Unless you’ve been on a very long social media hiatus, you’ve probably noticed that lip stains are having their viral moment—and for a good reason! Take one scroll on TikTok and you’ve likely seen this must-have on the lips of just about everyone. But what exactly is a lip stain, and why should it be your new go-to lip product? Well, get ready to master your perfect pout, because we’re breaking it all down!
A lip stain is exactly what it sounds like—a lightweight formula that stains your lips for long-lasting color, without the heaviness of traditional lipsticks. Think of it as a "set it and forget it" option for your lips. The benefits? Plenty. Lip stains are known for their long-wearing magic, meaning you won’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. Plus, they’re transfer-proof, so your coffee cup or clothes won’t be ruined by a swipe of color.
Not only are they a dream to wear, but they give you that effortless, “I woke up like this” makeup look. Whether you’re going for a natural makeup look or want a bold pop of color, lip stains have you covered. So, let’s get into it!
The Different Types of Lip Stains
Let’s break down the types of lip stains, because not all stains are the same!
First up, liquid lip stains—these are the classic. With their lightweight, watery formulas, they give you a smooth, sheer tint that dries down quickly and stays put for hours. They’re perfect if you want a natural look that won’t budge. Our Glossy Lip Stain is our nourishing, high-pigment version of a natural-looking lip stain with—you guessed it—a silky, glossy finish.
Lip stain pens, on the other hand, are exactly what they sound like—think of them as precision tools for your lips. These come with a pen-like applicator, giving you pinpoint control and a defined, long-lasting stain that dries down quickly.
What is the Difference Between Lip Stains and Other Lip Products?
Lip stains, lipsticks, glosses, balms, and lip oils—each one has its own purpose, and choosing the right one really all comes down to your desired makeup look.
Lipstick is your classic go-to for bold color. It gives you full coverage and a more dramatic finish.
Lip gloss gives you that shiny, plump look. They’re perfect if you want a subtle, natural shine of color.
Tinted Lip balms tend to focus on moisturizing the lips while adding a shine of tint. They give a softer, less intense color, perfect for a natural no makeup makeup look.
Lip oil combines the hydrating properties of a lip balm with the glossy finish of a lip gloss. It typically contains nourishing oils that moisturize and condition the lips while providing a subtle tint and natural-looking shine.
Feeling adventurous? Layering lip stains with lip glosses or lipsticks is a fun way to customize your makeup look. Use a lip stain for a long-wear base and top it off with a glossy finish or a punch of lipstick for more dramatic flair!
Benefits of Using a Lip Stain
Aside from that pouty, natural finish you get from using a lip stain, they also have tons of benefits:
Long-Lasting Color: The most obvious benefit of using a lip stain is their long-lasting color. Whether you’re eating, drinking, or ahem… kissing, your lip color stays intact. And smudges? Nowhere to be found.
Lightweight, Non-transferable Formula: This sets lip stains apart from other lip products. They won’t leave marks on your coffee cup… or anywhere else. Once applied, they’re set and ready to go, no mess, no fuss!
Versatility: You can build up the intensity depending on your mood—from a soft, flushed lip makeup look to a bold, statement-making pout. Whether you're going for something subtle or daring, lip stains deliver!
How to Choose the Right Lip Stain Shade for You
Ready to find your perfect lip stain match? Let’s dive into the range of shades for our Glossy Lip Stain. Here's our breakdown based on your skin tone:
For Fair Skin
- If you're rocking a fair complexion, go for a soft, pretty pop of color. Our lip stain in the shade Pinkies Up is your go-to here; it’s a sweet pinkish-mauve that adds a hint of romance without overpowering your natural glow. If you're craving a subtle nude, Power Mauves is your go-to—a soft rosy nude that’s chic and effortless.
For Medium and Olive Skin:
- Medium and olive skin tones, listen up! Spicy Sienna is a fiery red with a warm undertone, perfect for a little extra oomph. Or, if you're feeling a bit more low-key, Cinnamon Dreamz will give you that cozy, earthy vibe while adding just the right amount of depth.
For Deep Skin:
- If you’re ready to make a statement, try Berry Queen—a bold berry that looks stunning on richer skin. It’s rich, fierce, and lets rich skin tones stand out. Or go with Fiery Red—a timeless red that’s all things classic.
Best Occasions for Lip Stains
When life gets busy (or sweaty), lip stains are the MVP’s of your makeup bag. Let’s talk about when they really shine:
Long workdays: Whether you’re powering through meetings or running errands, lip stains are your low-maintenance hero with lasting power.
Special events and weddings: Crying during the vows? Lip stains are smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and celebration-proof—meaning your lips will still look photo-ready by the end of the night.
