I love an extravagant lip combination. I’m talking about two lip liners, mixing lipsticks, and double glossing—the works. However, during the summer months, just like the rest of my makeup routine, I tend to dial it back a little. Not only does the heat test my patience, but it also reduces the time I want to spend on my makeup. That being said, I still love a sexy pout, and that’s where lip stains come in.
“Unlike traditional lipsticks or glosses that sit on the surface of the lips, lip stains have a thinner, often liquid or gel-based formula, which allows them to be absorbed into the top layer of the lips,” says Amanda Bell, global director of artistry and education at Pixi Beauty. “This creates a more natural-looking tint that lasts for hours.”
In short, stains are an ideal way to simplify your lip routine without sacrificing the details that make experimenting with different looks so fun. Just like traditional lip pencils and lipsticks, stains can be blended and mixed to create custom shades or serve as a long-lasting liner. Some can even be used as eye and cheek colors. The possibilities are endless.
Still, not every lip stain is created equally. Several were immediately discarded after testing for this story because they had abysmally narrow shade ranges, leaked, or even disappeared completely when blended into the skin. To save you time (and money), I’ve gone ahead and curated a list of the best lip stains on the market. Whether you want a one-and-done lip liner stain or a color that lasts for hours with no touch-ups needed, keep reading to discover the formulas worth trying.
The Best Lip Stains
- Best Lip Stain Overall: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stain
- Best Viral Lip Stain: Sacheu Peel-Off Lip Liner Stay-N
- Best Luxury Lip Stain: Victoria Beckham Color Wash
- Best Drugstore Lip Stain: E.L.F. Cosmetics Sheer For It Blush Lip + Cheek Tint
- Best Glossy Lip Stain: Wonderskin Lip Rehab Serum Oil
One of the newest offerings on the market has quickly risen to the top of my list as my favorite lip stain of all time. Huda Beauty’s lip contour stains not only come in a slim pencil format, making it easy to travel with, but they also have one of the most extensive and pigmented shade ranges I’ve ever seen. Add an easy-to-use felt tip that doesn't tug at the skin or cause patchiness? Immediately yes.
Applicator: Felt-tip marker
Number of Shades Available: Eight
What I Love: Shades made to be used both as lip liners and lip colors; One of the deepest brown lip stains on the market
What I Don’t: Users report the product drying out if stored improperly. Make sure to keep it stored upside down
Review for MC: “This lip stain has quickly become one of my favorites on the market. First, it’s one of the deepest brown lip stains I’ve ever come across, making it perfect for both a sheer wash of color all over the lips and as a liner. Second, it lasts for a concerningly long time (but does come off with an oil-based makeup remover and a bit of elbow grease), which is fantastic for anyone who wants a long-wear stain. Lastly, it doesn’t dry out my lips and wears beautifully under a gloss, making it perfect for an everyday lip combination.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing the Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stain.
At this point, I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard of Sacheu’s lip liner stains. The products have gone viral countless times and are hailed for not only being budge-proof but also a sensorial delight, thanks to the fact that they must be peeled off to reveal the color underneath.
Applicator: Doe foot
Number of Shades Available: 10
What I Love: Fun to work because of the peel-off factor; Love the flat, extended doe-foot applicator for easily lining the corners of the mouth
What I Don’t: It takes at least five to 10 minutes for the color to develop into its true shade
Review for MC: "I’ve long been a fan of these Sacheu lip stains, and I was ecstatic when they expanded the range to include deep browns, which is practically the only shade I line my lips with. Like the original version of the product, the packaging consists of a tube with a long doe-foot applicator, which I find excellent for reaching the tight corners of the mouth. While I typically wear it as a liner, it also doubles as a true lip stain on the lips, but I notice you need to work very quickly and ensure that the first layer that you lay down is perfectly thick and in one harmonious layer; otherwise, the color can appear a little patchy." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing the Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N.
This superlative should say the best luxurious and one of the most pigmented lip stains because I was truly caught off guard by how well this stain showed up on both my cheeks and lips. A July ‘25 launch from Victoria Beckham Beauty, these Color Washes do just that—they add a soft pop of color to the lips and cheeks and show up beautifully across a range of skin tones, from fair (as proven by MC’s Senior Beauty Editor, Samantha Holender) to deep, as seen on my lips below.
Applicator: Pipette dropper
Number of Shades Available: Three
What I Love: All three shades work across skin tones; Extremely pigmented and long-lasting
What I Don’t: When I layer the color on my lips, there’s almost a slight, filmy feeling on my mouth that takes a few minutes to go away
Review for MC: “I’m speaking prematurely, but think this may be one of my favorite launches of the year. Not only are watercolor blushes virtually nonexistent on the market, but extremely pigmented ones that actually show up on my skin tone haven’t existed—until now, that is. These Color Washes from Victoria Beckham Beauty are the epitome of chic, from the luxe glass packaging to the shades that can be worn every day. As a lip stain, I’ve found these to be long-wearing and easy to use. The little ball at the end of the dropper makes it extremely easy to apply the product to my mouth. An immaculate stain if I do say so myself.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Victoria Beckham Color Wash.
The drugstore isn’t the first place I’d look for a lip stain. Eyeshadows? Maybe. Lipglosses? Sure! If you're anything like me, I recommend checking out the E.l.f. section at your local pharmacy. The Sheer For It Tints are technically marketed as blushes, but they are multi-use and can also be applied to the lips.
