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The best lip stains have quite a few tricks up their tubes.
Collage: Gabrielle Castrillon; Source images:Allureeditors
A tint that withstands burrito bowls, makeout sessions, steam rooms, and back-to-back-to-backZoom meetings.
Wonderskin’s formuladepending on what shade you havegoes on dark, thick, and metallic.
And, just a heads upthis applicator isnt the most precise, so be intentional about your strokes."
Deanna Pai applying Clarins' Water Lip Stain in Red Water
Or, for a touch of dewiness, go for the Ink Mood Glowy Tint.
They’re incredibly affordable (you could build a collection without feeling too guilty!)
and last the entire dayeven after plentiful smooches (TMI?)
Pai immediately after applying Clarins' Water Lip Stain
The wear is super comfortable, despite how long-lasting the formulas are.
Cosmetic chemistAmanda Lamexplains that, ultimately, the formula behaves more like a stain than an oil.
This product also wears nicelyon cheeksfor a tied-together look that wont transfer, pill, or patch.
Pai 3 hours after applying Clarins' Water Lip Stain
The hue does fade slowly throughout the day, but it’s still a pretty, my-lips-but-better stain!"
And, with 13 hues, you haveoptions.
Were talking pretty peaches and muted berries, ranging from the brick-hued Natural Tea to the ruby-toned Natural Berry.
Pai 6 hours after applying Clarins' Water Lip Stain
Of course, you’re free to also sink your teeth into more neutral hues with90s-corepinky-browns.
She also recommends using alip lineras a base, which helps extend the stain’s wear time.
Then, connect the dots, fill in the lips, andvoila.
Nicola Dall’Asen applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque in Lipotle (a nude-rose made in collaboration with Chipotle)
For a natural-looking finish, Garner advises tapping the product directly onto your lips using your fingers.
For a more saturated look, Claire recommends applying the stain straight from the tube.
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
Dall’Asen immediately after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses?
Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge?
Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
Dall’Asen 3 hours after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Dall’Asen 6 hours after applying Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
Han applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint in Heart Fuschia Pink
Han immediately after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Han 3 hours after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Han 6 hours after applying Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint
Kara McGrath applying Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Oil in Rose
McGrath immediately after applying Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Oil
McGrath 3 hours after applying Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Oil
McGrath 6 hours after applying Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Oil
Angela Trakoshis applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Trakoshis immediately after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Trakoshis 3 hours after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Trakoshis 6 hours after applying Benetint’s Cheek & Lip Stain
Han applying Dior Addict Lip Tint in Natural Sienna
Sarah Han immediately after applying Dior’s Addict Lip Tint
Han 3 hours after applying Dior’s Addict Lip Tint
Han 7 hours after applying Dior’s Addict Lip Tint
Annie Blackman applying Nyx’s Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Blackman immediately after applying NYX’s Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Blackman 3 hours after applying NYX’s Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Blackman 6 hours after applying NYX’s Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
