11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (2024)

11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (1)

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When it comes to long-lasting make-up, lip stains are an unsung hero. Perfect for those of us who prefer a low-maintenance beauty routine, they offer a great balance between long-lasting payoff and minimal upkeep. Once applied, lip stains lock in colour, meaning you don’t have to keep checking your reflection or rushing to reapply after every sip of coffee. They don’t smudge, they don’t bleed – they just stay put. Plus, the best lip stains can be your go-to for all occasions too. Whether you want an easy-breezy daytime lip or something to last through an entire date night, a great lip stain will ensure you don’t have to worry about touch-ups throughout dinner. And if you love a multitasker, many lip stains double as a cheek tint, giving you a subtle flush of colour in one swipe. From sheer tints that offer a hint of colour to the more intense stains that give bold, full-bodied pigment, there’s a lip stain for every need. Here are our tried-and-tested favourites…

The best lip stains to try now…

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (3)

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Pros
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (4)Buildable
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (5)Works on cheeks as well as lips
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (6)Feels cooling
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (7)Hydrating
Cons
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (8)Can be tricky to apply due to size

More than just a stain, this jelly-textured tint feels cool and refreshing upon application – perfect for a quick pick-me-up. Its sheer, buildable formula is ideal for those who want a natural flush of colour on both lips and cheeks.

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Huda Huda Creamy Lip Stain

11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (9)

Pros
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (10)Long lasting
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (11)non-drying
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (12)Comfortable on lips
Cons
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (13)Limited shade range

For those who want a little bit more drama, Huda’s Creamy Lip Stain delivers high-impact, long-lasting pigment with a satin finish. It’s perfect for a night out when you need your lip colour to go the distance without drying out.

Pros
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (15)Glides on
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (16)A little goes a long way
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (17)10 hours worth of hydration
Cons
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (18)Needs topping up

Combining hydration with bold colour, this lip tint is for anyone who suffers from dry lips but still wants a strong pigment. The two-tone design blends to create a unique shade that’s hydrating and striking.

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RMS Lip2Cheek

11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (19)

Pros
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (20)Works on lips and cheeks
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (21)Contains nourishing butters
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (22)Easily adjustable effect
Cons
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (23)More expensive than others

A cult favourite for a reason, RMS Lip2Cheek offers beautiful, blendable colour that works on both lips and cheeks. The formula is packed with organic oils and butters, meaning it’s as nourishing as it is versatile.

Kiko Milano KIKO Milano Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker

11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (24)

Pros
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (25)long lasting
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (26)Small tip allows for precise application
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (27)Fruity scent
  • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (28)Good price point
Cons

    This pen-style lip marker delivers precise application and a serious punch of colour. Its long-lasting formula doesn’t budge, making it great for all-day wear – perfect for those with busy schedules who don’t have time to touch up.

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    Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

    11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (29)

    Pros
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (30)Buildable coverage
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (31)Looks glossy
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (32)Conditioning on lips
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (33)Long lasting
    Cons
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (34) Errs on the side of shiny

    Leave it to Fenty to create a lip stain that hydrates while delivering serious pigment. This juicy stain offers a vibrant pop of colour while keeping lips hydrated all day. A must-have for those who want both colour and comfort.

    ELF Glossy Lip Stain

    11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (35)

    Pros
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (36)Excellent price point
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (37)Great shade range
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (38)Good colour pay off
    Cons
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (39)Feels a tad sticky

    For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, e.l.f.’s Glossy Lip Stain provides a sheer wash of colour with a glossy finish. Perfect for a more casual look, it’s lightweight and comfortable to wear.

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    Glossier Generation G Matte Lipstick

    11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (40)

    Pros
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (41)Varied colour range
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (42)long lasting
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (43)feels comfortable on lips
    Cons
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (44)Not the most buildable

    WH Beauty Editor Perdita Nouril says: 'This is one my go-to lip stains, it's matte enough so that it leaves behind a long lasting tint, but doesn't dry out lips. Pat it on to create a beautifully blurred lived in lip.'

    Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint

    11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (45)

    Pros
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (46)Great colour pay off
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (47)long lasting
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (48)Your lips but better
    Cons
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (49)On the pricier side

    This tint gives a ‘your lips but better’ effect. Its lightweight formula feels luxurious, and the buildable colour means you can go sheer or layer for more intensity.

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    Inglot Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte

    11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (50)

    Pros
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (51)Very long lasting
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (52)Non drying
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (53)A little goes a long way
    Cons
    • 11 of the best lip stains for low-maintenance, long-lasting colour (54)Can feel heavy on lips

    For matte lip lovers, this lip tint delivers high-definition, velvety colour that lasts. The matte finish is perfect for those who prefer a more polished, statement look without the constant need for reapplication.

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