If you love lip color but hate reapplying, lip stains could be the solution for you. They offer long-lasting wear without flaking the way that extended wear lipsticks do, and they easily survive eating and drinking. With one application, you can get through an entire day at work, arriving home still looking great.
Go for Quality
While with many makeup items you can go for the bargain and still get good quality, this isn’t usually the case with lip stains. Many cheaper products marketed as lip stains are very drying, and can leave your lips with a cracked appearance. Additionally, they have a tendency to dry out quickly, forcing you to replace them more often.
Practice Before You Wear it Out
The biggest downside to lip stains is that they really do stain, and if you aren’t adept at applying lip color just yet, you can end up with a pink halo around your mouth. Lining your lips first is a great way to protect against this, but match the liner to your natural lip color, not the stain, otherwise it will show.
Buy Matte
While there are glossy lip stains, matte stains tend to last the longest. Even if a matte look isn’t what you are wanting, this is still the way to go. For shine, you can always add your gloss after the fact, getting the effect you desire.
Beyond That, Treat it Like Any Other Lip Color
When it comes to selecting the right shades, how long to keep it, and other general aspects, you treat your lip stain as you would any other lip color. There isn’t much of a learning curve to making the switch. And now you can enjoy long-lasting lip color for a stunning look that is simple to achieve.
Brandy says
I love lip stains. It’s so much easier to put on lip balm in the winter because you don;t have to worry about ruining your makeup!
Rachel Ferrucci says
I agree- I usually just keep a gloss that I reapply and since it’s clear, no worries
Pam says
I really like the look of lip stains. I haven’t really used them but I think they look great on other people.
Rachel Ferrucci says
I have found once I figured out the best ones, I love them so much more than lipstick
Lindsey Paris says
Yes, always practice. One time I smugded the stain putting it on and it lasted all night!
Rachel Ferrucci says
HA been there done that- and then I kept buying the cheap ones and it felt like my lips were so chapped and I was biting it off
Kita Bryant says
I have to be careful about even the chapstick I use because it just destroys my lips. Thanks for the tips!
Rachel Ferrucci says
Lips are very sensitive. Sounds like you should always make sure you use a better brand/product
Liz Mays says
This is really helpful. I’m new to lip stains so I wouldn’t really know where to start.
Rachel Ferrucci says
Try reviewing a better one first. You will notice the difference in the cheap one immediately and it really helps to add gloss because it can feel a little weird if you’re used to lipstick
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
I am a huge fan of matte lip stains. I have more than my fair share of brands and colors. I find that a good setting spray will help keep the color on your lips, too.
Rachel Ferrucci says
OHHH that’s another great tip- I’ll have to add that!
Melisasource says
I’m haven’t used lip stains because just about everything I try to use wrecks my lips. But they look great.
Rachel Ferrucci says
Make sure your lips are moisturized before applying. I think many people forget to moisturize their lips and their the body part that takes a lot of abuse from the elements
Kelly Hutchinson says
Great info! I usually always end up choosing the wrong color or one that feels so sticky it is just uncomfortable.
Rachel Ferrucci says
Sticky is not good. I’ll spend more on lips to make sure I don’t look like a hussy lol. For your color – maybe this will help – https://tools2tiaras.com/how-to-find-your-color/
Nicole Escat says
I have tried a lot of lip stains and some are really sticky. I like lip stains that are lighter.
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
I so love this! I usually wears matte but I think I’ll try other kinds too! 😀
Kody Loveless says
Thank you for sharing. I have never used lip stains before. I do like that they last so long. I think this would be perfect for work and for the weekends. I like how you said to practice using it before you go out. I would hate to have a pink halo around my lips. I will have to make sure I have a steady hand.
Crystal says
I’ve made the mistake of wearing new color out before testing it out at home. Whoops! Nothing like looking at photos from the day and thinking, “I was out in public like that?!?!”
Rachel Ferrucci says
haha been there done that
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla says
I wholeheartedly agree with matte. It looks stylish, perfect and lasts longer!
Nikki Wayne says
I love matte! I hate it when I wore sticky lip tints and when it is windy, my hair keeps sticking in my lips!
Rosey says
I have never tried a lip stain. I’d love to though, it offers an appealing look.
Candy O says
I’m actually a matte lip kinda girl. I kiss on my kids and husband too much for stains.. and I like to have color other than just a stain..
Christina Aliperti says
I used to have this great felt tip marker lip stain. I wish I could remember the brand, it was a rosy pink color and it lasted all day without drying out my lips.