Unless you’ve been on a veryyy long social media hiatus, you’ve probably noticed that lip stains are having their viral moment—and for good reason! Take one scroll on TikTok and you’ve likely seen this must-have on the lips of just about everyone. But what exactly is a lip stain, and why should it be your new go-to? Well, get ready to master your perfect pout, because we’re breaking it all down!
A lip stain is exactly what it sounds like—a lightweight formulae that stains your lips for long-lasting colour, without the heaviness of traditional lipsticks. Think of it as a "set it and forget it" option for your lips. The benefits? Plenty. Lip stains are known for their longwear magic, meaning you won’t have to worry about constant touch-ups. Plus, they’re transfer-proof, so your coffee cup or clothes won’t be ruined by a swipe of colour.
Not only are they a dream to wear, but they give you that effortless, “I woke up like this” vibe. Whether you’re going for a natural makeup look or want a bold pop of colour, lip stains have you covered. So, let’s get into it!
The Different Types of Lip Stains
Let’s break down the types of lip stains, because not all stains are the same! First up, liquid lip stains—these are the classic. With their lightweight, watery formulae, they give you a smooth, sheer tint that dries down quickly and stays put for hours. They’re perfect if you want a natural look that won’t budge. Our Glossy Lip Stain is our nourishing, high-pigment version of a natural-looking lip stain with—you guessed it—a silky, glossy finish.
Lip stain pens, on the other hand, are exactly what they sound like—think of them as precision tools for your lips. These come with a pen-like applicator, giving you pinpoint control and a more defined, long-lasting stain that dries down quickly. Marker stains are perfect for those who love a bold pop of colour without the mess.
Lip Stains vs. Other Lip Products
Lip stains, lipsticks, glosses, and lip tints—each one has its moment, and choosing the right one really all comes down to your desired makeup look.
Lipsticks are your classic go-to for bold colour. They give you full coverage and a more dramatic finish, but they can smudge or fade after a few hours. If you're looking for something low-maintenance and long-lasting, that’s where lip stains come in. They give you that same pop of colour without the constant reapplication, and they won’t transfer or fade easily throughout the day.
Glosses give you that shiny, plump look, but the downside? They can be sticky, and you’ll likely need to reapply often. Stains, on the other hand, are transfer-proof and feel weightless. They’re perfect if you want a subtle, natural colour that doesn’t require upkeep (or any chance of stickiness).
Lip tints can give a similar effect to lip stains, but they're usually more moisturising and less long-lasting. They tend to give you a softer, less intense colour and skew more on the side of a really moisturising and longer-lasting lipstick.
Feeling adventurous? Layering lip stains with glosses or lipsticks is a fun way to customise your look. Use a lip stain for a long-wear base and top it off with a glossy finish or a punch of lipstick for more dramatic flair!
Benefits of Using a Lip Stain
Aside from that pouty, natural finish you get from using a stain—think blushy lips straight out of an Italian renaissance painting—stains but also has tons of benefits and functionality.
The most obvious benefit of using a lip stain is their long-lasting colour. Whether you’re eating, drinking, or ahem… kissing, your lip colour stays intact. And touch-ups or lipstick smudges? Nowhere to be found.
What sets lip stains apart from other lip products? Their lightweight, non-transferable formulae. They won’t leave marks on your coffee cup… or anywhere else. Once applied, they’re set and ready to go, no mess, no fuss.
Another major win is their natural-looking finish. Lip stains feel so lightweight on the lips, unlike some lipsticks that can feel heavy or sticky. It’s the perfect “I woke up like this” vibe, giving you a beautiful pop of colour without that thick, cakey feeling. And let’s not forget their versatility. You can build up the intensity depending on your mood—from a soft, flushed look to a bold, statement-making pout. Whether you're going for something subtle or daring, lip stains deliver!
How to Choose the Right Lip Stain Shade for Your Skin Tone
Ready to find your perfect lip stain match? Let’s dive into the range of shades for our Glossy Lip Stain. Here's our breakdown based on your skin tone:
For Fair Skin
If you're rocking a fair complexion, go for a soft, pretty pop of colour. Our lip stain in the shade Pinkies Up is your go-to here; it’s a sweet pinkish-mauve that adds a hint of romance without overpowering your natural glow. If you're craving a subtle nude, Power Mauves is your go-to—a soft rosy nude that’s chic and effortless.
For Medium and Olive Skin:
Medium and olive skin tones, listen up! Spicy Sienna is a fiery red with a warm undertone, perfect for a little extra oomph. Or, if you're feeling a bit more low-key, Cinnamon Dreamz will give you that cozy, earthy vibe while adding just the right amount of depth.
For Deep Skin:
If you’re ready to make a statement, try Berry Queen—a bold berry that looks stunning on richer skin. It’s rich, fierce, and lets rich skin tones stand out. Or go with Red-y or Not —a timeless red that’s all things classic.
Best Occasions for Lip Stains
When life gets busy (or sweaty), lip stains are the MVP’s of your makeup bag. Let’s talk about when they really shine:
Long workdays: Whether you’re powering through meetings or running errands, lip stains are your low-maintenance hero with lasting power.
