No Touch-Ups Required With These Drugstore Lip Stains

Looking for the best drugstore lip stains that actually deliver to you? You’ve come to the right place. These aren’t your old dry, patchy formulas. Today’s pick provides intense staying power and hydration in just one swipe, leaving lips looking soft, plump, and full of color all day long. Why are these lip stains so addictive? Thanks to moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol, many feel like glosses or balms, but fade like stains, so you can skip a mid-afternoon touch-up. From buildable tints to hydrating gems, these drugstore lip stains are changing the way you think about affordable color.

Popular lip stains at drugstores

Best overall: Nix Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

Why it’s worth it: Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain delivers the best of both worlds in the lip category. It has a glass-like glossy finish and the stain’s color stays on long after the initial shine wears off. In fact, the St. Louis-based makeup artist, Kimberly Wims Contains moisturizing ingredients (hello, coconut water) and vitamin B12, the drugstore’s most underrated lip stain reportedly contains vitamin B12 to nourish and lock in moisture. “The unique glossy texture and price point make this one for everyone,” she says. 16 juicy shades (think everyday mauves and cherry apple reds) have everything you need for all-day color that you won’t want to take off.

Best gloss: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain

Why it’s worth it: Milani’s Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain is drugstore magic in a tube. It delivers bold, long-lasting color like a stain, while infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane to leave lips kissable and supple all day long. Just like our favorite Nyx, it leaves a glossy, juicy feel that absorbs slowly to leave behind a satin-like stain that lasts for 8 hours. The six-shade range leans toward rich, moody tones, such as Hello and Bitten Berry, which are perfect winter plums, while also offering bright pops of color like Pink About It.

Best lightweight: L’Oreal Paris Paradise Hyaluronic Tint Lip Stain Serum

Why it’s worth it: The L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluronic Tint Lip Stain Serum is, as you might expect, a stain and serum in one, but beyond its moisturizing properties (glycerin and sodium hyaluronate), what struck me most was its lightweight feel. It’s as if you’re not wearing anything at all (maybe a little stingy), but still has a rich color effect. Available in eight wearable shades ranging from nude to red, the pigments last all day and can be applied and wiped off for a subtle, natural look, or dried completely for a bold, brightening effect. Plus, it comes with a wide, flat applicator that makes it easy and precise to apply to your lips, ensuring you get every nook and cranny.

Suitable for adult lips: elf cosmetics glossy lip stain

Why it’s worth it: For makeup artists with adult lips Alexa Persico We always suggest a light lip stain with a moisturizing and supple finish, rather than one that is too matte or too alcoholic. “Elf’s glossy lip stains are great because they have a moisturizing finish that looks much better than matte stains on mature lips,” she says. “It helps smooth out fine lines and keep lips plump and healthy.” Thanks to the glycerin, it feels silky soft and comfortable, and the color stays bright and pigmented even after several hours, so much so that you forget you’re wearing it until it’s reflective.

Best precision: Palladio Beauty Lip Stain Marker

Why it’s worth it: Layering most lip stains will leave you with dry, chapped, patchy lips, but with Palladio Beauty’s Lip Stain Markers, that won’t happen. “It easily gives a flushed look while remaining light on the lips,” says Persico. The pointed tip makes it easy to create overlines and precise edges, and thanks to panthenol it moisturizes, soothes and protects your lips. “It’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t dry out your lips, which is especially important when using it on clients,” adds Persico.

Best mat: Maybelline New York Super Stay Teddy Tint

Why it’s worth it: Maybelline New York’s Super Stay Teddy Tint comes in 20 shades, from pinks and reds to browns and nudes, but it’s not just the color range that makes it stand out. It delivers the blurry, matte finish we love without the drying or sticky feeling that long-wearing formulas often have. One swipe is enough for deep coverage, and up to three times for a bold finish. “I love that it lasts up to 12 hours, is smudge-proof, waterproof, and kiss-proof,” says the Philadelphia-based makeup artist. Marcia Williams. “It has a matte finish and is lightweight, yet delivers rich, beautiful color.” She’s also a fan of precision applicators. “Start with the cupid’s bow and fill in everything from there, aiming for the perfect finish.”

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FAQ

What is the difference between drugstore lip stain and Prestige lip stain?

According to Persico, the biggest difference between drugstore and high-end lip stains usually comes down to improved formulation and finish. “Prestige lip stains often contain more skin-care-focused ingredients or complex pigments, but drugstore options have come a long way and can absolutely compete when it comes to wear and comfort.” Most of the stains on our list contain moisturizing ingredients, just like the pricier options. Because no one wants dry lips.

How do you apply lip stain?

Persico says the best way to apply lip liner stain is to start in the center of your lips and blend outwards using your fingertips or a lip brush to give it a soft, natural look. “Let it sit for a minute or so, then layer a balm or gloss on top as needed,” she says. Less is more!

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How to test and review products

when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.

For our list of the best drugstore lipsticks, we considered each product’s performance across five key categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product feel. All products have been judged outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, in addition to special consideration by dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.

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