From bold and bright to sheer and natural, check out our top 10 best lip stains for a fuss-free pout
Lip stains and lip tints are having a moment right now in the beauty world and we’re so here for it! If you’re not familiar with what lip stains are, what they do and why you need one in your beauty bag, allow us to explain….
Lip stains – the clue is in the name. They stain or tint your lips and give your pout a lasting pop of colour that can withstand eating, drinking… even kissing, for some! Unlike your classic lipsticks and lip glosses which are prone to smudging, bleeding outside the lip line and need multiple re-applications throughout the day or night, a lip stain can be a lot more convenient for those wanting a ‘one-and-done’ solution for their lip routine.
Not all lip stains are the same; the best lip stains come in a range of formulas and finishes, so there are loads to choose from depending on what you’re looking for. Some stains are designed to last all day long on the lips, some are designed to be worn only as a lip liner and others are formulated with hydrating oils for a glossy finish.
Let’s dive right into the top 10 best lip tints according to Boots customers that you need in your make-up bag…
Best for extreme, vivid colour
Try: Rimmel Thrill Seeker Lip Latex Lip Stain
• Size: 6ml
• Instant shine and hydration
• Vegan formula*
Rimmel London is known for its bold, edgy approach to beauty and they’ve definitely delivered on this selection of lip stains. This is a slightly different take on a lip stain as it appears more like a liquid lipstick. With just one smooth swipe, your lips will be drenched in a big hit of colour that will leave you wanting more. It’s also got skin-loving vitamin E, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to ensure a hydrated pout all day long.
Best for a super glossy, glassy stain
Try: NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain, Lip Gloss
• Size: 5ml
• 16 shades
• Vegan* & cruelty-free**
Bold lip lovers, come to the front if you’re after a lip stain that packs a triple punch of hydration, shine and stain in one small bottle! Created with innovative water breaking technology, this NYX lip stain gives intense, glossy pigment in a lightweight, refreshing formula with an ultra glossy wet-shine finish. With 16 shades available, we’re sure you’ll find your match with NYX Professional Makeup.
Best for a streamlined make-up kit
Try: Benefit Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip And Cheek Stain
• Size: 6ml
• Sheer & buildable
• Lightweight & smudge-proof
We couldn’t miss the icon, the legend, that is Benetint from this list. An OG in the world of lip stains, this multi-use product also doubles up as a cheek stain for a natural-looking flush of colour. The liquid texture of this lip tint does take a little getting used to – we love to dab with our fingers instead of going straight in with the applicator – but once you’ve got it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it for those ‘no-make-up, make-up days’.
Best for budget-friendly make-up lovers
Try: e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain 3ml
• Size: 3ml
• Unique gloss-to-stain finish
Baddies on a budget know that e.l.f. is that girl when it comes to high performing products that don’t break the bank. This glossy e.l.f. lip stain gives your lips a sheer kiss of colour with a gorgeous glossy finish that won’t dry your lips out. In one swipe, you’ll get lasting colour that’s lightweight on the lips for an all-day kissable pout.
Best for a your-lips-but-better look
Try: Collection Cheek & Lip Stain
• Size: 5ml
• Lip and cheek stain
When affordable make-up meets gorgeous results, you get Collection Cosmetics… and this Cheek & Lip Stain from the beginner-friendly make-up brand is a firm favourite on our list. It has a super lightweight formula with a natural finish that blends out like a dream to reveal a subtle, yet buildable lip tint that lasts up to 12 hours.
Best for moisture & colour
Try: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
• Size: 6.5ml
• Goes on glossy, leaves a soft tint
Fenty Beauty is a brand that gets it right every single time and the Poutsicle lip stain is no exception. It’s created with an innovative oil-in-water formulation with squalene, which hydrates and conditions your lips to leave them feeling soft and smooth. Those wanting a super defined lip shape will be pleased to know that it’s feather and bleed resistant with coverage that can be built up from sheer to medium depending on the look you’re going for.
Best for precise application & high-impact colour
Try: Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain
• Size: 6g
• 8-hour wear
• Vegan formula*
• Waterproof
While the applicator of this lip stain looks closer to a felt tip pen than a make-up product, don’t be put off – especially if you’re a lover of a sharp and defined lip shape. Apply this calligraphy inspired lip stain ‘on point’ to line the edges, then ‘on edge’ to build up the colour across your lips. This heavy duty, yet lightweight lip stain is long-wearing, waterproof, transfer-proof and smudge and feathering resistant, so if you’re looking for a lip stain that does it all, this could be it!
Best for make-up artistry lovers
Try: r.e.m. beauty Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
• Size: 1.6ml
• Marker style applicator
• Weightless feel
r.e.m beauty is reminding us that make-up really is an art form with this permanent marker inspired lip stain. Innovated for modern day beauty lovers, prepare to paint your lips with juicy, high impact colour with a natural finish that lasts all day without feeling drying.
Best for lip combo queens
Try: Sacheu Stayn Lip Liner
• Size 3.5ml
• Sensitive skin friendly
• Peel-off application
This innovative Sacheu lip stain liner product has been trending for some time now on social – if you haven’t seen it, where have you been? When it comes to a gorgeous lip combo, most of us would be lost without our lip liners… but we all know how much of a pain it can be to have to re-apply it throughout the day. This peel-off lip stain solution from Sacheu helps you create fuss-free lip combos with lip-loving ingredients that keep your lips nourished and hydrated.
Best for a creamy blurred finish
Try: Huda Beauty Lip Blush Creamy Lip Stain
• Size: 6ml
• Multi-use lip and cheek stain
Make-up artist turned beauty mogul, Huda Kattan knows how to create a product that make-up lovers can’t get enough of. Unlike some lip stains that can be drying or sticky on the lips, this creamy lip tint glides on to reveal a satin-matte, blurred finish that lasts all day. Supercharged by lip-loving hyaluronic acid and coconut extract, this lippie feels comfortable and lightweight on the lips while remaining transfer-proof, so you can go about your day knowing your lips look on point.
Now you’re armed with everything you need to know to create a lip stain look that works for you! Need more inspo? You can shop our whole range of lip tints or check out our guide to treating chapped lips to ensure your pout stays hydrated and healthy before you even touch the colour.
