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10 best lip stains that are long-lasting and waterproof – tried and tested
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Love the put-togetherness that lipstick provides, but don't love the cakey feeling of it? Let me introduce you to... the lip stain. They've gained in popularity over recent years thanks to social media (hi, TikTok and the viral Sacheu lip stain) and have only continued to gain traction since.
Whether it be a tint or stain formulation, these lightweight, non-sticky lip colours provide a pigment that leaves pouts with the wash of colour we all know and love. Oh, and did I mention they'll last throughout happy hour, too? Lip stains are in it for the long haul.
Not familiar with the viral sensation these lip products have caused? Let me give you the lowdown...
What's the difference between a lip stain and a lipstick?
There are *so* many products out there, so why exactly do you need a lip stain in your life if you've already got a bunch of lipsticks floating around in your handbag?
"Lip stains and tints often have a lighter consistency than lipstick and tend to be gel or water-based," explains Lauren Hogsden, Benefit Cosmetics National Brow Artist and Content Creator. "The lightweight formula allows stains and tints to be easily absorbed into the lips, delivering sheer, yet buildable colour."
Lipsticks, on the other hand, are wax or oil-based, meaning they're more likely to offer a more opaque, bolder look.
Best lip stains and tints
I've put my lips through the wringer and applied every stain and tint I could get our hands on to determine the best. Below are my honest thoughts on the formulations, so keep scrolling to see which ones need to be added to your makeup bag... You can thank me later.
Pros
- It's very long lasting and transfer-proof
- The peel off formula leaves vibrant colour
- Comes in 18 shades
Cons
- It can cling to dry patches
- The blue mask can be tricky to remove
I know you know exactly what this is. A viral sensation (not me, the lip product), the Wonderskin Wonder Blading is a huge hit on TikTok for its ability to lend a stunning and long-lasting pop of colour to the lips – kinda like you've been sucking on a juicy ice lolly.
The application is very interesting. It applies as a thick, blue mask (think: Joey wearing blue lippy in Friends), but after a minute, the film peels off to leave a pigmented wash of colour underneath. Apply on its own for a 'my lips but better' look or layer on a slick of gloss for a little more glam.
You can read the full review here.
Glowing Customer Review: “These stains are great for those who love low-maintenance makeup. Ideal for those who don’t love a full lipstick look as you can just apply a balm or lip gloss on top.”
Pros
- The pen is highly pigmented and long lasting
- It can be used as both a liner or all-over colour
- It has a matte, natural finish
Cons
- You need to store it upside down to prevent the pen from drying out
Believe me, the hype is real. Huda Beauty’s new Lip Contour Stains are skyrocketing to TikTok fame after Huda Kattan posted this video, tucking into a juicy burger while the lip stain doesn’t budge an inch.
The pen comes in eight shades, ranging from a soft pink to a punchy red, and has a felt-tip style applicator which allows you to precisely draw around your lip line – or over if you fancy a full pout. I’m also *so* impressed at how well it lasts throughout the day, whether through cocktail hour or tucking into a burger. Huda doesn’t lie.
Glowing Customer Review: “Super pigmented in one stroke and allows you to trace a very precise line across your lips. Lasts quite long throughout the day and doesn’t bleed once you apply a coat of gloss on top! Can’t wait to try out a few different shades.”
Pros
- The marker is easy to apply and can be used to over line
- It has buildable pigment
Cons
- It can feel a little drying
What I love about this stain is that it can be worn as an all-over wash of colour or layered up for a more pigmented look. In the photo, I'm wearing three layers, which gave my lips a good pop of colour, but I also used it as a lip liner to achieve a bigger, fuller pout.
The only downfall is that it can feel slightly drying throughout the day, but a clear gloss layer beautifully sits on top as the stain still shines through.
Glowing Customer Review: “I will be buying another ten!!! Makes life so much easier not having to reapply lip products all day.”
Pros
- When the pigment sets it stays on without drying out the lips
- It has a very silky and hydrating feel
- It comes in a wide range of shades
Cons
- The oil sheen fades within an hour of wear, however the stain stays
Think a tinted lip oil can’t be pigmented? Well, think again. Upon first application, these leave lips with a gorgeous high-shine, non-sticky finish and an even coat of muted colour. But once dried, they provide your pout with a long-lasting stain. My fave way to wear this is to line my lips first with a pencil, and fill in the gaps with the lip oil. It gives me a glossy and pigmented pout that lasts the day.
If you’re a big fan of Rare Beauty’s viral Soft Pinch blushes, this lip offering will be right up your street.
Glowing Customer Review: “This lip oil feels incredibly lightweight and hydrating, adds a gorgeous tint of colour, and gives a glossy, non-sticky finish — perfect for everyday wear!”
Pros
- An affordable option
- Makes lips look plump and glossy
- Ten shades to choose from
Cons
- The glossy shine doesn’t last
If you don’t like lipstick but you hate the stickiness of gloss and want more than a balm, this one’s for you. The colour payoff is translucent and juicy, adding a wash of colour that lets your natural lips shine. I’m pictured here wearing ‘Cinnamon Dreamz’ – a cool, greyish nude-brown hue that gives a 90s feel, but there are a whopping ten shades to choose from, which is unusual for a stain. You’ll need to reapply this to maintain the glossy look, but the colour itself lasts all day long without drying your pout.
