Whether it's bold or neutral, there's no denying a nice lip color can complete a makeup look. In fact, it can be the centerpiece of your whole look if you don't want to get dramatic with your eye makeup. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: When I'm not feeling a full face of products, my go-to makeup look is a bold lip with a few dabs of concealer and a swipe of mascara. It's my easy out for days when I feel lazy or have zero time to get ready. And I think it's just as flattering as a full face of makeup.
From lipstick to tinted balms and glosses, I've amassed quite a collection of lip products because of this makeup habit. One product I've really gotten into lately is lip stain. I love the way they melt into my skin and leave a sheer color that looks 100% effortless. When the lip stain is budget-friendly...well, that's even better. Luckily, you can get some high-quality and long-lasting lip stains straight from the drugstore. Keep scrolling to see our top picks!
Best Overall: E.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in Berry Queen
Beauty and fashion editor Aniyah Morinia is a big fan of this ultra-glossy and pigmented lip stain by E.l.f. Cosmetics. It's a high-quality product at an affordable price point. If you love Fenty Beauty's Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain ($28) in Berry Banger, you should give this one a try.
Pro: Highly pigmented, long-wearing, glossy finish
Con: Some customers say it's not transfer-proof.
Customer review: "This goes on smooth and silky, dries quick and easy, doesn't smear easily, and isn't heavy or goopy like some lipsticks that I've tried are. It also smells nice and isn't expensive, which is always a huge plus! I would definitely recommend this product."
Beauty and fashion editor Aniyah Morinia wearing E.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in Berry Queen
Similar to high-end lip stains, this L'Oréal option offers saturated color with a lightweight feel. With so many shades to choose from, you'll find one that fits your aesthetic.
Pro: Highly pigmented, long wearing
Con: Some customer say it's not transfer-proof.
Customer review: "This lipstick makes me want to throw all my other lipsticks away. It's that good. It blends into the lips so naturally and smoothly. The applicator is genius and unique and makes applying it a breeze."
Are you a fan of Rare Beauty's new Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm ($20)? This lip stain has a gel-like texture that dries down to a regular stain. The water-based formula will provide your lips with all-day hydration.
Pro: Transfer-proof, long-wearing
Con: Some customers say it can be drying.
Customer review: "It goes on so smoothly. My lips feel hydrated even after it absorbs! I love that you can apply multiple layers for your desired intensity. And it stays put - no traces on my coffee cup! Definitely adding to my necessity list!"
Imagine a gloss that doesn't budge and doesn't need constant reapplications. Just like the aforementioned E.l.f Lip Stain, this strikes that magical balance. NYX's Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain provides a high-shine color that *actually* lasts.
Pro: Long-wearing, glossy finish
Con: Some customers say it's not transfer-proof.
Don't sleep on Ulta's namesake lip stains. There are six shades available, and each one has a quick-dry formula that provides sheer, lightweight, and long-lasting color.
Pros: Long-wearing, lighweight, natural-looking finish
Cons: Some customers say they prefer a bolder lip stain.
Essence's What a Tint! Lip & Cheek Tint is so lightweight that you'll forget you're wearing anything at all. Thanks to a super natural-looking finish, it's the perfect product to use on both your lips and cheeks for a monochromatic look.
Pros: Long-wearing, lightweight, natural-finish, 2-in-1 lip and cheek formula
Cons: There is only one shade available.
As a beauty editor, I wear Milani lip products more often than those from high-end and luxe brands. Seriously—they're that good, and this lip stain is no exception. It delivers a buildable, glossy color that dries down to a semi-matte stain. I love all the shades, but this brick red color, called That's Fire, is a personal favorite.
Pros: Highly pigmented, long-wearing, hydrating formula gloss-to-matte finish
Cons: None
Revolution Beauty's Pout Tint is similar to the aforementioned Milani product. Its long-lasting color starts with a high-shine finish before drying down to a budge-proof stain. At that point, expect chic, sheer color. I'm partial to the fiery shade called Sizzlin Red.
Pros: Long-wearing, gloss-to-matte formula, natural-looking finish
Cons: Some people might prefer a bolder stain.
