I'm someone who has never really gotten on board with lipstick. Most lipsticks make me look too "done"; they transfer and then inevitably end up on my teeth. Instead, I want a low-maintenance hint of colour that makes my lips look mine, but won't smudge or require a top-up after eating or drinking. That's why I've been testing some of the best lip stains that promise lightweight, smudge-proof colour that lasts all day long. Because who has time to top up their lipstick every other hour? Not me.
However, not all lip stains are made equal. And right now, so many lip stains are launching—in fact, they're all over my TikTok For You Page too. The thing is, lip stains come in a whole range of different formulations, from watery tints to glossy stains and even lip oil tints and peel-off lip masks that impart transfer-proof colour. There are now even lip liner stains that provide long-lasting definition for your lip combo. They all deliver slightly different results and, as a beauty editor, I've tried a lot of them. During testing, I've found that it really depends on your preferences and what you want from your lip stain. What one person rates, another may not get on board with.
So which ones are the best for you? To help you decide, I tested all the best lip stains from my social feeds and rated them on their ease of application, their longevity after eating and drinking and the colour payoff. I also spoke to an expert, makeup artist Katie Daisy, to get her top tips on how to apply a lip stain like a pro. Here's everything you need to know...
Best Lip Stains, Tried and Tested
- Best Overall Lip Stain: Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque (£18)
- Best Luxury Lip Stain: Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint (£37)
- Best Versatile Lip Stain: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint (£23)
- Best Hydrating Lip Stain: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain (£11)
- Best Lip Liner Stain: Sacheu Stayn Lip Liner (£14)
1. Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque
Pros
- Long-lasting pigment
- Smudge- and transfer-proof
- 18 shades
- Activates quickly
- Feels like you're not wearing anything on your lips
Cons
- Can cling to dry patches
- Blue mask can be messy to remove
- Can be a little drying
- Lighter shades might not be as long-lasting
The first thing you need to know about this lip stain, if you don't already, is that it applies blue. Yes, you will look like Joey wearing blue lipstick from that episode of Friends. But trust me, it's worth the process. You apply a generous layer all over the lips and wait for it to dry for up to a minute before removing with a damp cloth to reveal your stain underneath.
When I initially reviewed the Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Peel Off Masque, I was blown away at how well it worked, and this is by far the longest-lasting lip stain I've tried on this list. I tried the shade Charming, and it lasted me for hours, even through eating and drinking. However, I also tried Adore, a lighter pink, and I found the pigment wasn't quite as long-lasting, so I'd lean towards the darker shades if you're torn. The only thing I will say is that you have to make sure your lips are thoroughly exfoliated, as the pigment will cling to any dry patches. So it might not be for you if you have very dry lips or have any chapping right now. But otherwise, I think this is the best lip stain for the price, colour payoff and longevity.
2. Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint
Pros
- Lightweight
- Subtle tint
- Wearable shades feel curated
- Feels like you're not wearing anything on your lips
- Luxurious packaging
Cons
- Not the most long-lasting
- More subtle compared to other lip stains
- More expensive than others
There are many things I adore about these lip tints—they're one of my favourite Victoria Beckham Beauty makeup products. Bitten is definitely the keyword here—these bestow a just-bitten flush to your lips that looks very Parisian. It comes in a gel formula that glides onto the lips and has a little slip for a short while as you first apply it. But as it dries, you're left with a pretty stain that is totally weightless and transfer-proof.
The elongated applicator makes it really easy to get a precise application. Compared to other lip stains I've tried, these lean more on the subtle side and are more natural-looking compared to others on this list. That being said, if you want something to impart a hint of a tint and don't mind topping up a couple of times a day, these make for a luxurious lip stain option. Can we take a moment for the beautiful glass tiger's eye-inspired packaging, too?
3. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
They were one of TikTok's most iconic beauty launches, and I still stand by Milk Makeup's Cooling Water Jelly Tints if you want a lip stain that also doubles up as a blush. These come in a jelly, twist-up stick that imparts an instant stain wherever you apply it. I own Spritz, a coral hue and Chill, a more cool-toned bright pink, and I reach for the popsicle hues every summer; they're so fun to apply.
The shades all lean very bright, so if you want something natural-looking, scroll on. The cooling jelly texture makes them so much fun to apply and emulates the kind of tint you get after eating a fruity ice lolly. If you're using them on your cheeks, you'll want to blend them quickly as they dry fast. But for lips, they're great to throw in your bag for touch-ups.
Pros
- Can be used on lips and cheeks
- Long-lasting stain
- Cooling jelly texture
Cons
- Stick is quite big, so not the easiest to get a precise application
- Not much time to blend if you're using it on cheeks
4. NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Pros
- Can be worn as a gloss while it imparts a stain underneath
- 16 shades
- Moisturising and hydrating
Cons
- Lighter shades aren't as long-lasting
- Often sold out in stores
These are all over my FYP right now, and I genuinely think they're worthy of the hype. They apply as a rich, glossy lacquer, and as it fades, you're left with a pigmented lip stain underneath. You can also leave it on for 10-20 minutes and remove it if you want to skip straight to wearing the lip stain.
