After 6 hours of research evaluating 47 products, we picked YSL Engravable Glossy Stain as our top choice.
Lip stains are a makeup lover’s best friend in the summer months. Lightweight and long-lasting, most lip stains do precisely what the name suggests: they stain your lips to a perfectly pouty hue that lasts way longer than lipgloss or lipstick.
While make-up is more of an art than a science, there are a few things we know for sure:
- Sephora Rouge is a thing… and if you’re not in yet, you need to be
- Eyeliner will always be an uneven nemesis
- Highlight and contour are total game changers
- Lip color comes in so. many. different varieties
And with that last fact, we bring you our list of the best lip stains on the market. But, if you’re not into lip stain, check out our lists of best lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, lip plump, or lip liner. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Okay, let’s do this!
If you’re on the hunt for the best lip stain, you have stumbled on the right page. Our editors have researched, read reviewed, and tested every single product on this list and can firmly state that these are the best lip stains out there!
#1 Best Overall Lip Stain
YSL Engravable Glossy Stain
- Award-winning formula
- Long lasting and glossy color
- Also try matte or cream stains
Pros
The holy grail of all lip stains (and most makeup, if we’re being honest). YSL is well-known as one of the most sought-after brands for their high-quality ingredients. You can even engrave the case!
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
8/10
The pigmentation is one of the best things about this lip stain! The glossy formula comes in 17 saturated colors, including neutrals & mauves, reds & corals, and pinks & plums.
Texture
8.1/10
Imagine the texture and shine of a gloss combined with the staying power of a stain. Even better: the gloss isn’t the thick gooey kind that gets stuck on your hair.
Longevity
8/10
This lip stain melts onto your lips for long-lasting color. The long wear eventually fades into an even tone. Many lip tints are water-based, but this one is oil-based, so it’s super moisturizing and lasts all day.
Formula
8/10
Award-winning formula. Enough said. If you try this one, it will become your new favorite lip stain. Period. It’s simply the best!
Value
8.1/10
Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes! The YSL lip stains will become your new HG.
#2 Best Cream Lip Stain
Sephora Collection: Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
- Endless color options!
- A Sephora bestseller
- High-coverage color
Pros
This long-lasting lip color transforms from a creamy texture into a silky, lightweight stain. 25,000 reviewers on Sephora love it.
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
10/10
This cult favorite Holy Grail product is high coverage in EVERY color imaginable!
Texture
9/10
A little drying, but nothing some balm couldn’t fix! This lip stain slides on smooth and transforms from a creamy texture into a lightweight, silky stain.
Longevity
9.9/10
No need to reapply or touch-up throughout the day with this one: expect bold color from morning to night! Food, sweat, and partying all night are no match for it.
Formula
9.8/10
Infused with avocado oil and vitamin E, the long-lasting formula strikes a rich color that’s never sticky.
Value
9.5/10
Sephora’s lip stain is one of the best valued on this list. It’s a bold, quality product in practically unlimited colors for less than $15 a pop. What more could you want?
#3 Best K-Beauty Lip Stain
Chosungah22 – Dual Lip Tint & Lip Gloss (Velvet)
- Not very drying compared to other lip stains
- Suits all skin tones
- All-day coverage (really)
Pros
A dual lip tint? Absolutely! One side is a long-lasting stain, one side is a smooth gloss.
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
9.6/10
It’s sheerer than the bottle may lead you to believe, but it’s still a beautiful and deep shade of red. You can find other colors on Amazon, too.
Texture
9.4/10
The stain alone is barely drying, but with the gloss built right into the bottle, there’s absolutely no issue with long-lasting moisture.
Longevity
9.8/10
All day, baby. You may need to reapply once, but the longevity of this stuff is amazing.
Formula
9.6/10
It smells incredible — fruity and super divine. This is one of the most popular Korean beauty lip stains out there, and many people are still buying it online, so you know the formula is unbeatable.
Value
9/10
It’s a little expensive, but this lip stain is a quality product, and it’s shipped all the way from Korea for free!
#4 Best Drugstore Lip Stain
Peripera Ink the Velvet Lip Set (Multicolored 4 ct)
- Three shades come with a product remover (a testament to its staying power)
- Stays put through eating and drinking — something rare for lip stains
- Super vibrant pigment
Pros
This pack of three is a Korean beauty product — K-Beauty is becoming more and more on trend in America! Peripera is quickly turning into a cult favorite.
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
9.5/10
So truthfully, we didn’t have high expectations for this drug store brand lip stain at first, but it blew all others out of the water after only a few uses. Expect super vivid pigmentation with any of these colors. If you want a lighter effect, use just a little bit and spread it over your lips with a brush or finger.
Texture
9.7/10
Featherlight texture — you won’t even feel it on your lips.
Longevity
9.3/10
Lasts forever — so long that it comes with a special makeup remover (that also adds moisture back). Think of it like a tattoo for the day for your lips! Just don’t eat or drink or you’ll have to reapply if you want to keep the bold look.
Formula
9.7/10
Really doesn’t dry your lips at all. It’s like buttery velvet. It almost feels like a product like this shouldn’t exist, but here we are.
Value
9.5/10
This lip stain is affordable and totally worth it! This is a pack of three PLUS ink remover!
