The 9 Best Lip Stains of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Do you ever find yourself in that frustrating situation when you crave more than a lip balm (because pigment) and less than a lipstick (because maintenance)? Same. Call us demanding, but we firmly believe there's a time and place for our go-to balm, while there are certain occasions when nothing short of a creamy, long-wearing lipstick will do.

Luckily, there's a wonderfully handy solve: the lip stain, a pout-perfecting antidote to that aforementioned gray area and a sweet middle ground for those times when you're feeling a tad indecisive. To keep stress to the minimum (and your lips to the maximum), we've rounded up a list of the very best lips stains. Not only will you look like you just ate a popsicle, but your lips will also stay plump and hydrated. Which is really the name of the game, yes?

Pucker up, and keep scrolling: These are the best lip stains on the market.

Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

Buy on Sephora Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Bloomingdales

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.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Ulta

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.

Buy on Sephora

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.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart

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.

Buy on Sephora

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.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Goop.com Buy on Goop.com

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.

Buy on Nordstrom

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.

Buy on Walmart

Key Ingredients

Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and oil often found in anti-oxidant blend topicals or moisturizers. It also helps soothe the skin and protects the lipid barrier.

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.

Buy on Amazon Buy on Sephora

Nothing is more satisfying than a two-for-one product that actually delivers on both fronts. There are nine mineral-based shades to choose from (for each day of the week and then some), and they look equally pretty from cheek to lip. Truth be told, this best-of lip stain will help your pout live its best life.

Behold: The 17 Best Lipsticks of All Time

The Best Lip Stains That Give You That Popsicle Finish

Best Overall: Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain

Best Budget: e.l.f. Cosmetics Radiant Gel Lip Stain

Best Matte: Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint

Best Drugstore: Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain

Best Classic: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain

Best Natural: Rituel de Fille Enchanted Lip Sheer

Best Hydrating: Lancôme Juicy Shaker Pigment Infused Bi-Phased Lip Oil

Best Rollerball: Milk Makeup Glow Oil

Best Double-Duty: RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek

Related Stories