In a world of viral celebrity beauty brands, we’re always looking for tried-and-true beauty products that are actually worth our money and time. And the lip stain might just be the most tried-and-true beauty product in the world.
The lip stain’s hashtag has racked up a cool 269 million views on TikTok, but those searching for a glorious just-bitten flush have been reaching for lip stains for centuries.
In Ancient Greece, “lipstick” was actually “lip stain,” a pigment derived from crushed berries. Given that makeup was frowned upon, women favoured these early lip stains for their longevity (no telltale smudging) and “natural” appearance. You can consider the lip stain the first no-makeup-makeup product.
Today, beauty lovers reach for lip stains for the same reason. They’re killer for achieving the trending “blurred lip” TikTok trend that emulates a soft, diffused appearance. Because they don’t sit “on top” of the lip, instead soak in, they don’t smudge, transfer, or bleed, making them perfect for long lunches and days at the office. And they cocktail perfectly with your favourite lip glosses if you want to create a colour that wears well throughout the day but still wants some shine. Even better? Most lip stains can be used on the cheeks in a pinch, making them a double-duty beauty.
If you haven’t picked up, we’re team lip stain here at marie claire and have spent a fair whack of time testing and trialling the best on the market. So, if you want to dabble, we’ve rounded up the best lip stains on the market.
2024’s Top Lip Stains
- Milk Makeup, Cooling Water Jelly Tint, $44.00, Sephora
- Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint, $55.00, Sephora
- Wonderskin, Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Stain, 39.85 at Amazon
The Best Lip Stains Of 2024
Milk Makeup, Cooling Water Jelly Tint
from $44.00 at Sephora
It doesn’t get much more viral than this Jelly Tint from Milk Makeup, but we can confirm this product has earned its 32.7 million views on TikTok. Dab any one of the four ultra-flattering shades on for a refreshing burst of colour that lasts all day (you can use it on your cheeks, too!)
Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint
from $55.00 at Sephora
It’s a classic that’s been popping up in the handbags of cool girls everywhere in 2024. While it doesn’t quite date back to Ancient Greece, Benetint is one of the oldest commercially available lip tints on the market. The product was originally developed for exotic dancers who wanted a multipurpose lip stain (that could be used for lips, cheeks and nips) in 1976. Viola, Benetint. While the formula is now available in multiple gorgeous shades, we love the buildable raspberry original and can attest to its “lasts all day” properties.
Wonderskin, Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Stain
from $39.85 at Amazon
If you have TikTok and you like makeup, chances are you’ve seen Wonderskin all over your FYP. The long-wearing stain goes on a little like blue rubber (check out a tutorial) only to be “peeled” off to reveal a punchy hit of colour. Available in multiple shades, Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal is a viral product that lives up to its name.
Victoria Beckham, Bitten Lip Tint
from $66.00 at Victoria Beckham
It’s a splurge, but Posh Spice knows a thing or two about creating luxury, high-performing beauty products. Her lip stains are no different. If you’ve previously found lip stains a little drying, this is the product for you. Packed with hyaluronic acid, this luxe lip stain has an immediate plumping and hydrating effect to complement the gorgeous flush of colour it leaves on the lips. We particularly love the doe-foot applicator for precise application.
Stila, Calligraphy Lip Stain
from $42.00 at Mecca
If one of your pain points with lip stains has been a lack of precision, the Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain is the perfect product for you. The clever “blade” tip allows for precise lip lining and an even wash of colour. We’re particularly enamoured with the shade range. The ultraviolet “Susan” is a must-have, but there are 16 options to choose from.
Dior, Lip Addict Lip Tint
from $64.00 at Adore Beauty
Another luxe buy, the Dior Lip Addict Lip Tint, is famous for its longevity. While it applies like a gloss, it soaks in, leaving a transfer-free colour on the lips and making you feel like you’re wearing nothing (perfect for date night).
Huda Beauty Creamy Lip And Cheek Stain
from $43.00 at Sephora
This lip stain has a creamy texture and gives a long-wearing, transfer-proof hit of colour. The unique, precision doe-foot applicator hugs the curves of your lips for extra definition. Available in five shades.
Clarins Water Lip Stain
from $45.00 at Myer
The Clarins lip tint has an ultra-light texture but leaves a long-lasting colour on the lips. Despite the name, it leaves a matte finish (consider it Benetint in a convenient tube). With organic aloe vera and raspberry water, the formula leaves lips nourished and soft.
Ere Perez Beetroot Cheek &. Lip Tint
from $44.00 at Mecca
This water-based antioxidant-packed serum leaves a vibrant flush on lips and cheeks. We adore “Fun” a bright fuchsia pink shade for summer.
How To Apply A Lip Stain
Like any lip product, lip stains are best applied on well-exfoliated lips. The night before you use your lip stain, consider giving your lips a gentle exfoliation with a sugar scrub (you can make this at home with olive oil and sugar). This will ensure your lips are fresh and ready to soak up your stain; just wipe off any excess moisture that might stop the stain from absorbing (you can always apply a gloss or balm afterwards).
How Long Does A Lip Stain Last?
How long a lip stain lasts depends on what you’re up to. If you’re attending a five-course brunch or enjoying a passionate makeout session, you might find your lip stain lasts a little less long than usual. However, lip stains will last the longest of all lip products because they don’t sit on top of the lip; they soak in. In our experience, you can expect anything between 5-7 hours of wear.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
