:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1999x0:2001x2)/peo-lip-tints-stains-test-benefit-cosmetics-benetint-cheek-jjuliao-33965-2-fa5116d7cac446aaa8ea4bf58ae315a1.jpeg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "We Applied and Rated 23 Popular Lip Stains and Tints — Find Out Which Ones Passed Our Tests")
As far as staying power is concerned, nothing quite compares to lip stains and tints. Formulated to literally stain your pout with pigment, these formulas can help transform your natural lip color and also serve as a base coat for lipsticks, lip glosses, and more. But here’s the thing: It’s not as simple as staining the skin on your lips. In addition to providing pigment, these makeup products need high-quality formulas that are comfortable enough for all-day wear, too (after all, they color the lips for extended periods of time).
“It is important to find a high-quality lip stain because you want something that is not only going to offer beautiful color pay-off, but that is also not drying on the lips,” Dominique Lerma, an executive makeup artist at Omnia Brush, tells PEOPLE.
With this in mind, our team set out to find the best lip stains and tints through rigorous lab testing, trying out nearly two dozen top formulas. See our top picks for the best lip stains of tints, ahead.
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Sephora
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Works on lips and cheeks
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Light and pleasant rose scent
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Watery consistency is easy to apply and blend
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Also comes in a larger 0.33-ounce size
Our top pick for the best lip stains and tints is a formula we have worn for decades. After testing it in the PEOPLE Tested lab against dozens of other formulas, we found that it not only holds up but outperforms its counterparts. We’re talking about the iconic Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint, of course — a favorite of Chrissy Teigen’s as well.
This formula is designed to serve as both a lip stain and a cheek tint, making it one of the most versatile options on our list. It also stays true to the integrity of lip tints, and instead of moonlighting as a gloss or lipstick, it simply stains the lips, so you can choose to wear it on its own or layer your favorite lip balm or lip gloss on top. On top of all that, the Benefit lip stain lasts forever. Seriously, you will hardly need to replace this, even with regular use.
Lerma is also a fan of the Benetint formula. “This is a versatile product that everyone should have in their makeup arsenal, as it’s a beautiful, buildable, and blendable product that can be used on both the lips and cheeks,” she notes.
What We Think Now
After six months of regular use, the quality of this product hasn’t changed a bit. The watery consistency has made applying the tint a bit tricky, so we recommend you use caution when going in with this stain. Still, we’d recommend this product for just about anyone on the hunt for a long-lasting lip tint.
Size: 0.20 ounce | Shades: 1 | Good for: Lips and cheeks
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Etude House
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This is a similar product to the Benetint, for a fraction of the price
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Comes in five different shades
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Buildable consistency
Whether you want something more budget-friendly or are looking for a Benetint dupe, the Etude House Dear Darling Lip Tint is an excellent pick. It’s available for less than $7 — but don’t let its cheap price tag speak for the quality. After testing this formula, we were highly impressed by its ability to blend into the pout for an even yet buildable coverage. We also love that it comes in several different shades, including some you don’t see as often, like grape and orange.
The formula also stays put on the pout and barely transfers after application, so it stays true to its tinted design. The doe foot applicator wand also makes it easy to apply without creating a mess around the mouth (something you definitely do not want with a lip stain). Additionally, the lip stain features a vitamin and berry fruit complex for added skincare benefits, though we didn’t really notice a difference in the lab since it doesn’t have a creamy or glossy texture like lip balm.
What We Think Now
We’ve taken this product around the world with us, and loved that the quality has remained the same. After six months of living in purses, suitcases, and carry-ons, this product hasn’t shown any chunkiness, stickiness, or messy luggage disasters. We’re recommending this one for anyone looking to dip their toe into the world of lip tints, for the unbeatable price and the ease of use.
