Lip tints are among South Korea’s many wonderful exports, which include, but are not limited to, sheet masks, pimple patches, and K-pop. Thanks to Tonymoly, some of the greatest lip stains for no-fuss, long-lasting colour are now arriving direct from Seoul. Fortunately, you don’t need a plane ticket to go shopping for them, and one is only $7. Several Western cosmetics companies have also perfected the K-beauty staple in their own unique ways. L’Oréal Paris, for example, offers an editor-favorite stain, Buxom has a light-as-air option, and Maybelline New York has a compact crayon that leaves a wash of tinted colour.
Unlike lipsticks, which deposit a coating on top of the lips, stains are absorbed into the skin’s outer layers for a thin flash of low-maintenance colour,” says makeup artist and Guide Beauty creator Terri Bryant. Remember, these cosmetics are called lip stains for a reason: they’re perfect for wearing masks.
When you’re ready to apply the stain, form a “V” at the bow and outside corners of your lips and a “U” towards the bottom of your lips, according to beauty expert Andrea Claire. Then join the dots, fill in the lips, and presto. Makeup expert Geneivive Garner recommends tapping the product directly into your lips with your fingertips for a natural-looking finish. Claire suggests using the pigment directly from the tube for a more saturated finish.
To guarantee the longest wear, apply your stain to clean, dry lips,” Garner advises Allure. Furthermore, a lip mask or a light clear balm can help balance out the lips’ moisture levels, ready them for a more even application,” says Claire. Claire also suggests applying a lip liner as a foundation to help the stain last longer. Claire and Garner both recommend applying a one-ply tissue to your lips before putting a little bit of translucent powder on top to seal the deal.
Whatever lip-stain iteration you choose, these items will be with you for the long haul. There will be no colour transfer to your teeth, and no need for post-meal reapplication. You’ll be fixated on the colour for hours.
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Lip Stain
We already expect Fenty Beauty to provide only the greatest formulas, but the Poutsicle Lip Stain is so outstanding that we had to award it an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022. It features the lightweight, barely-there feel and pigmented wash of colour you’d expect from a tint, plus moisturising, lip-softening squalane.
Clarins Water Lip Stain
Claire adores the Clarins Water Lip Stain’s transfer-proof consistency (77 percent water) and somewhat sheer texture. The Best of Beauty winner’s key components include soothing aloe vera, hydrating glycerin, and antioxidant-rich camellia sinensis leaf extract (aka green tea). One of four exciting colours is Red Water (a candy-colored red, as seen below).
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
This classic would be missing from any collection of lip stains. Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain is making a resurgence these days, with K-pop artists applying it to the centre of their lips before going on stage to make their lips seem more lush. Furthermore, it will not wear away no matter how difficult the dance is. While the original Benetint is the most popular, additional colours such as Gogotint (a brilliant cherry red) and Playtint are also available (a cheery hot pink).
L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain
For good reason, L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain is a drugstore favourite. Because of its pigment-packed texture that is lightweight yet long-lasting, makeup artist Keka Heron describes the tint as a hybrid between a lip stain and lipstick. The reasonable pricing is an extra advantage.
Buxom Serial Kisser Plumping Lip Stain
Cara Lovello, a makeup artist, loves Buxom’s Serial Killer Plumping Lip Stain, which is infused with plumping and moisturising hyaluronic acid. The composition attracts moisture to the lips, keeping them soft and supple for hours. Choose from eight different colours, including Beso (a deep cherry), Makeout (a neutral mauve), and Smooch (a peachy coral).
