What’s the difference between a lip stain and lipstick?

Lip stains are lightweight, highly pigmented liquids that stain your lips for long-lasting color. Lipsticks on the other hand provide a waxy substance that creates a coat of color on your lips. Since lip stains are more matte, they are less likely to fade or rub off than lipstick. However, if you prefer more of a shiny lip, Schultz recommends going for a long-wear satin lipstick.

How do I apply lip stain?

Since lip stains are more sheer and less forgiving, you want to make your lips smooth before applying. We recommend using a lip scrub to buff away rough patches or dry spots. Then, use the applicator to apply the stain to your lips evenly, adding it in thin layers until you get your desired level of color. For a little extra shine, you can top the lip stain with lipstick or a gloss.

How do I remove lip stain?

As much as we love lip stain’s staying power, that also means they can be hard to remove. The best way to remove lip stains is to use an oil-based makeup remover, cleanser, or product like petroleum. You can apply the oil to your lips and let it sit for a few minutes, so the oil can start to break the color down. Then you can use a makeup wipe to remove the stain with inward strokes.

The 12 Best Lip Stains of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

From the tears to the chatting to the drinking—not to mention the smooching and smiling—weddings test the limits of makeup, especially when it comes to lip color. Every bride wants their lip color to last the entire wedding without bleeding, fading, or transferring to their partner’s cheek. A lip stain is one of the few makeup products that can last through events like this—these lightweight, highly pigmented liquids stain your lips for color that lasts for hours.

To determine the best lip stains for your big day that don't dehydrate your lips and truly last all day, we tested 23 different lip stains and rated each product on the application, pigment, feel, and staying power. To truly put the lip stains through the test, we recorded how much product transferred after eating, drinking, and rubbing our lips with napkins. We also rated the stains on how easy they were to take off, since you’ll want to do that eventually, right? After compiling our results, we rounded up the best lip stains that gave us long-lasting, beautiful color and a comfortable feel.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Huda Beauty Lip Blush Lip & Cheek Stain at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Dior Addict Lip Tint at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Pigment:

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain at Fentybeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best Hydrating:

Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love at Revolve

Jump to Review

Easiest to Apply:

Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Tint:

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight:

Clarins Water Lip Stain at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shade Range:

Peripera Ink the Velvet Liquid Lip Tint at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Multi-Purpose:

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint at Revolve

Jump to Review

Most Versatile:

Monika Blunder Beauty Sweet Talk Lip Oil at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Huda Beauty Lip Blush Lip & Cheek Stain

Huda Beauty Lip Blush Creamy Lip & Cheek Stain

PHOTO: Huda Beauty

View on Amazon View on Hudabeauty.com

From the pigment to the staying power to the mid range price point, this lip and cheek stain impressed us on all accounts. With one dip of the brush, we got a ton of color payoff from this creamy yet lightweight stain. We hardly remember we had it on, that is, until we looked in the mirror and saw the stunning shade. Our drinking cup was left looking spotless, and the color lasted through our entire work day until we were ready to take off our makeup at night.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Satin Matte | Size: 0.2 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao

Best Splurge

Dior Addict Lip Tint

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Nordstrom View on Neiman Marcus View on Dior.com

If there ever is a time to invest in a good quality lip color, it’s your wedding. You should want a product that can last through all the smiling, kissing, and eating while still feeling comfortable on your lips–Dior Addict Lip Tint is it. The tint has a mild minty scent and a lightweight, watery gel consistency that wasn’t sticky at all. We loved how the tint didn’t dry out our lips nor settle into the creases of our lips. Yet what impressed us the most was its staying power—even after blotting, eating, and drinking, the color stayed in place. In fact, it took an entire makeup wipe plus a tissue with micellar water to remove it. Yes, the $40 tube is a bit pricey, but you can be assured it will last through the wedding ceremony and reception.

Shades: 12 | Finish: Semi Matte | Size: 0.2 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao

Best Pigment

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

PHOTO: Kohl's

View on Fentybeauty.com View on Ulta View on Sephora

For the most color payoff, we recommend this stain. Though it’s a bit more glossy than the others on this list thanks to the hydrating squalene, it packs a color punch with just a swipe of product. Although we had to wait a bit for it to dry, it barely transferred to our cup after drinking and didn’t require reapplication. We appreciate how the product didn’t settle into our lips' crevices, and all the layers we applied blended for a seamless look.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Satin | Size: 0.22 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao

Best Hydrating

Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Revolve View on Nordstrom View on Charlottetilbury.com

While lip stains get a bad rap for being drying, this one blew us away with its hydrating powers. Thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this stain left our chronically dried lips feeling supple and smooth. Since it wasn’t heavy or sticky, we didn’t have to worry about our hair getting caught or constantly making touchups—the last thing you want at a wedding. The color itself was very buildable, taking a few coats to reach our desired level of coverage. And it didn’t budge at all, despite drinking and eating an apple. Bring on the three courses.

