows for a more precise application.


Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick

Available in matte and metallic finishes, these lip stains are available in more than 70 shades. It is a non-sticky and transfer-proof formula that is infused with avocado oil to add moisture to lips. 

The lip stain is heavily pigmented, lightweight, and makes lips look silky smooth.


Bite Beauty Outburst Longwear Lip Stain

Formulated with hydrating ingredients like sunflower seed wax and coconut oil to hydrate lips, this waterproof lip stain dries down to a satin-matte finish.

The lip tint melts into the lips giving a high-impact look that requires low maintenance.


Clarins Water Lip Stain

This transfer-proof, stay-proof, and fade-proof lip stain is made with aloe vera to soothe lips, glycerin to moisturize, and camellia leaf extract.

It is made with 77% water that sinks into the lips to provide a natural-looking and buildable lip stain. It is formulated to last all day.


Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek + Lip Stain

This classic lip stain can be used on the lips and cheeks and is perfect when looking for a quick pop of color that lasts all day. 

This product gives a no-lipstick lipstick look that is buildable and won’t transfer or fade.


Mac Cosmetics Versicolor Varnish Cream Lip Stain

A hybrid lip stain that combines a high-shine lip gloss and full-coverage lipstick to glide on effortlessly, giving a creamy and impacting long-wearing color. 

It leaves a fresh wet finish that makes lips look glossy and lasts for up to 12 hours.


Armani Beauty Lip Magnet Liquid Lipstick

A bright and pigmented semi-matte lip that leaves lips looking silky and smooth. 

It is highly concentrated for a deep and luxurious color and has a lightweight formula that glides on effortlessly. It is long-lasting and does not fade or transfer.


Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint

A little goes a long way for this lip stain and is recommended for those just getting started with makeup. 

The gel-like formula leaves lips looking natural and it is recommended to use a cotton swab to apply the product as it can stain.


Luminess Cosmetics Forever Reign Lip Stain

Here’s a water-resistant stain that glides on the lips effortlessly, leaving a silky matte texture and dries to a velvet finish. I

t is smudge-proof and long-lasting for up to 18 hours


Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

Lightweight, sheer, and hydrating, this universally flattering formula glides effortlessly on the lips, leaving a natural light color that looks great on all skin tones.

Formulated with squalene and hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips and prevent dryness.


Buxom Serial Killer Plumping Lip Stain

This lightweight serum gives lips a natural and plump look.

It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips and keep them looking supple throughout the day.


Tony Moly Liptone Get It Tint

A lightweight stain that dries instantly leaving a transfer-free finish. Formulated with rosehip, argan, and jojoba oils that smooth, hydrate, and protect skin from damaging effects. 

It is a buildable formula that leaves a sheer, matte finish that lasts all day long. 

In Conclusion

A lip stain is an absolute must in every person’s makeup bag, especially for those on the go who don’t have time to constantly reapply color. The brands mentioned above range from affordable to high-end, and we are sure you will find the best lip stain to complement your skin.

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