Applicator: Doe foot
Number of Shades Available: Five
What I Love: Most affordable option on this list; Unscented
What I Don’t: Takes a few layers to really see the color on my skin when used as a blush
Review for MC: "These e.l.f. stains are a hidden gem at the drugstore. My favorite shade is Orange Crush, which, as you may have guessed, is a sheer orange. On the cheek, it takes about three layers for a color payoff that I’m comfortable with, but on the lips, I just dab on a bit of the tinted liquid and blend it into my lips, which provides a punch of color that is noticeable, but not overpowering.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Elf Cosmetics Sheer for It Blush Lip + Cheek Tint.
A glossy lip stain isn’t something I often hear discussed, but they do exist, and one of my favorites comes from Wonderskin. The Lip Rehab Serum Oil comes in six shades, with my favorite being kissed, a pinky raspberry shade. As is traditional for oil-based lip products, it’s a little thinner in consistency than a traditional gloss. Still, this doesn’t impact the color pay-off, which develops the longer you wear the stain and leaves behind a flush of color once the shine wears off.
Applicator: Doe foot
Number of Shades Available: Six
What I Love: Glossy formula; Becomes more pigmented the longer you wear it; Works perfectly with the brand’s Wonderblading lip mask stain
What I Don’t: Fairly strong caramel scent that I don’t love
Review for MC: “I feel like Wonderskin is a woefully underrated brand that not many people talk about, but this lip oil stain is fantastic. I’ve worn it alone, as well as on top of a full lip combination—I’ve even topped it with a lip gloss. Every single time, the hint of color added the most beautiful finish to my lips, and I cherish my bottle of this product like it’s my firstborn child. It’s that good.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Ariel Baker testing Wonderskin Lip Rehab Serum Oil.
Usually, lip stains come in punchier pops of color like reds, oranges, or raspberries, because these shades still give the impression that there’s something on your lips. Still, if you’re looking for a neutral lip stain that shows up beautifully, particularly on fair skin, opt for this one from Clarins, in the shade Nude Water. It’s a beautiful, rosy brown that adds a hint of natural color and is the epitome of a “my lips but better” shade. Add a bit of lip balm on top, and you have an easy, everyday lip combination.
Applicator: Brush tip
Number of Shades Available: Four
What I Love: Wonderful value; Hydrating ingredients like organic aloe vera and a hyaluronic acid complex
What I Don’t: Stain can feel a little tacky on the lips and isn’t the most long-lasting formula
Customer Review: “This was so easy to wear, it felt like water. It’s thin but packed with color. After it dries down, it is practically budge-proof with little to no transfer. Once removed, there is such a beautiful tint left behind. It’s bright initially, but with anything else, it can always be toned down with a lip liner. I love the packaging, but I will say that the little brush holds so much more product than you need. A higher-priced item, but if you’re willing to splurge, then go for it.” — Sephora
Do you have dry lips but still want to take part in the lip stain trend? Pick up this one from Violette_FR. The formula is a hybrid between a traditional lip gloss and a stain, leaving behind a gorgeous veil of color the longer it sits on the lips. The formula also builds on itself beautifully, allowing you to customize the finish that you want.
Applicator: Pointed doe foot
Number of Shades Available: Four
What I Love: Compact but elegant packaging; Buildable color; Long-lasting
What I Don’t: It takes a few layers for the lightest shade to show up on deeper skin tones
Customer Review: “I use Dahlia Noir as a liner and Betise in the center of the lips, and I love it! I am not a stain gal because I can never get it right, but somehow this works and leaves the prettiest stain!” — Sephora
What Is A Lip Stain?
As the name suggests, lip stains leave behind a tint of color when applied to the skin and are known for being extremely long-wearing. “They’re so trendy right now because there are more types of stains on the market than ever before, and they all come in a gorgeous spectrum of hues,” Bell says. From markers to traditional liquid formulas applied via doe-foot applicators, and even ones that come in droplet packaging, as a beauty expert who stays on top of the latest trends, I have to say that I agree with her—I don’t think there have been this many variations of lip stains on the market, well, ever.
“They typically offer a sheer to buildable wash of color, providing a natural-looking tint or a ‘just-bitten' effect,” Bell adds. “It's super effortless, and you can add some gloss or lipstick on top to finish the look.”
How to Use a Lip Stain
The biggest perk of a lip stain is that its lightweight nature makes it comfortable to wear, often feeling like you have nothing on your lips. Still, depending on which one you get, they can be tricky to apply.
First, it’s essential to begin with a clean, smooth canvas. “Gently exfoliate the lips beforehand to slough off dry skin,” Bell says. “This allows you to prep with a little bit of moisture to create a great base and lock in colour.” After your lips are nicely polished, apply the color. “To make the lips look naturally tinted, outline them first and then fill in for a soft, all-over flush,” Bell says.
How to Remove a Lip Stain
It's both a gift and a curse that lip stains are so long-lasting. On one hand, the longevity of the formula means you can get through an entire day without needing to reapply. On the other hand, you spend extra time scrubbing your mouth to take it off at night. That said, choosing the right product can greatly cut down your makeup removal time—similar to how some cleansers take off waterproof mascara or eyeliner better than others.
It's best to use an oil- or micellar-based makeup remover or cleansing balm to lift the color from the lips, Bell says. “These products are designed to dissolve makeup, including lip stains, effectively. Think of a lip stain as waterproof, so these products will help to melt makeup but not strip your skin of moisture in the process.”
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire Beauty Writer, Ariel Baker, went through a rigorous testing period where she reviewed over 20 lip stain formulas and colors. After determining the top picks based on first-hand experience, customer reviews, and fellow-editor recommendations, she tested the final formulas on her lips considering how they feel, how they apply, how long they last, and the ingredients to compile this list of the seven best lip stains on the market.
Meet the Expert
Amanda Bell is the Global Director of Brand Education and Artistry at Pixi Beauty. She has worked directly with the founder of Pixi over the last 16 years and is a makeup artist, educator & product developer.
