If you’re on the hunt for a lip color that won’t budge or move throughout the day, the best lip stains can do just that and more. Take it from me, who’s tried and tested over two dozen lip stains in my nearly seven-year beauty career. But I have to say, it took me a while to find the right ones. I’ve tried formulas that were either barely there, or so staining that it took days to remove traces of the color (flashbacks to vigorously rubbing with makeup wipes still haunt me to this day). But, after much lip-stain trial and tribulation, I can finally say that I’ve found a slew of options that pass the test: They’re hydrating, not overly staining, and don’t budge if you eat or drink. Our top pick is Fenty Beauty’s Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain because it lasts all day, holds up effortlessly (we’re talking through multiple meals), and has a very comfortable barely there wear.
Ahead, the makeup-artist-approved lip stains that we’ve tried and tested. These will give you the long-lasting, bold color you’re looking for, sans the mess.
The best lip stains, at a glance
Your lip stain questions, answered
Are lip stains bad for your lips?
According to the makeup artists we spoke to, lip stains aren’t bad for your lips, but they do have long-lasting power. While lipsticks, glosses, and lip balm products can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours, lip stains temporarily dye the skin and can last up to a whopping 8 to 12 hours. If you think that sounds a little too permanent, don’t worry—you can easily remove them with a makeup remover. Plus, they’ll save you the headache of having to reapply your lipstick or carry it around for touch-ups.
How long does a lip stain last?
“A lip stain can last up to 12 hours, depending on the product,” says New Jersey–based makeup artist Brielle Pollara. And if you want them to last even longer, exfoliate your pout before you apply. “Removing any barrier between the product and your lips will help,” she says.
What’s the difference between a lip stain and lip tint?
Similar to other lip products, lip tints will not last as long as a lip stain. “Tints, or liquid lipsticks, sit on the lips instead of sinking into them, which can make them dry out or feel flaky,” says celebrity makeup artist Randall Intrabartola. Because lip stains actually sink into the top layer of the skin, they shouldn’t dry out your lips in the same way a tint or liquid lip product might; instead, they will give you a sheer wash of hydrating color that stays in place.
“To get the best wear from a lip stain, you should prep with a lip mask or tinted lip balm, let it sit for a few minutes, then fully remove it before applying the lip stain. This is how you’ll get a lip that lasts all day without dryness,” says New York City–based makeup artist Jonet Williamson. The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a longtime favorite of Glamour editors—the proof is in our review.
How do you remove lip stain?
“To remove a lip stain, you’ll need an oil-based makeup remover or a makeup wipe. If the lip stain is really strong, you may need to use a lip scrub to remove all of the pigment,” says Williamson. But you shouldn’t worry too much; the makeup artists we spoke to say a little scrubbing will definitely do the trick, and that some formulas actually will fade away on their own.
We tested lip stains by surveying the amount of passes it took to apply them, how comfortable they felt on the lips, and how long they lasted throughout the day. We noted if they smudged or budged after eating and drinking. We also looked at how long they took to remove, for example, if we were able to get them off with a bit of light scrubbing and a wash. After dozens of lip-stain testing, these were the ones that withstood the test of time (literally).
Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
riginal video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
This hydrating lip stain is highly regarded by both makeup artists and Glamour editors. Just take it from me—I’ve been wearing this product since it first dropped in 2022. It’s super easy to apply, glides on to the lips like butter, dries down to an immovable lip stain that sinks into your lips, and lasts all day. I always reach for the red or berry hue, especially when I’m headed out to a long day at the office or traveling. The pigment is super thick and bold, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the lips. It’s actually quite lightweight, and doesn’t pill or smudge (even if you’re drinking out of a can, or slurping spaghetti).
- Pros: Long-lasting; extremely comfortable
- Cons: Pricey for the size
- Shade we tested: Berry Banger
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Matte
- Size: 0.22 fl. oz.
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best Peel-Off Lip Stain: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Original video by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
You may recognize this TikTok-viral lip stain from your FYP, and as it turns out, it’s a favorite of Intrabartola’s too. “This is a super-natural-looking lip stain that doesn’t leave residue on the lips. It only takes a few seconds, but can be left on for up to 30 seconds to deepen the shade. You remove the top layer to reveal a beautiful, your-lips-but-better shade, and it lasts over eight hours without any need to reapply,” she says.