Shades: 4 | Finish: Satin | Size: 0.33 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao

Easiest to Apply

Byredo Liquid Lipstick Matte

PHOTO: Byredo

View on Nordstrom View on Bloomingdales View on Selfridges.com

Weddings call for an elevated lip stain, and this launch from the French house known for minimalist, sophisticated, and artisanal fragrance delivers the best of the best. We were delighted by the soft mousse formula that never cracked or creased for eight hours when we tested this, and we loved how our lips stayed hydrated and intensely pigmented through eating and drinking (but you can also easily reapply a dab in the center of your lips and blend out to retouch). We love the soft focus effect from blurring out the product with your fingertip, but you can also opt for a defined matte effect by applying with the precision applicator tip. The velvety texture truly feels like a second skin, perfect for your wedding day.

Shades: 10 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.13 oz

Best Tint

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

PHOTO: Etude House

View on Amazon View on Etudehouse.com View on Walmart

The product reminded us of fruit juice, with a light fruity scent and a thin, watery consistency. We had to be careful when applying it to our lips to ensure it didn't drip, but, with a few swipes, we had a very natural, matte flush. We loved how buildable the color was and how it truly didn’t feel like we had anything on. Still, the product had incredible staying power, barely transferring to tissues and drinking cups during our tests. Taking it off with makeup remover took a bit of elbow grease, but that’s a good problem to have.

Shades: 5 | Finish: Semi Matte | Size: 0.18 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Clarins Water Lip Stain

PHOTO: Nordstrom

View on Amazon View on Clarinsusa.com View on Macy's

If you don't like the feeling of wearing a lot of makeup but still want some color for a wedding, we recommend this lip stain from Clarins. As the name suggests, the product is as lightweight and smooth as water. Plus, it packs raspberry water and aloe vera to hydrate while the brand’s anti-pollution complex protects your lips from environmental stressors. In other words, you can comfortably use this long after the big day. We found the color to be very pigmented, so we only needed a couple of coats. Our lips seemed to soak up the color, creating a flawless, "woke up like this" hue. And the stain barely left a trace on napkins and drinking cups. Considering how it works for everyday and special occasions, the higher price point is worth it.

Shades: 4 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.2 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson

Best Shade Range

Peripera Ink the Velvet Liquid Lip Tint

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon View on Target View on IHerb

With 45 different shades, Peripera's tint is ideal for the bride looking for that precise, perfect lip shade. The formula has a thick and creamy texture, depositing a ton of color in just one swipe. Because of its velvety texture, it caters to those who prefer a more luscious look rather than completely matte. As the color dried, we barely felt it on our lips. Though some of the product did transfer on our drinking cups, our lips stayed evenly pigmented with no color bleeding or straying. As demonstrated on TikTok, this product is uber popular for its versatility, as you can use it on your cheeks as well. And, it's only $10.

Shades: 45 | Finish: Creamy Matte | Size: 0.14 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson

Best Multi-Purpose

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Revolve View on Nordstrom View on Target

Benetint has been the go-to lip and cheek stain for a reason. The universally flattering shade dried fast, imparting a gorgeous rosy glow on our lips. We love how we could just put it on and go, without too much prep work or cleanup. And when it came to eating and drinking, it barely transferred. Yet it only took a few passes to remove at the end of the day, making our life a little bit easier.

Shades: Rose | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.33 oz

PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jhett Thompson
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao
PHOTO: Brides / Jessica Juliao

Most Versatile

Monika Blunder Beauty Sweet Talk Lip Oil

PHOTO: Monika Blunder Beauty

View on Amazon View on Monikablunderbeauty.com

If your lips are prone to drying out not too long after applying a stain, or you're seeking additional benefits from your lip products, consider an option with various skincare properties like this lip oil. While this product is not technically a lip stain, it leaves behind a more natural-looking hue while providing nourishment with ingredients like jojoba seed oil alongside others like antioxidant-filled vitamin E, blueberry, and prickly pear seed oil.This non-sticky formula comes in multiple gorgeous colors that you can play with for any of your bridal looks.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.15 fl oz

Best High-Shine

YSL Beauty Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

PHOTO: Nordstrom

View on Nordstrom View on Sephora View on Yslbeautyus.com

This luxury lip stain is unique given it provides both intense color and high shine—a bonus for brides-to-be partial to a bold look. Creamy and pigmented, this formula comes in six shades with a shine that your wedding guests can spot from a mile away, not to mention the pointed, narrow, doe-foot applicator makes application and touch-ups easy throughout the day and night.