Size: 9 grams | Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin and berry fruit complex | Good for: Lips
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Sephora
The Dior Addict Lip Tint is our top pick for the best investment for several reasons. First, this formula comes in 12 different shades, which is extensive for a lip tint and allows lots of variety for makeup application. On top of that, we love that it has a more subtle finish and just enhances the natural lip color rather than adding a color that is too bold.
Despite having subtle pigmentation, we found that this designer lip tint has impressive staying power. It’s so effective at staining the lips that it’s actually kind of hard to remove, even with a makeup wipe and micellar water. Nonetheless, we recommend this as a high-quality and splurge-worthy formula that can elevate natural lips for long wear.
Size: 0.17 ounce | Shades: 12 | Key Ingredients: Cherry oil | Good for: Lips
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Jones Road
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Hybrid formula resembles a hydrating lip balm
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Subtle, sheer pigment is buildable for a customizable look
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Castor seed oil softens the lips and hydrates over time
Our top pick for the best stick lip tint is The Lip Tint from Jones Road. This formula is a hybrid formula that provides pouts with a subtle pop of pigment while also moonlighting as a nourishing lip balm. Designed with castor oil for its long-lasting nourishment and ability to soften the lips over time, the formula goes on smooth and features a creamy texture that instantly hydrates lips while depositing light pigment. Since the pigment is more subtle, it’s also an excellent option for those looking for a buildable formula to customize their overall lip look.
While it’s not a deal breaker for us, it’s also worth noting that this isn’t like more traditional stains (such as the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint and Etude House Dear Darling Lip Tint). Because it has a more hybrid formula, the lip stain features a slight sheen instead of a matte look — which some may prefer!
Size: 0.06 ounce | Shades: 13 | Key Ingredients: Castor seed oil | Good for: Lips
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Kohl’s
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Lightweight consistency is buildable for a more pigmented finish
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A little goes a long way, so you can get a lot out of one tube
The Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain is our top pick for the best buildable formula because it has a lightweight consistency that is easy to build upon. On top of that, it features rich pigmentation, so a little goes a long way and you don’t need many layers to achieve a bold look.
While this formula claims hydration as a benefit — and features squalane in its ingredient lineup — we found that its hydration benefits are subtle, so an additional layer of lip balm might be necessary for those with dry or chapped lips.
Size: 0.22 ounce | Shades: 6 | Key Ingredients: Squalene | Good for: Lips
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Huda Beauty
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Lightweight consistency dries quickly on lips and cheeks
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Thin formula is easy to blend and build
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Strong pigment lasts a long time
The Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint is a versatile formula that features rich pigmentation and nourishing ingredients. Since the formula consistency is on the thin side, it dries quickly on the lips and cheeks and is easier to blend and build coverage to get a desired effect. On top of that, its pigmentation is super strong, water-resistant, and doesn’t transfer, making it an excellent choice for all day wear.
Since this formula is so pigmented, it’s possible to experience slight bleeding if you have too much formula on the wand when applying. To prevent this, we recommend wiping off the excess and applying a thin layer first, then building upon that.
Pro-Tip
After consistent use over two months, we have perfected the application of this long-wearing stain. We’ve found it’s important to exfoliate our lips prior to application (to ward off any clumpiness) and to proceed with caution when applying — this will give you a pigmented, smooth stain that will last all day!
Size: 0.20 ounce | Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid powder, coconut extract | Good for: Lips and cheeks
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Target
Most lip stains feature a subtle and buildable color. However, if you want something with deeper pigmentation, we recommend the Peripera Ink Velvet. This highly pigmented lip stain has a thick and creamy texture and resembles more of a liquid matte lipstick vs. a stain. Due to its thick texture, you only need one layer to reach a desired look, so a little bit goes a long way, and you don’t need to build upon the pigmentation. Despite being thicker, the formula still feels lightweight and comfortable on the pout, too.
In addition to its formulation, the stain comes in 16 different shades, including an excellent nude range, plus some fun pink and peachy hues. While it does transfer a little, we didn’t experience any bleeding or smudging when testing the formula in our lab.
