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The Best Lip Stain

Last updated on June 1, 2023

We looked at the top 10 Lip Stains and dug through the reviews from 22 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Lip Stains.

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

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Our Picks For The Top Lip Stains

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

NOONI Glossy Combination Skin Lip Stain

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NOONI

Glossy Combination Skin Lip Stain

Keep your lips hydrated, while also adding a bit of color with this high-quality lip stain. The lip oil does an excellent job of nourishing and moisturizing lips to keep them healthy. The appleberry pigment adds a reddish tint for a bit of playfulness.

Overall Take

Rich ColorThis lip stain comes with an applicator built into the cap.

 Runner Up

Jane Iredale Just Kissed Glossy Lip Stain

Jane Iredale

Just Kissed Glossy Lip Stain

This versatile lip stain can also be used on the cheeks for natural-looking color. It is made with avocado butters and rose wax. This lip stain hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionThis lip stain can also be used on the cheeks.

Pros
" The shade plays well with different skin tones and has a dewy shine that's not greasy."
Cons
"Some users found the formula too sheer"
 Strong Contender

Sefudun Creamy Wine Lip Tint Stains, 6-Pack

Sefudun

Creamy Wine Lip Tint Stains, 6-Pack

This highly pigmented lip stain lasts a long time. You can remove it with makeup remover or olive oil. The product is waterproof.

Overall Take

Highly PigmentedThis lip stain lasts a long time thanks to its bold color choices.

 Also Great

L’Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Weightless Lip Stain

L'Oreal Paris

Rouge Signature Weightless Lip Stain

This weightless lip stain gives you a no-makeup feel. It is long lasting and offers a high color impact. The lip stain comes in a variety of colors from natural to bold.

Overall Take

Weightless ProductThis lip stain doesn’t feel like you’re wearing makeup.

Pros
" I’ve never experienced a formula like this — it feels like water going on your lips, yet has incredible color payoff"
Cons
"Could dry out sensitive lips"

Buying Guide

When it comes to beauty, many people like to focus on creating a bold lip. If you want your makeup look to last and your lips to be the center of attention, go with a lip stain or lip tint instead of a traditional lipstick or lip gloss. The key difference between lipstick and lip stain is that lipsticks go on top of the lip, meaning the color is simply a layer that is added on the surface. With a lip stain, on the other hand, the color is actually absorbed into the outer layer of the skin on the lip. As a result, you get bold color that lasts a long time.

When you’re choosing a lip stain, one of the most important elements to consider is the finish. Your choices will typically include matte or glossy. Matte finishes tend to last a little longer than glossy ones, as the glossy compound tends to rub off. Once that is off, you’re basically left with a matte lip stain. If you really like the glossy look but want it to last longer, consider adding a lip gloss on top of the stain.

Some people find that lip stains can dry out the skin on their lips, which is why it’s best to look for a product that has nourishing and hydrating ingredients. This way, your lips won’t get cracked while you’re wearing the lip stain. If you find a product you like but don’t find it hydrating enough, you can always add a thin layer of sheer lip balm on top.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the lip stains available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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22

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, Cosmopolitan, Style Craze, IMBB, Best Reviews Tips.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Lip Stains and also dug through the reviews from 22 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Lip Stains.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

L’Oreal Paris Rouge Signature Weightless Lip Stain

Key Takeawy

This weightless lip stain gives you a no-makeup feel. It is long lasting and offers a high color impact. The lip stain comes in a variety of colors from natural to bold.

What other experts liked

I’ve never experienced a formula like this — it feels like water going on your lips, yet has incredible color payoff
- Makeup
Despite the gorgeous matte texture and intense color, it feels so light and undetectable on lips that you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing it.
- Byrdie
True to its claims, it also delivers in the longevity department and does not smudge or feather.
- Beauty Tidbits
This lightweight product leaves a matte finish that lasts all day without feeling thick or sticky.
- BestReviews

What other experts didn't like

Be careful when taking the wand out of the tube! Because the formula is so watery, if you flip the wand out too quickly you may get a splash on your shirt.
- Makeup
Could dry out sensitive lips
- Byrdie
The formula isn’t completely transfer-proof though and tends to leave slight lipstick marks on coffee cups.
- Beauty Tidbits
Some buyers found it to be drying.
- BestReviews

What to Look For

  • For the best look, it’s important to apply the lip stain correctly. Start by drawing a V shape at the outer corner of the lips and at the bow of the lips, plus a U at the bottom of your lips. This creates the outline and all you have to do is connect the dots and then fill in the lips. This method ensures you get the product in the right places along your lip line.
  • Some people prefer to apply the lip stain directly to the lips while others prefer to put the product on their fingers first and then tap it onto the lips. It all depends on the kind of look you want to achieve. The color will be bolder and brighter if you apply it directly to the lips.
  • If you want your lip stain to last, ensure your lips are clean and dry. Wash your lips and pat them gently with a towel. You can then use a clear lip balm to hydrate the lips. Some people prefer to use lip liner as a base on their lips before applying the lip stain, which can also extend the color a little longer. Once you’ve applied the stain, use a tissue to dab the lips and remove any excess product. Some people lock in the color by putting a translucent makeup powder on top of the lip stain.
  • Lip stains are long-lasting by design. However, if you want your lip stain to really get through the whole day, opt for a waterproof formula. This way, you can wear it all day without worrying that it will rub off by the end of the night.

More to Explore

You don’t have to choose between lipsticks and lip stains. In fact, many people wear both products together for a unique long-lasting look. If you want to do this, ensure that your lipstick and lip stain are as close to the same color as possible. Put on the lip stain first and then top it with the lipstick. When your lipstick wears off, which it eventually will, you’ll be left with the lip stain underneath in the same color as your lipstick. This is a good strategy for those who love the look and feel of lipsticks but find they don’t last as long as they’d like.

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