12 Best Lip Stains of 2022

(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller / Getty Images)

published 4 May 21

Picture this: it's 80 degrees. It's a gorgeous summer day. You're fully vaxxed and your lips are finally seeing the light of day after hiding behind a mask for what feels like forever. It's time to flex with a summer-y, punchy pout, and that means restocking your makeup arsenal with some long-lasting lip tints and lip stains. They'll stay in place all day (and night) on steamy days, and they'll hold up when slipping your mask on and off. And hey, if the product can also be swiped on the cheeks for an all-over boost of color, all the better. That's why, in our expert opinion, a lip stain checks every box for the perfect warm weather look.

The beauty of a lip stain is that when you want to appear naturally flushed, people won't notice it's makeup. The color fades into a subtle blush that says you've been outside in the heat (but doesn't require actual sweating and discomfort). The best part? Even if you do try these long-lasting stains on a humid, sweaty day, this is one beauty look that only gets better when it's melty. If you want to go bolder, these pigmented babies can make a statement, too. Just layer on a dense wash of bright color, and let your stain do its thing all night. Here, for your consideration, the absolute best lip stains for pretty, long-lasting color all summer long.

For A Natural Blush

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint

It doesn't get any more classic than Benefit's original stain. It provides that youthful, wind-bitten flush for lips and cheeks.

For Dry Lips

Clarins Water Lip Stain

The name says it all. This formula sinks right into lips for weightless hydration and pigment that won't budge all day.

For A Punchy Pout

Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel Tint Ice Cream

Remember sucking on a popsicle as a kid and getting that bright, summer-y stain on the inside of your lips? Well that look is back, and this Korean water gel is the easiest way to get it. Apply the vitamin-rich formula to the center of the lips and blend out.

For A Treat

Tata Harper Very Popular Cream Blush

Sure, it's a bit of a splurge for a lip and cheek treatment, but when it's got some plumping action for a bee-stung effect and hydrating hyaluronic acid for added staying power, it's well worth the investment.

For A Picnic

Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

If you're hanging outside on a hot summer day, you don't want to think about touch-ups between sips of spiked seltzer. This hydrating gel-formula glides on like a gloss and stays put all day long.

For On-the-Go

RMS beauty Lip2Cheek

This multi gives a subtle stain wherever you apply it, which makes the monochrome look your new best friend. And it's got shea and cocoa seed butter to keep your pout hydrated.

For A Long Night Out

Maybelline New York SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition Liquid Lipstick

Okay, so technically this is a liquid lipstick, but we're calling it a stain because of the astonishing wear on this thing. Take your finger and smudge out a layer of this, wait for it to dry, and then prepare to rock that shade for the next two days. I'm not kidding.

For No Makeup-Makeup

Ilia Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment

This stain is subtle in the best way. Create some full, pout-y depth by dabbing a little extra pigment on the outside corners of your lips.

For An All-Nighter

Luminess Cosmetics Forever Reign Lip Stain

The pigment in this formula doesn't quit regardless of skin tone, and it provides 18 hours (!!!) of wear so you can apply once and enjoy your night.

For A Soft Finish

3CE Velvet Lip Tint

If you're not in the mood for lipstick but still want a little texture, go with this velvety formula.

For A Natural Option

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Stain

Powered by fruit and vegetable pigments, this all-natural lip and cheek stain is the next best thing to actually sampling juicy berries in an orchard and having the stained lips to prove it.

For Any Skin Tone

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

This weightless formula comes in two shades that look gorge on any skin tone, feels like nothing, and it won't budge all night.

Taylore Glynn

Taylore Glynn is the Beauty and Health Editor at Marie Claire, covering skincare, makeup, fragrance, wellness, and more. If you need her, she’s probably roasting a chicken, flying solo at the movies, or drinking a bad Negroni at JFK.