I tried both Hydra Honey (a rosy beige) and Blush Rush (a pink berry tone) and found that the deeper shades deliver more colour payoff and longevity than the lighter shades. I do love that they can be worn as a gloss that fades into a stain or removed for an instant stain, too. I found them to be really hydrating and moisturising. And at just £11, they're one of the more affordable lip stains on this list, and they're one of my favourites that I've tried.
5. Sacheu Stayn Lip Liner
If you're after more of a long-lasting lip liner, then look no further. Sacheu's Stayn Lip Liner delivers a lip liner stain thanks to the fine tip. You apply it in a thick layer to trace your lip line (or apply it all over) before peeling it away after it has set. This is a good one to try if you find that most lip liners wear off too quickly and want something that will remain in place for longer. Some say that the lighter shades aren't as pigmented as they'd hope, and they look less noticeable on darker lip colours, so go for a hue slightly darker than you'd usually go for if you're unsure.
Pros
- Long-lasting alternative to lip liner
- Defines and contours lips
- Can also be worn as an all-over lip stain
Cons
- Lighter shades are not as long-lasting
- Not as noticeable on darker lip colours
6. Dior Addict Lip Glow
Pros
- Balm texture
- Shades react with the pH of your lips for a custom shade
- Hydrating and nourishing—doubles as a lip stain and lip balm
- Leaves a pretty stain after the balm has worn away
- Luxurious packaging
- 22 Shades
Cons
- More expensive than others
If you're someone who loves a subtle tint of colour, step this way. While these are technically tinted lip balms, Dior's Addict Lip Glow formulas react with the pH of your lips to deliver a long-lasting tint of colour that is bespoke to your lips. I love wearing these because the silky, balmy texture is so hydrating and nourishing, and long after it has worn away, I'm left with a subtle flush of colour on my lips. I own both the Berry and Coral shades and find the stain colour is very consistent across the different hues. Traditionally, lip stains can be drying, so this is a great one to try if you want something that hydrates and tints at the same time.
7. R.E.M. Beauty Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
This marker-pen style lip stain allows you to draw inside or outside the lines of your lips, depending on the look you're going for. You can use it to outline, define and contour your lips or use it all over for a healthy flush of colour. The shades lean towards pink, wine and berry hues, so they might not be for you if you're wanting something more neutral. But they are so pretty and last really well on the lips without smudging or transferring. Like a marker pen, they can dry out if you don't store them with the nib facing down to help the ink travel up the nib.
Pros
- Marker pen tip allows for precise application
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Ideal to use as a lip liner or full lip colour
Cons
- The colours lean more pink than neutral
- Pigment can be inconsistent if not stored facing downwards
8. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
A lip oil and a stain? Yep, Rare Beauty has done it. These glide on with a nourishing tinted oil formula that feels plumping and cushioning on the lips. Meanwhile, a subtle stain develops underneath, so as the oil wears away, you're left with a pretty hint of colour without any dryness. I found this formula really hydrating, and I love the watercolour-esque tint the stain left behind.
Pros
- Nourishing lip oil formula
- Hydrates and tints
- Long-lasting stain
Cons
- More expensive than other lip stains
9. Benefit Benetint
This is one of the original lip stains that is now nearly 50 years old, but is still as good as ever. And more recently, it has inspired newer shades in a whole spectrum of hues. The original, however, is a bright, rosy crimson that delivers a sheer wash of colour to the lips and cheeks. It's quite watery in texture, which allows you to layer up the intensity to your preferences. It also has the delicious scent of roses.
Pros
- Delivers a sheer wash of colour
- Can be layered for more intensity
Cons
- Bottle isn't the most travel-friendly
- Can take a while to dry on the lips
What Are The Benefits of Using a Lip Stain Over a Lipstick?
"A stain is brilliant when you need longevity without the maintenance," explained Makeup artist Katie Daisy, "It grips to the lip, it does not transfer as much, and it fades evenly, which is a lifesaver on long days or events. It is lightweight too, so you get colour without that feeling of product sitting on the lips. A lot of my clients prefer that because it just feels more comfortable."
What Does A Lip Stain Look Like?
"For me, a lip stain gives that naturally flushed, lived-in lip look," Daisy told me, "It’s perfect when you want colour without it looking too 'done.' It has that soft, effortless finish that works beautifully on brides and anyone who wants something polished but still really natural."
How Do You Apply A Lip Stain?
"Prep is everything," says Daisy, "I always make sure lips are smooth and lightly hydrated, then I blot off any excess balm so the stain can actually stick. Apply a thin layer first and let it settle, then build if you want more depth. If you prefer that soft, blurred look, use your fingertip to tap out the edges before it sets. It keeps the finish really modern and fresh."
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
