15 smudge-proof lip stains that actually stay put throughout the day

Like mastering a cat eye or swapping all-over foundation with a few well-placed dabs of concealer, the best lip stains make enhancing your make-up look a breeze—and can practically be applied with your eyes closed. Plus, you won't have to worry about them accidentally rubbing off, since these formulas are made to stay put through food, drink, and more—some for up to 12 hours per wear.

Shop Our Editors′ Favorite Lip Stains

Although stains get a bad rap for leaving lips feeling uncomfortably dry, experts say with the right prep and finish, your make-up look will stay nicely intact (and flake-free) with little to no effort. To save you a little time, we've rounded up a few top-rated options professionals, editors, and beauty enthusiasts have tested and highly recommend. From cult brands like YSL Beauty and Benefit Cosmetics. 

Here, some of the best lip stains we're loving this season and beyond that are definitely worth adding to your make-up rotation, along with answers to some of the most common lip-stain-related questions. Did we add that a few of these top picks can be used on both your lips and cheeks for the perfect monochromatic look?

YSL BEAUTY

Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

If you're typically a fan of wearing gloss, we recommend taking a closer look at this creamy, high-shine lip stain from the experts at YSL Beauty. It uses a diamond-shaped applicator for expert-level precision, and is designed to last for up to 10 hours.

CLARINS

Water Lip Stain

This non-sticky lip stain combines the moisturising power of a treatment with the pigmentation of a lipstick, with a water-based formula that lasts all day. "It applies like water then sinks into lips with a natural and long-wearing colour," celebrity make-up artist, Jamie Dorman tells Bazaar. "It wears really well under a lip balm."

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA

Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Fenty Beauty's hydrating lip stain is a make-up staple that's ideal for anyone who reaches for balm on more than a regular basis. With sheer-to-medium coverage, a hydrating formula, and shiny finish (that eventually dries into a long-lasting stain), it's the gloss-lover's stain.

R.E.M. BEAUTY

Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker

R.e.m Beauty's pigmented, non-drying stain nicely won't bleed into the cracks of your lips. And its marker-style packaging makes it a breeze to place colour exactly where you like (plus, it's fun). 

WONDERSKIN

Wonder Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Stain Kit

This long-wearing lip tint lasts for hours, but easily comes off with a bit of make-up remover. "I love how easy this product makes creating a defined lip line," Dorman notes. And to use the kit, "Simply apply and layer the product as necessary and wait for it to dry. Once it has set, spritz with the activator spray and wipe off with the included swiper towel and reveal your perfectly shaped and stained lips," she advises.

VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY

Bitten Lip Tint

Here's a sheer, buildable gel stain from Victoria Beckham Beauty to provide lips with a subtle flush of colour. It uses hyaluronic acid and squalane to keep them plump, while boosting hydration and leaving behind a matte finish.

E.L.F. COSMETICS

Glossy Lip Stain

Nearly 1,900 Ulta customers consider this creamy lip stain from e.l.f. Cosmetics one of the very best, since its gel-to-stain formula is not only vegan, but also a steal at less than $10 (₹830).

FRECK BEAUTY

Cheekslime Blush and Lip Tint

 

This oil-free stain is another favourite among Bazaar editors for both your lips and cheeks—which makes mastering the art of the five-minute face easier than ever. It's available in four shade options, and won't leave your face looking overly glossy. 

BENEFIT COSMETICS

Liquid Lip Blush and Cheek Stain

Benefit's viral Liquid Blush and Cheek Tint comes in six colour options depending on your make-up mood, and contains a doe foot tip that makes it hassle-free to customise your stain intensity. And as a bonus, the tint's balmy texture makes it easy to blend to your heart's desire.

DIOR

Addict Lip Tint

Since Dior's sheer tint is designed to last for up to 12 hours and fuses to your lips like a literal tattoo, we highly recommend wearing its lightweight formula on date night.

L'ORÉAL

Brilliant Signature Shiny Lip Stain

This top-rated stain from L'Oreal Paris is lightweight, and virtually a cross between lipstick and balm. It's infused with a range of hydrating oils for a slight shine, and still provides plenty of pigment for moments when you want a little something extra from your lip shade. 

ETUDE HOUSE

Fixing Tint in Analog Rose

This K-Beauty favourite is available in up to 17 different shades and has a soft matte finish that dries down in 60 seconds flat (and happens to stay put for up to six hours). Plus, you can round out your makeup go-tos with a set of three shades for under $30 (₹2,500). 

SEPHORA COLLECTION

Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick

This transfer-proof stain is a massive hit among Sephora shoppers—over 11,000 to be exact. Not only does it come 74 different color options to complement every make-up look under the sun, but it also has a creamy formula that feels nearly weightless all day.

KAJA

Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush With Keychain

You won't have to wonder what you did with your stain, thanks to this adorable version from Kaja. Its triple berry, olive squalane, and lemon fruit extract formula has plenty of hydration benefits, and aims to brighten and protect dull lips. 

What are the benefits of using a lip stain?

Lip stains are known for being long-lasting, but that's not their only benefit. "Lip stains are long-wearing, look natural, and last through movement without going out of place," Dorman says. "They're great for slightly over-lining lips and having the line stay in place."

How can I avoid dry lips while wearing a stain?

The key is to start with exfoliated, hydrated lips. "Before you put on a lip stain, I recommend scrubbing your lips. I often recommend the Lime Crime Golden Wet Cherry Lip Scrub," Dorman adds. "After scrubbing, try putting a small amount of eye cream on your lips and letting it sink in. This cream should sink in readily, as the thin skin around the eyes is similar to thin lip skin." 

The artist suggests Alpyn Beauty's PlantGenius Line-Filling Eye Balm Cream for its wrinkle-reducing effect. And once the prep work is done? It's time to apply your favorite lip stain. "After the cream settles in, lightly blot lips and apply your shade of choice. Once the lip stain has set, apply a balm on top to protect your lips from losing moisture, like the Alpyn Beauty Willow and Sweet Agave Plumping Lip Mask.

This piece originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar US