The Best Lip Stains That Give You That Popsicle Finish

For a heavy hit of color, hydration, and staying powder (10 hours, to be exact), this glossy cult favorite is the ultimate wingwoman. For a lip stain, it boasts impressive coverage, so if you're looking for something sheerer, tread carefully. The slanted tip and short, soft bristles of the applicator make for flawless precision every time. Plus, the impressive shade range spans everything from soft nudes to brights like fuchsia. 

There are lip stains about 20 times the price of this one, but this affordable pick really deserves its time in the spotlight. It's a weightless gel tint that gives off sheer color with a cooling and hydrating effect. It comes in three sultry shades and is infused with lip-plumping vitamin E.

If you’re searching for a lip tint with the perfect matte finish, you can stop looking: Tarte’s Lippie Lingerie Matte Lip Tint is it. It comes in six neutral nude shades that deliver that "my lips but better" look. It smooths right onto your pucker—just like a balm—for buildable, full-coverage color. The nourishing mix of mango seed, cupuacu, and murumuru butter firm, moisturize and protect lips.

As one of the original lip stains to hit the market, it's telling that Revlon's iconic formula is still a beauty-editor favorite. Yes, the price is delectable, but so is the punch of lasting lightweight color that's surprisingly fun to apply (and reapply, though you won't have to do that often). The gel formula is lightweight and deeply moisturizing, and it comes in five pretty shades. Plus, the chubby crayon is retractable, so you never have to worry about finding a sharpener.

Smith & Cult’s The Tainted Lip Stain goes on like a mousse, dries into a stain, and feels like a balm. Richly pigmented to deliver color, it also increases moisture levels in your lips, making it a true win-win. 

No list of lip stains would be complete without the OG of the category, Benefit’s Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain. The game-changing rose-tinted stain delivers a smudge-proof, sexy flush with a glow. It also doubles as a cheek color. 

Confession: Rituel de Fille's lush line of cosmetics has created pandemonium within the Byrdie offices. And this sheer, semi-matte lip stain from the brand is right at the forefront. It is hands down the best one of our editors has ever tried. Given that it's 99% natural and enriched with soothing botanicals, your lips are sure to thank you.

Remember the juicy, fruit-scented glosses and balms you worshiped back in middle school? Consider this shiny lip stain the 2.0 version. Thanks to a luxe mix of oils (peach kernel, sweet almond, apricot, cranberry, and muscat rose), your pout will look full and healthy—never chapped or flaked. The finish is sheer, it easily transitions from day to night.

A "long-wearing gloss" sounds like an oxymoron, but this oil-infused lip stain proves it can be done. In short, the shades are gorgeous, the rollerball applicator makes us feel 10 years younger, and the nutrient formula (thanks, vitamin E!) delivers a rush of hydration.