“To use it, you swipe it on (it goes on in a bold bluish-purple color that’s vaguely alarming), and then let it sit for, well, the packaging doesn’t actually tell you how long to let it sit, confusingly,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. The 30-second rule appears to be a word-of-mouth instruction from the viral videos. “I wore the shade Divine for about five minutes (careful to not let it touch your teeth!), and then wiped it off with a wet tissue, per its instructions. TikTokers peeled it off, but I didn’t want to get dye on my fingers. The result was that my lips (normally quite pale) had a rosy, just-bitten tint to them that lasted for the evening and looked pretty under gloss. I was impressed by its staying power, though I wouldn’t have minded if my lips were a little bit more red. I’ll try leaving it on longer next time.”
- Pros: Gives a very natural lip color finish; has a huge shade range compared to the other lip stains on this list
- Cons: The directions aren’t super clear on the packaging
- Shade we tested: Divine
- Shades: 17
- Finish: Natural matte
- Size: 0.14 fl. oz.
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
Best Long-Lasting Lip Stain: Etude Dear Darling Water Tint
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
I’ve always heard amazing things about this K-beauty tint product and was pretty blown away the first time I tried it. It actually does an incredible job of filling your lips with pigment (the applicator is small and flexible, making it easy to get into every nook and cranny of your mouth corners), all while keeping your lips feeling hydrated. The best part? It’s super long-lasting. I applied it around 8 a.m. and didn’t see it move or budge all day, even after eating a sandwich for lunch. It’s easy to remove with a little oil makeup remover or one swipe of a makeup wipe. If you’re diving into the lip-stain world, this is a great affordable Amazon pick.
- Pros: Very affordable—you can get a pack of 3 for $15!
- Cons: It does dry out your lips a bit over time
- Shade we tested: Cherry Ade
- Shades: 5
- Finish: Matte, popsicle-like stain
- Size: 0.32 fl. oz.
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best Lip Stain for Deep Skin Tones: Kulfi Staining Lip Oil
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
Williamson is a huge fan of this staining lip oil because it’s very versatile. “I love that you can wear it as a full-color lip oil. I actually like to blot it down (with a tissue) to wear it as a long-lasting stain with a matte finish,” she says. Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle tested this lippie and thought it was a great base color. “After applying it, I swiped it off and paired it with a lip gloss. The Black Cherry looks dark at first, but it tones down to a more natural shade. But, I did have to apply a couple of times to get the right shade. It feels just like a lip oil and dries quickly so it’s easy to work with,” she says.
- Pros: Very affordable—you can get a pack of 3 for $15!
- Cons: It does dry out your lips a bit over time
- Shade we tested: Black Cherry
- Shades: 5
- Finish: Matte, popsicle-like stain
- Size: 0.32 fl. oz.
Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
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Original image by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
Most Natural-Looking: R.E.M. Beauty Lip Stain Marker
Original video by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“The felt tip of this lip-stain marker makes it so easy to use over a lip liner or lipstick to really lock the color down,” says Pollara. She also loves the shade range of this marker, which includes long-wearing pinks that look gorgeous on any lip and skin tone.
I personally love this lip-stain marker in the mauve shade Booked n Busy if you’re looking for a lip color that just enhances your lips with a soft yet noticeable stain. It melded with my natural lip tone and it’s extremely long-wearing. It certainly stays put, and actually took a little more effort to scrub off, but no other lip stain on this list looked as natural. However, it felt very drying on the lips after a couple of minutes, so if you have dry lips you might need to apply a good amount of lip balm before application.
- Pros: Chic package; flexible tip; long-lasting color
- Cons: Quite drying; not a ton of formula compared to the other lip stains on this list
- Shade we tested: Booked n Busy
- Shades: 4
- Finish: Soft matte
- Size: 0.05 fl. oz.
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Best Glossy Finish: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Stain
Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early
Intrabartola highly recommends this Glamour-loved Rare Beauty soft lip stain that’s unlike any other lip stain you’ll try. “This formula is super unique because it’s an oil-stain and feels extremely hydrating on the lips, and gives them a nice plump. Once the shine of the oil wears off, you’re left with a beautifully stained lip underneath,” she says.
