9 best lip stains for long-lasting colour, tested and approved by a beauty writer

The Clarins Water Lip Stain tops our list as it ticks a lot of boxes. This lip stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “If you are looking for a soft, subtle shade that is perfect for everyday wear, then this is the product to go for as it packs rich colour, protection and nourishment for your lips all in one.” From a brand that we love and trust when it comes to makeup for mature skin, this lip stain stands out primarily because of how good the formula is. It is infused with Aloe vera extract and Hyaluronic acid for moisturisation, Organic raspberry water for softening and Furcellaria extract that helps to protect against pollution. 

“It smells amazing and feels lightweight on the lips. It dries quickly, leaving a rich, subtle shade that looks like the natural colour of your lips, but better. The formula is transfer-proof and lasted the whole day, even after a meal and washing my mouth,” she said. The formula is not too runny as is the case with several lip stains and the applicator is also quite unique as it is shaped like a nail polish brush which ensures even application.

If you are looking for a lip stain that will give you rich pigment without a hefty price tag, then the e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain is the perfect product to go for. The formula is designed for long-lasting wear that is comfortable and gives you a glossy finish. The colour is sheer – more pigmented than a lip balm, but less intense compared to a lipstick. Reviewers online have shared how hydrating the lip stain feels. However, some users revealed that it might need reapplication after eating or drinking. But overall, if you are looking for a pop of glossy colour, this lip stain is worth the price you pay.

Tired of lip liner that keeps fading away? Say goodbye to reapplication with this REM BEAUTY Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker which was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “If you need a lip liner that that stays on without budging the whole day, this is the lip stain to buy.” What stands out the most is the design itself with the narrow tip that feels like a marker to help with precise application. This will make sure your lines look sharp and clean. You also don’t have to worry about it becoming blunt with use like regular lip liners. 

“The stain is quite pigmented, so you might not need to build on for more colour. The formula is lightweight and comfortable. The only negative aspect I noticed is that it comes with a distinct smell of a marker pen,” the tester added. However, once the product is applied on the lips, you can’t smell it anymore.

The Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “This lip stain gives you incredible pigment and it is very easy to apply.” It dries quickly and the peel off layer comes off easily with a couple of swiples with a wet cotton pad. The formula is quite buildable as the longer you let the first later sit, the more pigmented the colour will be. It feels lightweight on your lips, is transfer proof and long lasting. “The only drawback is that you might need to apply a lip balm or lip oil over it to add some moisture as it dries to feel quite matte on the lips,” she added.

If you are looking for nude or neutral shades that enhance the natural shade of your lips, the Huda Beauty lip stains are the perfect pick. With colour options that compliment every skin tone, the Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “This product works as a lip liner and lip stick - all in one, as the applicator comes with a pointed tip that allows you to precisely line your lips as well as a flat bit that helps you fill in your lips easily with a couple of swipes.”

The formula is highly pigmented and comfortable for all day wear. You get a natural matte finish which is great for nude and neutral shades. It is also infused with moisturizing Argan Oil to prevent dryness. “The colour definitely lasts long and did not budge even after my meal. It also feel lightweight on your lips,” she added.

If you are on the lookout for a lip stain that lasts and does not dry out your lips, the Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain is our top pick. This lip stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “I love how hydrating this lip stain feels while still giving me a natural matte finish. The colour is rich and very buildable so you can customise how intense you want the shade to look. It is also very lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.”

The lip stain also comes with a subtle scent of berries. “I liked that the applicator is quite long and comes with a thin tip for precision. The colour is also definitely long lasting, although it might need a retouch after a meal and washing your mouth,” she added. But overall, if you are looking for a long-lasting lip stain that feels as moisturising and comfortable as a lip balm, look no further.

The Benefit Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip & Cheek Stain is a two-in-one product that works as a lip stain and cheek tint. This lip stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “I was very impressed by the colour intensity of this product given how lightweight it feels on the lips. It is also very buildable, so you can go as light or dark as you wish.” 

The formula is quite watery which makes it easy to apply but also creates the issue of the product running down and collecting at the bottom part of the lips, giving you a more intense look in the centre of your lips. But since this is where smudging and fading happens the most, it works to your advantage. The watery formula makes blending easier on the cheeks and gives you a natural flush of colour without drying out your skin. The applicator also helps to layer an even, coat that gives you rich colour in seconds.

These lip stains are perfect for creating a lip look that lasts long and also nourishes your lips. The Tropic Lip Stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “The product smells amazing with a subtle fruity scent and I love how buildable the colour is. The consistency is quite watery, but it dries very quickly to create a transfer-proof layer of colour.”

The formula is enriched with moisturising hyaluronic acid and passion fruit oil as well as antioxidant-rich noni fruit extract. You can also use these as cheek tints, making this lip stain a versatile addition to your makeup collection. “I would not say they feel very lightweight on the lips and it might need a reapplication after a meal and brushing your teeth,” our tester added. But if you are looking for a nourishing formula that does not dry your lips while also giving you a natural wash of colour, this lip stain is for you.

The MILK MAKEUP Cooling Water Jelly Tint - Lip + Cheek Blush Stain is another two-in-one product that works as a long-lasting lip stain and a beautiful blush. This lip stain was tested and reviewed by Akhila Thomas, Digital Writer for Yours.co.uk and she said, “The colour intensity is impressive with this product as it gives you a rich, buildable pigment. The colour lasts very long as well.”

The only downside to the product as a lip stain is that it does not have a sharp applicator. So, you will have to dab the product on your lips and then blend it with your fingers to get an even application. But this works to the product’s advantage as a cheek tint as the round tip is perfect for adding a flush of pink on your cheeks.