What We Think Now
After six months of wear, we are still impressed with this product’s performance. It’s easy to apply, stays vibrant throughout the day, and fades gracefully once it starts to wear. We’re recommending this product for anyone who wants to enhance their natural lip color or add a pop of color to their look — the 16 shades offer endless possibilities.
Size: 0.14 ounce | Shades: 16 | Good for: Lips
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Nordstrom
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Features a lightweight, watery consistency that’s easy to apply
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Hydrating formulation includes aloe vera
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The stain is subtle enough for daily wear
The best lip stain for everyday is the Clarins Water Lip Stain. This formula is lightweight and has a watery consistency that tints the lips without any noticeable texture. Despite being on the more liquidy side, it’s also slightly hydrating thanks to ingredients such as aloe vera and raspberry and also features skin-protecting ingredients like sanicle, African ebony, and furcellaria.
Since the formula is more of a true lip stain, removal is a bit tricky as you can’t just wipe this away with micellar water or a makeup remover wipe. Instead, we recommend either letting it fade naturally or using a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to lift away the pigmentation at the end of the day.
What We Think Now
After six months, we are still reaching for this lip stain every day. We still haven’t run out of product (despite our frequent use), and the high quality hasn’t changed since day one. We’re recommending this stain for anyone looking for a natural-looking staple in their routine.
Size: 0.20 ounce | Shades: 4 | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sanicle, raspberry, African ebony, furcellaria, succory dock-cress | Good for: Lips
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Ulta
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Pen-like tip gives a precise application
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16 shades includes nudes and bold hues
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Feels lightweight, so it’s barely noticeable on the lips once dried
Depending on the formula, the application can get a bit tricky with lip stains — which is why we think the Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain has such a fun applicator tip. Inspired by a calligraphy pen (hence the name), this formula has a pen-like tip that allows for precise application while lining the lips with its rich pigment. We love it because, in addition to its application, the formula feels super light on the lips, and once dried, you barely even notice it’s there. On top of that, the lip stain comes in 16 different shades, including a good range of nudes and bold pigments like violet, fuchsia, and coral.
What We Think Now
After a few months of use, we found ourselves still reaching for this product a few times a week. The precise applicator allows this stain to function both as an all-around color and a lip liner. We find this product fades after a few hours, so it might not be ideal for long events.
Size: 0.71 ounce | Shades: 16
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Amazon
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Watery consistency means it provides a very light wash of color
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Absorbs quickly on the lips and provides a subtle finish
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Applies smoothly for an even application
If you like lip stains for their subtle and natural finish, the Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint is the best option for you. This lip stain features a more opaque pigmentation that slightly elevates the natural lip color without looking too bold and noticeable, making it great for a no-makeup look. We love that it absorbs quickly onto the pout (similar to other true tints), and it provides a subtle finish that doesn’t overpower.
Since this lip stain has a lightweight and more watery consistency, we don’t love the doe foot wand as an applicator and instead wish it came with a brush-on wand. Nonetheless, the formula still applies smoothly on the lips for an even tinted layer.
What We Think Now
This low-maintenance lip tint has proven it’s in it for the long haul — the subtle color stuck it out through eating, drinking, and layering other lip products on top. The quality of the product hasn’t changed throughout six months of use, though we, at times, got frustrated with the watery consistency (it makes application a bit difficult). We still think this is a great pick for anyone looking for a natural result.
Size: 0.19 fl. ounce | Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, mustard sprout extract, squalane
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Amazon
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Versatile enough to use on the lips and cheeks
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Creamy consistency blends into the skin easily
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Weightless formula that gives a natural-looking finish
Those looking for a more versatile formula will adore the Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip and Cheek Stain. This formula is designed with a creamy yet slightly watery consistency that applies smoothly onto the lips and cheeks and makes it easy to blend into the complexion for a seamless look. Since it has a weightless formula, it’s also highly buildable and allows you to customize your pigmentation from just a slight tinge to a bolder makeup look.
