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The best lip stains have quite a few tricks up their tubes. Unlike your standard lippie, stains (or tints—they’re the same thing) deliver next-level longevity along with requisite hydration and hue. These buildable formulas are breathable—sometimes blurry, sometimes boldly matte—and often infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, botanical oils, and complexes that fend off damage from pollutants. The result? A tint that withstands burrito bowls, makeout sessions, steam rooms, and back-to-back-to-back Zoom meetings. Our editors put some of the buzziest formulas to the test and got real about the stain-stamina, what they loved, and what they could do without. Scroll on for the best lip stains we’ve tried and not reapplied (in a good way…got it?).
Our Top Lip Stains
- Best Overall: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque, $22
- Most Pigmented: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, $10
- Best High-Shine: Violette_FR Lip Nectar, $29
- Most Hydrating: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain, $12
- Best Buildable: Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain, $32
- Best Sheer: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, $28
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Is there a difference between lip stains and lip tints?
- How to apply a lip stain
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Wonderskin
Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Amazon
Nordstrom
Nicola Dall’Asen applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque in Lipotle (a nude-rose made in collaboration with Chipotle)
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why we love it: Over the past year, TikTok has become totally taken with Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque, but our editors have been fans of this peel-off tint since it won a Best of Beauty Award back in 2020. It's one of our all-time favorite lip stains for its tri-phase, liquid lip-to-mask-to-tint formulation that leaves behind lasting pigment. Interestingly enough, every one of the 18 shades goes on blue and then peels off to reveal a range of pinks, peaches, and mauves. Let the mask sit for around 30 seconds before peeling or wiping away with a damp towel or tissue, and then enjoy up to 10 hours of budge-free, waterproof wear.
Dall’Asen immediately after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen 3 hours after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen 6 hours after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Nicoila Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen
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"Stain is not an exaggeration when it comes to this funky little miracle product. Wonderskin's formula—depending on what shade you have—goes on dark, thick, and metallic. Once you let it dry and peel it off, though, it leaves behind bold transfer-proof color that truly feels like nothing and lasts for hours on end, fading into soft pinks and nudes (the proof is in the picture)."—Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
Tester feedback from Allure former commerce writer Jen Hussein
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"The mask dries in less than five minutes and peels off way easier than other lip-tinting masks I’ve tried. A fair warning: There is a small learning curve when figuring out how much to apply and how long to leave on the mask, but once you crack the code to your desired results, it becomes second nature. And, just a heads up—this applicator isn’t the most precise, so be intentional about your strokes." —Jen Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, seaweed extract, squalane
- Shades: 30
- Finish: sheer but buildable
Most Pigmented: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Peripera
Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Amazon
Olive Young
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint in Heart Fuschia Pink
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Who else remembers the (not so bygone) days when you couldn't scroll through your FYP without catching a glimpse of Peripera's Ink Velvet Lip Tint? This high-payoff, long-wearing, and Best of Beauty-winning formula works wonders as full-coverage color or a barely-there, blurry stain. Complete with marine collagen, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid, this formula goes on as a velvety matte texture and absorbs to leave behind hours of vibrant color. If you want something a little less creamy, try the lighterweight, fluffier Peripera Ink Airy Velvet Lip Tint. Or, for a touch of dewiness, go for the Ink Mood Glowy Tint.
Han immediately after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Han 3 hours after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Han 6 hours after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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"While I've dabbled in many K-beauty lip tints over the years, I have a very soft spot for Peripera and consider it my desert island matte lip stain. They're incredibly affordable (you can build a collection without feeling too guilty!) and last the entire day—even after plentiful smooches and messy meals. The wear is super comfortable too, despite how long-lasting the formulas are. However, prepping my (very dry) lips with a clear lip balm (I sometimes wipe away the excess after a few minutes) is non-negotiable for an even finish—otherwise, your lip lines will likely show through."—Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil
- Shades: 27
- Finish: matte
Best High-Shine: Violette_FR Lip Nectar
Violette_FR
Lip Nectar
Sephora
Allure content director Kara McGrath holding the Violette_FR Lip Nectar
Kara McGrath
Why it’s worth it: When you think of lip stains, you probably picture something matte and drying, but Violette_FR’s 2025 award-winning formula flips that expectation entirely. This tint leaves behind a dewy sheen and long-lasting color (yes, both), which is basically unheard of. Infused with squalane, shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, it wraps lips in moisture while locking in pigment that won’t flake or fade. Fair warning: It starts off sheer and takes about two minutes to fully develop, deepening beautifully with each swipe. Think of it as your lips’ best magic trick in a bottle.
McGrath before applying the Violette_FR Lip Nectar
Kara McGrath
McGrath immediately after applying the Violette_FR Lip Nectar
Kara McGrath
McGrath 8 hours after applying the Violette_FR Lip Nectar
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from Allure content director Kara McGrath
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“One of the coolest things about this lip stain is how the color develops when you first apply it. It goes on pretty neutral, then blooms into a rich red (or berry or caramel) in the first few seconds. Once it's fully blossomed, that color sticks around for hours—and since the stain is oil-based, it doesn't feel drying either. The brand sent me all four shades when Lip Nectar first launched, and I love them all, though I pick up Bêtise and Dahlia Noir most often.” —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 4
- Finish: glossy
Most Hydrating: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Milani
Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Why we love it: A drugstore delight, Milani’s Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain is what it sounds like, and then some. Yes, it brings the stain, but it also imparts a moisturizing dose of hyaluronic acid and squalane for extra juiciness. The application starts as a glazey gloss, and as the day goes on, it soaks into your lips to settle into a satiny stain for eight hours of saturation. Although there are only six shades, we love how this range occupies the darker, moodier end of the spectrum, plunging into a perfect fall maroon called Mauve Mentality. Of course, you can also sink your teeth into more neutral hues with 90s-core pinky-browns (peep shade Rose Rising).