Special events and weddings: Crying during the vows? Lip stains are smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and celebration-proof—meaning your lips will still look photo-ready by the end of the night.
Hot weather activities: Spring and summer are on their way, and lip stains stand the test of hot temps and humidity. Unlike lipsticks or glosses that can melt, smear, or feel sticky, stains stay weightless and vibrant.
Travel and on-the-go: Lip stains are the ultimate "apply and forget" product — perfect for a fresh, effortless look that lasts through busy days.
Step 1: Exfoliate Your Lips
Lip stains work by soaking into your lips (remember, they stain the top layer of skin), so any dry, flaky bits can cause uneven colour or a patchy finish. Not exactly the vibe we’re going for.
Start by gently buffing away dead skin with a lip scrub like our Sugar Lip Exfoliator , which smells delicious and creates a smooth, exfoliated base for your lips. If you’re in a pinch, a soft washcloth or toothbrush works too! The goal is to create a smooth, soft canvas that helps the stain absorb evenly and last longer.
Step 2: Hydrate and Moisturise Lips
Now that your lips are smooth and exfoliated, it’s time for step two: hydration! Lip stains are known for their long-wear power, but they can cling to dry spots if your lips aren’t moisturised — and nobody wants a cracked, uneven look.
The key is locking in moisture without making your lips too slippery. Start by applying a thin layer of a hydrating lip balm or mask to keep your lips soft and plump. Holy Hydration! Lip Mask is a dream — it’s packed with nourishing ingredients to give your lips that "just drank a gallon of water" feel. If you’re on the go, Squeeze Me Glow moisturising Lip Balm is another must-have, adding lightweight hydration without that heavy, greasy feeling.
Step 3: Line Lips with Lip Liner
Next up: lining lips. Yes, lip stains are all about that easy, lived-in look—but a little lip liner goes a long way in keeping things polished (and preventing any "colouring outside the lines" mishaps).
If you’re ready to line, grab our Cream Lip Liner Pencil—it’s smooth, easy to control, and glides on seamlessly. Start by outlining your natural lip shape for a clean, defined edge. If you’re into a poutier, fuller look, go ahead and slightly overline — just aim to stay close to your natural shape for a plump-but-believable finish.
Lining your lips not only gives you that extra definition, but it also acts like a boundary to help the stain stay exactly where you want it — no feathering or smudging. Plus, if you fill in your lips lightly with the liner before applying the stain, you’ll get an even richer, more long-lasting colour.
Step 4: Apply Your Lip Stain
It’s finally time for the main event — applying your lip stain! Start at your Cupid’s bow and slowly swipe the stain on, working outward toward the edges. This gives you more control and helps keep the look symmetrical and even.
Our Glossy Lip Stain already has a built-in glossy finish — so you can skip the extra gloss or lip oil on top. The best part? The colour sticks around all day. As the gloss naturally fades, you’ve got options: leave it be for a more subtle, stained look, reapply for fresh shine, or top it off with a clear gloss if you’re a fan of a high gloss sheen.
Step 5: Clean Up the Edges with Concealer
Lip stains are meant to stay put — which is great for your lips, but not so much for the skin around them. To keep things clean and crisp, grab a wet Q-tip and gently swipe away any blurred edges before the stain sets. For extra precision, dab a bit of Hydrating Camo Concealer onto our Small Angled Eyeliner Brush (yes, eyeliner brushes double as cleanup pros!) and trace around your lips. This sharpens the edges and gives your lips that flawless, makeup-artist-level finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying a Lip Stain
You’ve learned how to master a lived-in stain look… so let’s avoid these classic lip stain blunders. First up: dry, chapped lips. Stains cling to dry patches like their life depends on it—leaving you with a cracked, dry, and uneven finish that’s exactly what we’re *not* going for. Always remember to exfoliate and hydrate your lips first for a smooth, even canvas!
Next mistake? Overloading on product. More isn’t always better! Piling on too much stain at once can lead to a smeary, blurred mess. Start with a thin layer, build gradually, and you’ll nail that perfect, effortless finish.
How to Make Your Lip Stain Last Longer
Want your lip stain to go the distance? It’s all about prepping, setting, and reapplying—let’s break it down:
Prep: Start with smooth, hydrated lips — exfoliate away any dry skin, then dab on a hydrating lip balm and blot off the excess. This keeps your lips soft without making the stain slip.
Set: After applying your stain, give it a moment to dry down. For extra staying power, lightly blot with a tissue — this removes excess product while locking in the colour.
Reapply: As the gloss fades (don’t worry, the colour isn’t going anywhere), go back in with another thin layer of stain, or top it off with a tinted lip balm for instant shine.
How to Remove a Lip Stain
Not feeling your lip stain anymore? No need to fret, even the most stubborn stains can be undone. For a quick fix, reach for an oil-based makeup remover—this helps break down long-wear pigments like magic. Just massage it onto your lips and wipe away with a cotton pad. For extra stubborn stains, gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub to lift lingering colour. Whatever method you choose, be gentle—no harsh rubbing.