Have you noticed that everyone’s been peeling stuff off their lips on BeautyTok recently? While the trend may be giving us (somewhat traumatizing) flashbacks of the peel-off charcoal face masks of the past, the latest trend has nothing to do with clarifying pores or eliminating excess oil. Rather, it’s all about depositing long-lasting colour and eliminating the need for makeup touchups and reapplication.
Of course, lip stains come in more than just the peel-off variety. There are those you let sit on your lips for a few minutes before wiping off (like the mega-viral NYX Cosmetics lippie), or those you dab on like you would a gloss or lipstick. But make no mistake about it; these long-lasting picks are a far cry from a bulletproof, long-lasting liquid lipstick. They’re sheer, lightweight and deliver a gentle colour payoff would best be described as “your lips but better”.
The just-bitten tint, which first gained popularity in South Korea, comfortably stays put throughout the day, which we can definitely get on board with. Without further ado, we present the very best lip stains that we’re adding to cart stat.
This iconic lip tint and blush stain from Benefit Cosmetics forever lives rent-free in our heads. It’s made for the mini bag—or no bag—girlies and those who favour a 2-in-1 beauty item. Ideal for “no makeup” makeup looks, you just swipe it on and go. The best part? You don’t need to worry about retouching because of its long-wearing and transfer-proof formula.
Another, more recent, fave in the lip and blush combo category is Milk’s Cooling Water Jelly. Launched last year, this product features a hydrating formula and playful bouncy texture that provides sheer and buildable coverage. Available in six shades, this promises a natural all-day glow. Fair warning: blend fast because this stain sets quick.
It’s the talk of the town! If you’re on BeautyTok in any capacity, then you’ve seen the NYX Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Serum that has gone viral. It can function as a lip gloss and a long-lasting stain – depending on how you want to wear it. Formulated with vitamins and coconut water, this product packs 12 hours of hydration and a pigmented, wet shine finish that becomes a lip stain over time.
Formulated with active plant ingredients, this stain will give your lips a boost while providing a light-as-air feeling. You might even forget you have anything on your lips.
If there’s one thing Fenty Beauty loves, it’s effortless and seriously long-lasting beauty. This Poutsicle Hydrating lip stain leaves behind a soft tint as it wears off throughout the day, making it ideal for starting your day off bold and ending it with a subtle wash of colour.
Sacheu has been sizzling on TikTok since singer-songwriter Billie Eilish used the brand’s Lip Liner Stay-N-Peel Off in a GRWM video. Eilish is known for her natural-meets-grunge makeup looks, so fans were naturally excited to get their hands on this product. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to nourish your lips while you reap the rewards of a long-lasting, tattoo-like stain.
Available in a whopping 23 shades, Wonderskin’s iconic blue is their signature. But fear not, the real shade you’re after (presumably not blue) is revealed as you peel the product off. This product promises to be smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and waterproof.
A common lip stain ick is the flakiness of the tint as it dries. Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil ensures that doesn’t happen. What glides on as a lip oil with a glossy finish dries down as a long-lasting, non-flaky tint that doesn’t budge.
With shades ranging from deep red to dark brown, e.l.f’s Glossy Lip Stain enhances your look with an easy, one-step application. This 2-in-1 gloss and stain starts as a bold pop of colour on your lips, and over time, fades to a subtle sheen.
Comfort is always key with Rare Beauty and the brand’s Lip Oil Stain is no exception. It leaves a non-sticky tinted lip behind that you won’t be able to get enough of.
These Etude House Water Tints provide a splash of moisture and fruity goodness. Take a look at Cherry Ade, for instance, which has pomegranate and grapefruit extract for comfortable hydration, plus a bold cherry tint.
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