Hot weather activities: Spring and summer are on their way, and lip stains stand the test of hot temps and humidity. Unlike lipsticks or glosses that can melt, smear, or feel sticky, stains stay weightless and vibrant.
Travel and on-the-go: Lip stains are the ultimate "apply and forget" product—perfect for a fresh, effortless look that lasts through busy days.
Step 1: Exfoliate Your Lips
Lip stains work by soaking into your lips (remember, they stain the top layer of skin), so any dry, flaky bits may cause uneven color or a patchy finish.
To avoid this, start by gently buffing away dead skin with a lip scrub like our Sugar Lip Exfoliator, which smells delicious and creates a smooth, exfoliated base for your lips. The goal is to create a smooth, soft canvas that helps your lip stain absorb evenly and last even longer.
Step 2: Hydrate and Moisturize Lips
Now that your lips are smooth and exfoliated, it’s time for step two: hydration! Lip stains are known for their long-wear power, but they can cling to dry spots if your lips aren’t moisturized—and nobody wants a cracked, uneven look.
The key is locking in moisture without making your lips too slippery. Start by applying a thin layer of a hydrating lip balm or mask to keep your lips soft and plump. Holy Hydration! Lip Mask is a dream—it’s packed with nourishing ingredients to give your lips that "just drank a gallon of water" feel. If you’re on the go, Squeeze Me Glow Moisturizing Lip Balm is another must-have, adding lightweight hydration without that heavy, greasy feeling.
Step 3: Line Lips with Lip Liner
Next up: lining your lips. Yes, lip stains are all about that easy, lived-in look—but a little lip liner goes a long way in keeping things polished (and preventing any "coloring outside the lines" mishaps).
If you’re ready to line, grab our Cream Lip Liner Pencil—it’s smooth, easy to control, and glides on seamlessly. Start by outlining your natural lip shape for a clean, defined edge. If you’re into a poutier, fuller look, go ahead and slightly overline—just aim to stay close to your natural shape for a plump-but-believable finish.
Lining your lips not only gives you that extra definition, but it also acts like a boundary to help the lip stain stay exactly where you want it—no feathering or smudging. Plus, if you fill in your lips lightly with the liner before applying the stain, you’ll get an even richer, more long-lasting color.
Step 4: Apply Your Lip Stain
It’s finally time for the main event—applying your lip stain! Start at your cupid’s bow and slowly swipe the stain on, working outward toward the edges. This gives you more control and helps keep the look symmetrical and even.
Even though our Glossy Lip Stain has a built-in glossy finish—you can finish your makeup look with a quick swipe of lip gloss or lip oil. As the gloss naturally fades, you’ve got options: leave it be for a more subtle, stained look, reapply for fresh shine, or top it off with a clear lip gloss if you’re a fan of a high gloss sheen.
Step 5: Clean Up the Edges with Concealer
Lip stains are meant to stay put—which is great for your lips, but not so much for the skin around them if you accidentally went outside the lines. To keep things clean and crisp, grab a wet Q-tip and gently swipe away any blurred edges before the stain sets.
For extra precision, dab a bit of Hydrating Camo Concealer onto our Small Angled Eyeliner Brush (yes, eyeliner brushes double as lip stain cleanup pros!) and trace around your lips. This sharpens the edges and gives your lips that flawless, makeup-artist-level finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying a Lip Stain
Now that you’ve learned how to master applying a lip stain, here are a few things to avoid:
Dry, chapped lips: Lip stains may cling to dry patches on your lips—leaving you with a cracked, dry, and uneven finish that’s exactly what we’re *not* going for. Always remember to exfoliate and hydrate your lips first for a smooth, even canvas!
Overloading on product: More isn’t always better! Piling on too much lip stain at once can lead to a smeary, blurred mess. Start with a thin layer, build gradually, and you’ll nail that perfect, effortless finish.
Tips on How to Make Your Lip Stain Last Longer
Want your lip stain to go the distance? It’s all about prepping, setting, and reapplying—let’s break it down:
Prep your lips: Start with smooth, hydrated lips—exfoliate away any dry skin, then dab on a hydrating lip balm and blot off any excess. This keeps your lips soft without making the stain slip.
Set your lips: After applying your lip stain, give it a moment to dry down. For extra staying power, lightly blot with a tissue—this removes excess product while locking in the color.
Reapply as needed: As the glossy tint fades, go back in with another thin layer of stain, or top it off with a tinted lip balm for instant shine.
How to Remove a Lip Stain
Not feeling your lip stain anymore? No need to fret, even the most stubborn stains can be undone.
For a quick fix, reach for an oil-based makeup remover—this helps break down long-wearing pigments like magic. Just massage the makeup remover onto your lips and wipe away with a cotton pad. For extra stubborn stains, gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub to lift lingering color. Whatever method you choose, be gentle—no harsh rubbing!