In addition to its consistency and buildable nature, the lip and cheek stain is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to provide the skin with a deep conditioning effect and is an especially nice base of hydration on the pout before adding a layer of lip balm or gloss on top.
What We Think Now
We’re still reaching for this product when we want to enhance our natural lips. The subtle color makes for a perfect daytime look, but if you’re looking for a bold pop of color, you might be better off with the Peripera Ink Velvet or Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint.
Size: 0.33 ounce | Shades: 6 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Others We Tried
- Rose Inc. Lip Cream Weightless Matte Color: We also loved this tint for its impressive color range, smooth application, and weightless texture. While testing this formula out, we found that it is close to a liquid lipstick vs. a lip stain, so it’s not ideal for those looking for something to dye their lips.
- Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink: This is a highly pigmented formula that works better as a liquid lipstick than a lip stain. We love this formula because it’s easy to apply and features a bright and highly pigmented color range. It also dries matte on the pout, and you don’t need to reapply. That being said, the inky lipstick formula can get a little messy if you are new to liquid lipstick, and it’s a bit tricky to remove.
- L’Oréal Paris Cosmetics Brilliant Signature Lip Stain: This lip stain is also worth noting, and we recommend the product for its affordable price point and quality. When testing this formula, we were impressed by the high shine — especially for a lip stain — and love that it gives a glossy look without a sticky texture. It is definitely more of a hybrid product, though, and also doubles as a lipstick. So, if you’re looking for something that will just stain your lips, something like the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint or Etude House Dear Darling Lip Tint is a better pick.
- Wonderskin Wonder Blading Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Kit: This kit has a really fun formula that involves applying a thick, even coat of formula and then peeling it away to reveal a nice lip stain. A cross between a stain and a lip mask, the formula also hydrates and softens the pout as an added perk. As much as we loved this formula (and were impressed by the stain it left behind), we did find that it’s a little tricky to use, and achieving an even layer takes some tedious precision, so it’s not an ideal pick for every day.
- Kaja Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush: While we liked this product for its easy application and skincare-inspired formula (which features nourishing and protecting ingredients like olive squalane and triple berry complex), we weren’t impressed by the color range and found it is too subtle for deeper skin tones.
- Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain: While we originally touted this as our “best hydrating” pick, the product didn’t hold up over time. We found this product functioned more as a gloss than a stain — while hydrating, it never dried down to a long-lasting color.
What to Know About Lip Stains and Tints
Consistency
When shopping for lip stains and tints, consistency is one of the first things to consider. More traditional formulas tend to have a watery consistency and are designed to absorb quickly into the pout and provide lips with a tinge of color without any surface texture. That said, you can also find stains with a more hybrid formulation that have the same benefits as a lip stain while also providing the coverage and texture of a lip balm, liquid lipstick, and even a gloss.
Pigmentation
In addition to consistency, pigmentation is also worth considering. In most cases, lip stains and tints provide a subtle yet buildable coverage that allows you to customize your look from a more natural look (one that sort of elevates your natural lip color) to a bolder application. But, in some cases — especially in hybrid products — you can get a highly pigmented formula that only requires one coat. For example, the Peripera Ink Velvet has a thick and creamy texture with impressive pigmentation. It’s a lot closer to a liquid lipstick, and its rich pigmentation and overall consistency make it easy to achieve a bolder finish compared to more traditional formulas.
Applicator
The applicator is typically a personal preference, though some might be easier to use compared to others. “I like a stain that has a long, narrow applicator, especially a marker type,” notes Patinkin. “That gives you a lot of control in the application to ensure that you can create a clean shape without coloring out the lines.”