Glowing Customer Review: “I was looking for something subtle that I could wear everyday to work. Lovely and soft and glossy on my lips. Lasts a while and fades evenly.”
Pros
- Nourishes with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
- Ten shades to choose from
Cons
- Takes a while to get used to
Humeara says: You know in action movies, when women emerge from fight scenes with annoyingly immaculate makeup? Yeah, they’re probably wearing this. I reckon this peel-off lip stain could outlast an apocalypse. Or a plague. Or multiple naps and roast dinners (I have proof of this). At first, the application takes a hot sec to get used to – it feels a bit like you’re coating your lips with glue, and it’s hard to get a crisp edge, so I’d recommend pairing with a liner – but the result is so worth it. My top tip would be not to skimp on the product. Always go back for more if you want a smooth, even result.
Glowing Customer Review: “I have tried almost every lip stain on the market, and this one is my new go-to. Never any residue or stains left on glasses — totally kiss-proof! I've bought two colors now and don't plan on stopping anytime soon.”
Pros
- Comfortable, water-gel texture enriched with hyaluronic acid and squalane
- Can also be used on cheeks
- Stays all day
Cons
- Very spenny
I think this is my favourite lip stain on earth. High praise indeed, coming from someone who tests beauty products every single day, but I really do love it. It’s very subtle, so this isn’t for you if you like a statement lip, but that’s what I like about it so much — it’s like your own lips, but better.
The formula is lightweight and comfortable, giving a hydrating sheen that doesn’t feel sticky or tight once it’s dried down. While the glossy oomph definitely fades over time, the subtle colour does stay put all day long. My favourite shade is Bisou – a cool-toned, nude berry that looks dreamy against my brown skin.
Glowing Customer Review: “I have been searching forever for the perfect my-natural-lips tint. I hate lipsticks and glosses. I just want my lips to look large and with a healthy colour. I have a double lipline so I used to use lip liner in a shade similar to my lip color, and I had to reapply it four times a day. This is PERFECT. Holy grail. I finally found the product I was looking for.”
Benefit Benetint Rose Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain
Pros
- It can be used both on the lips and cheeks
- The formula is very fluid and water-like, so it blends easily without feeling greasy
- It has a fresh, rose aroma
Cons
- The liquid formula can be a tad messy to apply
Arguably the OG lip stain (seriously, if you've never had one of these in your makeup/school bag, where have you been?), this dinky pot achieved cult status for a reason.
The rosy hue is not only universally flattering, but it also isn't playing around when it comes to staying power. Kiss-proof, cocktail-proof, pizza-proof; whatever you want to call it, this isn't budging.
Is it the most hydrating? No, but if you're looking for that 'bitten lip' effect, look no further.
Glowing Customer Review: “The staying power is impressive, especially for a liquid stain. It holds up through the day with minimal need for touch-ups. Its overall performance makes it a go-to for a simple, no-makeup makeup look.”
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
Pros
- The stain-oil hybrid leaves a glossy finish without drying out the lips
- The pigment is powerful, lasting hours before a top up is needed
Cons
- It's only available in bright pink/purple hues
If anyone could solve the conundrum of a parched pout, it's RiRi. This offering from Fenty Beauty provides the wash of colour we all know and love, but without the telltale dryness that usually comes along with a lip stain.
It's also a 2-in-1, as the oil-in-water formula leaves lips with a glossy sheen when first applied and then wears away to a blurry pout. My particular favourites are the wine-like hues that neither bleed nor fade unevenly.
Glowing Customer Review: “I love the stain! It leaves a very pretty and wearable pink stain for hours!”
Pros
- It gives buildable, natural coverage (thanks to its semi-matte finish)
- It feels very hydrating and comfortable to wear
Cons
- It doesn't last very long compared to others in this edit
Promising 12 hours of wear time, Dior isn't playing around with this lip tint. It's infused with cherry oil (as delicious as it sounds) that prevents lips from feeling as dry as stale bread and also makes the product super comfortable to wear.
The semi-matte provides lips with a flattering amount of colour that looks oh-so natural.
Glowing Customer Review: “This is my second time purchasing this product. I love that it’s buildable. It lasts me more than half the day, unless I have something oily for lunch. I apply a thin layer of lip balm before applying it.”
What are the benefits of a lip stain?
Lipsticks are great, but they can require regular dashes to the bathroom to check that it hasn't smudged so much that you resemble The Joker. That's where lip stains come in...
"Lip stains and tints will provide a more subtle look, enhancing one's natural beauty for that 'no make-up look'. Designed to stain the lips and provide a long-lasting colour," says Hogsden.
Her top tip for keeping lip stains around all day? "Once your lip stain is applied, blot your lips with a tissue. This will help remove any excess product whilst also helping the lip product adhere to the lips. This will give you maximum longevity from your stain or tint."
How we test lip stains:
The only way to review lip stains? Put them through a lunch break wear test, obvs. The lip stains we tested in this edit were worn throughout our lunch break (and beyond), so they’ve been put up against a tuna sandwich and multiple cups of matcha – my lunch, she never changes. All kept their pigment and stayed put hours later.
Others are tried-and-true faves by the rest of the Cosmo beauty team and have been reviewed based on their longevity, pigment and ease of use. So whether you’re looking for a budget buy, lip stain oil or lip pen, there’s one for you.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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