Felbin before applying the Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Felbin immediately after applying the Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Felbin 8 hours after applying the Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“The first day I wore this lip stain, I forgot I had it on and ate a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. When my bright red lip stayed completely intact after the last bite, I knew it was a keeper! Ever since, this has been my go-to for long days. The formula is so thin and lightweight, I barely notice it's there. At first, it has a really pretty glossy shine you can leave as-is or blot down for a matte finish. Throughout the day, there's very minimal fading and transfer. After about eight hours, I start to get the itch to reapply something a little more moisturizing on top, but it's not nearly as drying as a matte lipstick would be. All of the shades have great color payoff. I also love that I don't need to wear it with a lip liner, since it never bleeds or feathers. If you're low-maintenance and want a lip stain you can truly set and forget, this is it.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Shades: 6
- Finish: matte
Best Buildable: Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain
Clarins
Hydrating Water Lip Stain
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Deanna Pai applying Clarins’ Water Lip Stain in Red Water
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Toronto-based makeup artist Andrea Claire loves the Clarins Hydrating Water Lip Stain's transfer-proof formula. This 75%-water formula leaves behind a hit of sheer color payoff as well as aloe vera, glycerin, and antioxidant-rich camellia sinensis leaf extract (green tea). This Best of Beauty-winning tint was recently revamped to include even more love for your lips, adding raspberry water and a free radical-fighting complex (hi, nipplewort) to the mix. Apply one coat for a subtle wash of hue or build to a brighter pop of pigment, and top the whole situation with the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil for even more moisture and a touch of glossiness.
Pai immediately after applying Clarins’ Water Lip Stain
Deanna Pai
Pai 3 hours after applying Clarins’ Water Lip Stain
Deanna Pai
Pai 6 hours after applying Clarins’ Water Lip Stain
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I love a bold lip, but I find it too high-maintenance for everyday wear. This lip stain has pretty much changed my life: It stayed put through a Stanley tumbler's worth of water, my soup-and-salad lunch, and even a hot coffee in the afternoon. After seven hours of wear, it still looked pretty vibrant and pigmented, and there were zero smudges to be found." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: aloe vera, glycerin, green tea extract
- Shades: 3
- Finish: glassy
Best Sheer: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
Benefit Cosmetics
Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Angela Trakoshis applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Why we love it: A roundup of lip stains wouldn't be complete without this classic. Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain is a mainstay (that actually stays) on the lips of K-pop stars and common folks alike, applying and wearing subtly and comfortably for an all-day tint. The brand kicked off the line with its eponymous liquidy, red-pink hue but has since expanded into corals and roses—some of which feature a slightly creamier texture. This product also wears nicely on cheeks for a tied-together look that won’t transfer, pill, or patch. Word to the wise: This formula dries down quick (especially the Benetint hue), so blend it out swiftly before the color dries in the shape you applied it.
Trakoshis immediately after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis 3 hours after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis 6 hours after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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"For years, I have seen Benetint everywhere, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to take TikTok's advice and add it to my routine. Initially, it creates the most beautiful flush of color that lasts around three hours (even after a matcha and bagel!). The hue does fade slowly throughout the day, but it's still a pretty, my-lips-but-better stain!"—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane
- Shades: 6
- Finish: sheer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between lip stains and lip tints?
There is no difference between a stain and a tint—it all comes down to marketing, according to Amanda Lam, the cosmetic formulation chemist at DeWolf Chemical based in Warwick, Rhode Island. "The formulas for both are usually the same and give the same effect of long-wear staining without being opaque and are water-based with water-soluble pigments," Lam explains.
Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos adds that, depending on composition, just about any lip product can act as a stain or tint. "The color additives are the primary determinant of whether a color actually stains the lips," she says. "So balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all be lip stains," depending on how much pigment they’re formulated with.
How to apply a lip stain
If you have dry lips, "A lip mask or light, clear lip balm will help even out your lips' hydration levels, prepping them for a more even application," Claire says. She also recommends using a lip liner as a base, which helps extend the stain's wear time.
Once you're ready to apply your lip stain of choice, Claire recommends drawing a "V" at the bow and outer corners of your lips and a "U" towards the bottom. Then, connect the dots, fill in the lips, and voíla. For a natural-looking finish, Garner advises tapping the product directly onto your lips using your fingers. For a more saturated look, Claire recommends applying the stain straight from the tube.
Meet the experts
- Amanda Lam, the cosmetic formulation chemist at DeWolf Chemical based in Warwick, Rhode Island
- Andrea Claire, a Toronto-based makeup artist
- Genevieve Garner, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
- Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best lip stains, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and shade range. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