Covergirl's Outlast Lip Stain is an iconic drugstore product. It has a precise applicator, buildable color, and the most featherlight feel. No wonder the brand brought them back after they were originally discontinued!
Pros: Long-wearing, Lightweight, precise pen-like applicator
Cons: Some customers say the color can be patchy, especially on dry lips.
Customer review: "I used to be a huge fan of Outlast Lip Stains and was so sad when they were discontinued. I'm so happy they are back and even better! I got the shade 'Jazzberry' which is described as "purple", but on me, it looks a bit more of a reddish-purple/maroon. These are quite pigmented and transparent, so be aware that your natural lip/skin color will affect the shade of the stain. I adore them because they stay put all day, are easy to use (literally like coloring your lips in with a marker), and work well with glosses or lip oils."
Rimmel's lip stain is a two-step product: First, apply the lip color, making sure to avoid pressing your lips together for 60 seconds. Then, apply the topcoat, which will seal the color and moisturize your lips in a single swipe. Afterward, you can enjoy up to 16 hours of wear time.
Pro: Highly pigmented, long-wearing
Con: Some customers say the topcoat can run out before the lip color.
Customer review: "This is the best lipstick I have ever found, and I hope they never stop making it! The colors are beautiful and rich, and the staying power is terrific. I literally do not use my old lipsticks anymore!"
This popular Amazon product provides highly pigmented, super-smooth color. It has a lightweight, silky finish, and it lasts all day long. It reminds me of Kaja's Love Swipe Lightweight Cushiony Lip Mousse ($21).
Pro: Highly pigmented, long-wearing, smooth finish
Con: Some customers say you need to reapply it more often than other lip stains.
Customer review: "Got this on a whim and was so pleasantly surprised! This formula is so lightweight and has the perfect satiny application. It smells like strawberries too. It doubles as a successful stain by simply letting it sit and then wiping off excess product. I need all the colors!"
Another popular Amazon product, this lip stain has a matte finish, but it's not drying. Thanks to panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, it's actually quite hydrating.
Pro: Long-wearing, hydrating formula, natural-looking finish
Con: Some customers say the pen can dry out faster than other lip stains.
Customer review: "It's the perfect long-lasting stain that doesn't dry and crack my lips. I let it soak in for a few minutes, then dab some balm on top, and I'm good to go. This is the first stain I've used that isn't drying.
This product reminds me of Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint($35). The water-based formula absorbs quickly into the lips and lasts all day. It's enriched with pomegranate and grapefruit extracts to keep your lips soft, smooth, and plump.
Pro: Long-wearing, nourishing formula, natural-looking finish
Con: Some customers say it can look uneven on dry lips.
Customer review: "The color is beautiful. I apply it before ChapStick, and it looks so cute. Some tints get smelly or chap my lips but not this one. I'm so happy there's so much product inside. It's going to last me a long time. Will definitely buy again."
Just like Stila's Calligraphy Lip Pen ($25), Kiko Cosmetics' water-based lip stain leaves a natural-looking flush of color. It has a pen-like applicator to help you define your lips easily and precisely. No messy, imperfect lines here!
Pro: Long-wearing, Lightweight, precise pen-like applicator
Con: Some customer says it can be drying.
Customer review: "I will definitely buy other shades [because] this marker is a spectacular discovery for me. Weightless on lips and not sticky. Acts as a lip pencil itself, which is fantastic. Intensity can be adjusted by applying an extra layer. Lasts all day [when] drinking and eating. Love it."
Although this is technically a liquid lipstick, I think it's similar to a lip stain because of its splash of budge-proof, saturated color. It goes on super smoothly and lasts for 16 hours. As such, it reminds me of KVD's Everlasting Hyperlight Vegan Transfer-Proof Liquid Lipstick ($23).
Pro: Highly pigmented, long-wearing
Con: Some customers say it can be difficult to remove.
Customer review: "This lipstick literally lasts all day long through eating, drinking, kissing, everything. That means that I never have to reapply, and I never have to be without color on my lips throughout the day. This stuff doesn't budge until I scrub it off at the end of my day."
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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