If you’re new to lip stains, Lerma recommends a foot applicator wand because it gives a more cushiony application, and the color glides on seamlessly in one swipe.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best lip stains and tints, our PEOPLE Tested team took 23 formulas into the lab and put them to the test. To see how they stacked up against each other, we rated them based on the following attributes:
- Application: Starting with a clean and recently exfoliated pout, we applied each lip product with the same technique. We then let it sit for 10 minutes, taking note if the lip product got patchy or if we experienced bleeding or feathering.
- Feel: We evaluated how the product felt and if it was comfortable enough for all-day wear, if it made our lips softer and more hydrated, or if it left them feeling dry. We also noted if the product felt tacky or sticky.
- Pigment: During application, we counted how many times we needed to apply in order to get the desired pigmentation and color.
- Transfer resistance: After applying the product, we reached for a tissue to conduct a blot test for an idea of overall transfer. From there, we reapplied the lip tint and began the drinking test, where we took a sip of water from a cup and made note of any transfer, smudging, bleeding, fading, and any unintentional removal. After reapplying again, we then bit into an apple to test the stain’s longevity while eating.
- Wear/Longevity: We observed how long each lip stain or tint lasted on our lips and noted if we needed to reapply during the day, and if so, how many times. Following application, we also used our fingers to wipe our lips and make note of any smudging, bleeding, and fading.
After repeating these tests for all 23 formulas, we compiled our research and experiment notes and then compared each experience. We looked at everything from the application to the consistency to the longevity before narrowing down the top picks that earned our PEOPLE Tested seal of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between a lip stain and a lip tint?
“Lip tints don’t have the same staying power as a lip stain,” says Patinkin. This is because they are shorter-acting and can be wiped away more easily, whereas lip stains permeate the skin on your lips and actually stain the surface, so they last a lot longer.
A lip stain usually has a watery texture that goes on thin and doesn’t do much to the lips aside from coloring them. Lip tints, on the other hand, are more nourishing and “can be glossy, emollient-rich, and hydrating while providing a soft wash of subtle color and shine,” says Lerma.
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Which is the most long lasting lip tint?
Our top pick for the best longwearing lip stain is the Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint. This formula has a lightweight consistency that dries instantly on the lips and provides a thin yet highly buildable coverage. We love it because it features a strong pigment that lasts all day long.
In addition to this formula, we also recommend the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint, which is our top pick for the best lip tint overall. This formula features a watery consistency that is easy to apply and blend into the lips and cheeks. It also has a more traditional lip stain design with impressive longevity for all-day wear.
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What makes lip stain stay on?
“Instead of sitting on top of your lips the way waxy glosses and lipsticks do, stains are made with water and pigments that can absorb into the skin of your lips,” says Patinkin. Lip stains quite literally stain your lips as the formula seeps into the skin and, therefore, don’t usually bleed or wear off super easily.
Lerma notes that they are also more mattifying and tend to dry quickly. “Because of this, they are less forgivable during application,” she explains. With this in mind, she recommends working it into the lips quickly to distribute an even amount of color throughout the lips.
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What is the best way to apply lip stain?
Before you apply a lip stain, Patinkin says to make sure your lips are exfoliated so that they are clean and there aren’t any little flakes that the color can cling to. “Lips need to absorb the water and pigments in order for the stain to take, and oil or balm residue will prevent that from happening,” she explains.
From there, the best way to apply lip stain is with the included applicator wand or brush, says Lerma. “I like to use my lip stain like a lip liner first and carve out the natural shape of the lips and accentuate the bow, and then I fill in the lips evenly,” she explains.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best lip stains and tints, Jessie began by examining the PEOPLE Tested team’s lab insights, carefully considering the application, consistency, performance, and pigmentation of each formula. She also considered additional factors like skincare benefits, shade ranges, and price points. Additionally, Jessie reached out to makeup experts Jenny Patinkin and Dominique Lerma to learn more about what to look for in lip stains and tints. As a result, she curated this list of the best lip stains and tints.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.