#5 Best Vegan Lip Stain
Milk Makeup Oil Lip Stain
- Enjoy vitamin E and nourishing natural oils
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, soy-free, & talc-free
- Build intensity with extra layers
Pros
One of Milk’s most significant selling points is their vegan and cruelty-free products that contain few to no preservatives. This rollerball oil lip stain is no different!
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
9.3/10
Beautiful hue — just needs more color options! It’s sheer at first, but the color is very buildable.
Texture
9.1/10
High shine lip color is oil based and long lasting. Even though it’s oil based, you’ll probably want a chapstick seal.
Longevity
9/10
The Milk oil lip stain lingers all day in a subtle, natural way.
Formula
9.5/10
Enjoy a formula with vitamin E and nourishing natural oils to counteract any drying effect. It will set deeply into your lips for lasting moisture!
Value
9.9/10
With the cool rollerball applicator, Milk’s nod towards eco-conscious and innovative formulas, AND a sale, the value here is truly on another level.
#6 Best Hybrid
M.A.C Versicolour Varnish Cream Lip Stain
- Easy-to-use doe foot applicator
- Lots of beautiful and classic color options
- Not sticky
Pros
This lip color hybrid isn’t just a stain, and it’s not a dual-tip; it’s actually a gloss and stain in one! More vibrant hues than ever before.
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
9.2/10
Sheer if you want that, or apply in layers for a bolder color.
Texture
9.3/10
Not sticky, but glossy. No flaking or clumping — just kissable lips! Expect an ever-so-slightly tacky but balmy texture.
Longevity
9.5/10
The gloss will rub off with eating and drinking, but your lips are left with a gorgeous and long-lasting stain. M.A.C claims the shine lasts up to four hours and stay-true color up to 12.
Formula
9.6/10
This water-light and no-bleed recipe is brand new and ready to take over. It won’t transfer to a glass, either! This is a new formula — this product has recently been put back on shelves after discontinuing the old formula.
Value
9.3/10
This lip stain’s price is in-line with M.A.C’s other lip products, and we all know that M.A.C knows their lip products. It may be considered expensive for a lip stain, but this reputable brand is worth it!
#7 Best High Pigment
Cushy Vibe High-Pigment Lip Stain by Kaja
- Looks great on all skin tones
- Neutral/nude shades available, which is rare for lip stains
- Doesn’t transfer, even if you sweat
Pros
With a unique whipped formula, this lip stain is full coverage, matte, and a new favorite to many makeup lovers!
Product Ratings
Pigmentation
9.8/10
HELLO, HIGH PIGMENT! This lip stain is definitely full coverage and matte! It’s also available in a bunch of neutral shades, which is awesome and unique for a lip stain. If you’re looking for full coverage, apply it like a lipstick. If you want a lighter daytime look, swipe a little product onto your finger and gently rub it into your lips.
Texture
8.9/10
It’s like a liquid lipstick that leaves a stain in its wake. A little more substantial and thicker than others, but not tacky, sticky or drying. Enjoy a creamy, velvety, cushioned finish while only using a little bit of product.
Longevity
9.6/10
“I can wear this all day, and at the end of the day, there is still pigment,” says one rave reviewer amongst many. When it does fade, this Kaja lip stain fades slowly and evenly.
Formula
8.9/10
The unique whipped formula is thicker than your average lip stain, but that pays off with its extended wear and fearless color. You’ll love the water capture technology that helps retain lip’s moisture. It also smells amazing! Lips feel soft and hydrated after application. No parabens or sulfates here.
Value
9.1/10
Kaja is the new “IT” K-Beauty brand and with good reason! We adore all of their gorgeous formulas, and we think this lip stain is very reasonably priced for its quality. The cost is in line with similar products from other brands.
Lip Stains Buying Guide
- Invest in a waterproof makeup remover
- A simple lip balm is the perfect moisturizing seal over any lip stain
- Before applying a lip stain, make sure your lips are soft by using a lip scrub (this one’s my favorite or make your own by combining honey and sugar!)
- If you want a lighter effect from a super pigmented lip stain, use just a little bit and spread it across your lips with a brush (or your finger if you’re me).
Final Thoughts:
You may notice I didn’t include those peel off lip stains that became all the rage a few years ago. I own this exact product. Honestly? They work. The color lasts a very long time, and I actually have one of these packed in my beach bag for tomorrow’s beach day (this is definitely where they shine).
But there are too many downsides, and that’s why it didn’t make the cut.
Like I mentioned, the color lasts a very long time and it’s difficult to apply precisely, so it will also stain your lips and skin if you make ANY mistakes. Makeup remover doesn’t work here.
The goopy mess has to sit on your lips for 20-30 minutes before you peel it off and you’ll have to keep your mouth open like a fish the entire time. Some people struggle with the peel and remove their skin as well. Bloody lips aren’t a good look.
Also 4/6 of my tubes burst and got on everything.
That being said, if you want to try this tattoo-like lip stain, here are some tips:
- Use a brush or old lipgloss applicator to apply to your lips. Don’t bother trying straight out of the tube — it’ll look sloppy.
- Keep your mouth open!
- Set your hair dryer to “cool” and dry the gloss for a few minutes to speed up the setting time.
- Grab some lip balm and enjoy the all-day color!
