The 13 Best Lip Stains Stay Put the Entire Day

If a buildable lip stain is what you're after, look no further. "Violette FR's Cerise Desir is dark—almost wine-colored—and becomes darker the more you layer it on," says Marie Claire's Contributing Writer Katherine J. Igoe. "It's a blue-red, meaning it doesn't have as much yellow or orange pigment and it's a nice match with my skin tone. If I just want a little color, I take a small brush, tap the end of the applicator, and then dab it over my lips. The effect is deep but also semi-sheer in the most amazing way."

Pros: editor-approved; buildable; works well on cool skin tones; award-winning

Cons: may not work as well on warm undertones

I'm not exaggerating when I say I have at least a dozen of these in my makeup bag. These lip stains come in every conceivable color and are highly pigmented, so they look exactly how they're supposed to on my lips. They stay on all day, too. You can't go wrong with any color, but my favorites are Coral Sunset and Autumn Wind.

Pros: editor-approved; longwear; affordable; come in many colors; highly pigmented

Cons: drying

A combination of glossy lip oil and a subtle lip stain is exactly what you'll get with Thread. "It's clear, and then it turns into whatever color, so prepare for a little bit of a surprise," says Kaye. "It's more pink than anything though." Unlike most lip stains, which are matte, this option is perfect for those who shy away from drying matte formulas.

Pros: makeup artist-approved; not drying; fun to use; affordable

Cons: not a predictable color

This drugstore option has a lightweight feel and a sheer finish that customers love. It comes in seven bright, highly pigmented colors, and is ideal for standalone wear or as part of a layered look. Pair it with slightly deeper or lighter shades to complete an ombré look.

Pros: lightweight; affordable; buildable

Cons: small container

With an impressive selection of bright shades for spring and summer, I highly recommend getting this range into your makeup bag. The stain dries evenly and stays on all day, and, although it's a bit drying, it has a creamy formula that's way more comfortable than most of its competitors.

Pros: editor-approved; longwear; vibrant color selection; highly pigmented; affordable

Cons: drying

I am amazed by this unique lip stain, which requires a bit more work on the front end but has a payoff that's well worth it. It's a mask that goes on deep blue-purple. Leave it on for 10 to 30 seconds, then gently wipe it off, and your lips will be the color of your choice. It doesn't come off all day, no matter what you eat or drink, and dries so lightweight that it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything.

Pros: editor-approved; longwear; doesn't budge; lightweight finish; great for layering

Cons: needs to be applied with absolute precision or it can dye your skin

"This is a super antioxidant rich formulation that provides the perfect stain while also hydrating the lips for all day wear," says Gatt of this viral formula from Hailey Bieber's popular beauty line. It promises to provide both lasting hydration and subtle pigment, and comes in four colors.

Pros: Expert-approved; doesn't dehydrate lips; fragrance-free

Cons: Not deeply pigmented

Gatt also stands by this lip stain from Credo Beauty, which is vegan, fragrance-free, and perfectly sized for travel. She explains, "This is a buildable stain that plumps and hydrates dry and dehydrated lips revealing dewy lips with a pop of color."

Pros: Expert-approved; clean; vegan; buildable; hydrating

Cons: Expensive for a small bottle

If you're worried about a matte stain drying out your lips, this Huda Beauty option, which is infused with hyaluronic acid, will calm you down. Despite the shine-free finish, it leaves lips soft and nourished. "They have a ton of different shades, so you can pick whatever you feel flatters you best," says Kaye. Scores of reviewers agree, adding that because the formula is highly pigmented, it shows up as advertised on all skin tones. It's also buildable and works great as a blush.

Pros: makeup artist-approved; versatile; buildable; goes on glossy and dries matte; cruelty-free; moisturizing

Cons: small container

With thousands of five-star reviews and best-seller status at Sephora, it's no surprise this lip stain made the list. "This one's kind of cool because you can use it as a blush or as a lip product, so if you want to bring it with you for a touch-up, it can touch up two things on your face rather than just one," notes Keys.

Pros: makeup artist-approved; versatile; long-wear

Cons: doesn't come in many colors

This lip stain from Clarins is perfect for those who typically like a balmy gloss. Without sacrificing an ounce of pigmentation, this formula moisturizes lips all day for weightless hydration. It doesn't bleed, so feel free to apply it on the go or, if you're really brave, without a mirror.

Pros: hydrating; editor-approved; doesn't budge

Cons: limited range of colors

This hidden gem from Peripera is one of recent obsessions. The formula has a creamy, comfortable finish that stays on beautifully and doesn't feather, and its flexible applicator makes for easy, precise application. You don't even need a lip liner to get a smooth line. Plus, it has an adorable design that constantly garners compliments when I apply it while out and about.

Pros: editor-approved; comfortable; not drying; affordable

Cons: transfers

I will forever shout my love for Milani from the rooftops. It's affordable, available in most drugstores, and its products truly hold up. This lip stain comes in six rich, highly pigmented colors, feels creamy to the touch, and stays on beautifully for the entire day. I love this stain for a night out because it comes in such striking mauves, berries, and reds.

Pros: editor-approved; affordable; long-wear; minimal transfer

Cons: limited color range