The 12 Best Drugstore Lip Stains of 2021

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Nothing against a classic lipstick or shiny gloss, but we truly think lip stains are the unsung hero of the lipstick world. They pack a pigmented punch of vibrant color that lasts notably longer than their counterparts (hence them being called a stain). Still, unlike lip lacquers or matte lipsticks that promise similar staying power, stains have a much more comfortable and hydrating wear, living your lips both looking and feeling good. There are plenty of great options out there to choose from, including an impressive array that can be found at the drugstore for wallet-friendly prices.

Ahead, we rounded up the absolute best drugstore lip stains on the market right now.

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This truly checks the boxes for all of our lip product criteria. Per the balm part of things, it’s extremely creamy and moisturizing (credit a triple threat of shea, mango, and coconut butter). It feels lightweight on lips, imparting the perfect flush of color that’s easily buildable. Bonus points for the retractable crayon tip that never requires any sharpening.

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Sure, drugstore products are affordable by definition, but this one really takes the money-saving cake. Ringing in at just a few dollars, the tinted gel is water-based and feels innately cool and refreshing. The sheer color looks great worn on its own or layered under any other of your go-to lip products.

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A matte lip never goes out of style. The only drawback? Most matte formulas, be they stains or lipsticks, tend to be innately drying. Not the case here. Despite the gorgeous matte texture and intense color, it feels so light and undetectable on lips that you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing it. That is until you look in the mirror and realize that indeed, the color is still there and looks just as good as it did when you applied it.

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As a general rule of thumb, lip stains tend to fall on the matte end of the spectrum. So if you prefer your lips have a bit more luster, reach for this formula (yes, the same brand does both finishes extremely well.) It has the staying power of a stain, for sure, but is packed with oils that not only hydrate but also impart a gorgeous sheen. We also appreciate the perfectly tapered doe-foot brush that makes precise application a total breeze.

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For those looking for a super subtle kiss of color, this twist-up crayon can’t be beaten. Nice and creamy, it hydrates lips while simultaneously imparting a touch of pigment. The final product is a ‘your lips but better’ type effect, that’s perfect for every day.

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It may not look it in the bottle, but just the lightest swipe of this stain delivers complete coverage and an intense pop of color. Available in six vibrant hues, it’s choice for those who love a bold lip, but don’t love the touch-ups that come with it; this formula has great staying power.

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One of the many nice things about a lip stain is that it can pull double duty as a cheek color, delivering a long-lasting and natural-looking flush. We particularly like this one for that very purpose. No matter whether you dab the whipped formula onto lips or cheeks, it offers a stay-put wash of color.

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Despite the fact that this option only comes in six shades (and yes, there are some picks on this list that do come in more), it earns our vote for those colors being the most perfectly pigmented. They deliver a totally believable, just-bitten type hue, and also have the benefit of boasting a lightweight yet creamy texture.

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Here, a marker-esque felt tip makes it easier than ever to precisely line and fill in your lips, making smudges and smears a thing of the past. Give the color just a minute or so to dry and it will be completely set, lasting up to 12 hours without any bleeding or transferring. Also nice: The natural matte finish and barely-there feel.

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink Lip Color

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Okay, while this is technically considered more of a lipstick, the initially wet texture quickly dries down to a stain-like finish, which is why we feel strongly that it merits inclusion on this list. Regardless of what category you want to put it in, the staying power is undoubtedly the best of any lip product we’ve ever used. One application will last not only all day, but also all night, through dinner, drinks, and even a makeout sesh (we know this based on personal experience).

As we said, it initially looks more akin to a lipstick, but quickly transforms into a stain-like color, and comes in a wide range of different shades.

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Fans of that extra-shiny lip look will appreciate the mirror-like sheen of this guy. Never sticky or tacky, it’s instead featherweight with buildable (though very long-lasting) color along with the glossy finish. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, too.

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Even though this isn’t called a stain, we think it’s well-deserving of a spot on this list. As the name suggests, the oil base uses a combo of rich jojoba, camellia, and sesame oils. They absorb fairly quickly, though the hydration they leave behind—and the sheer stain of color—remains.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any drugstore lip stains from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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