Shades: 6 | Finish: Lustrous | Size: 0.18 oz

Best Lip Oil

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Sephora View on Rarebeauty.com View on Kohls.com

If you prefer the nourishment that a lip oil provides but the long-lasting color of a lip stain, Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is the option you should add to your makeup bag. This option went viral for its staining abilities no matter the color choice (there are eight total), and the jojoba seed oil in the formula prevents it from drying out your lips like other stains might. Plus, the oil component allows for a high-shine finish that truly transforms your lips from meh to fabulous. If you're a fan of Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, this lip oil/stain hybrid provides similar results (just for your lips) and even has similar packaging.

Shades: 8 | Finish: Lustrous | Size: 0.1 oz

What to Look for in a Lip Stain

Color: A lip stain is typically the first color you apply on your lips, acting as a sort of foundation for your wedding look, so it’s best to take some time to consider what color you want to wear on your wedding day. Most makeup artists recommend brides go with their signature shade or something a few tones darker than their natural lip color. And if you are planning on taking black and white photos for the wedding, bridal makeup artist Michelle Schultz says it's best to avoid wearing a shade that's too dark since it can make your lips look black in photos. Unless, of course, that's the look you are going for.
Finish: While lip stains tend to be more on the matte side of the finish spectrum, some offer more of a satin finish, like Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint. The more matte a lip color, the more staying power it has, explains Schultz, so for a shade that truly won’t budge, go with a matte stain, like Etude Dear Darling Water Tint.
Hydrating Ingredients: If you are worried about a lip stain drying out your pout, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients. Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip and Cheek Stain left our lips hydrated thanks to nourishing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a lip stain and lipstick?

Lip stains are lightweight, highly pigmented liquids that stain your lips for long-lasting color. Lipsticks on the other hand provide a waxy substance that creates a coat of color on your lips. Since lip stains are more matte, they are less likely to fade or rub off than lipstick. However, if you prefer more of a shiny lip, Schultz recommends going for a long-wear satin lipstick.
How do I apply lip stain?

Since lip stains are more sheer and less forgiving, you want to make your lips smooth before applying. We recommend using a lip scrub to buff away rough patches or dry spots. Then, use the applicator to apply the stain to your lips evenly, adding it in thin layers until you get your desired level of color. For a little extra shine, you can top the lip stain with lipstick or a gloss.
How do I remove lip stain?

As much as we love lip stain’s staying power, that also means they can be hard to remove. The best way to remove lip stains is to use an oil-based makeup remover, cleanser, or product like petroleum. You can apply the oil to your lips and let it sit for a few minutes, so the oil can start to break the color down. Then you can use a makeup wipe to remove the stain with inward strokes.

Why Trust Brides

Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor, covering all things beauty and fashion. Her personal favorite lip stain is Peripera Ink Velvet Tint. For this article, we tested 23 different lip stains to find out how they wear, show up, and feel first-hand. Additional reporting was provided by Madison Barber, a commerce writer at Brides. She updated this article in 2024 so Brides readers can rest assured that we still stand by our recommended picks. The Brides team also reached out to an expert for additional insight:

Michelle Schultz, bridal makeup artist

Article Sources

Brides takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Al-Naqeb G, Fiori L, Ciolli M, Aprea E. Prickly Pear Seed Oil Extraction, Chemical Characterization and Potential Health Benefits. Molecules. 2021; 26(16):5018. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26165018
Keen, Mohammad Abid; Hassan, Iffat. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal 7(4):p 311-315, Jul–Aug 2016. | DOI: 10.4103/2229-5178.185494
Blaak J, Staib P. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022; 44: 1–9. doi:10.1111/ics.12758
1.Francis, Bagchi M, Zafra-Stone S, Bagchi D. The Benefits of Antioxidant-Rich Fruits on Skin Health. Published online January 1, 2009. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-8155-2029-0.50018-1
Blaak J, Staib P. An updated review on efficacy and benefits of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils in skin care applications. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2022;44(1):1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12758