If you love vibrant, long-lasting lip color that won’t smudge or fade halfway through the day, a lip stain is your new best friend. Unlike regular lipsticks or glosses, lip stains are designed to last through meals, coffee, and endless conversations—all while keeping your lips looking effortlessly chic.
Whether you prefer a bold red, a soft nude, or a rosy pink, the best lip stains of 2025 deliver pigment, comfort, and staying power. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of formulas to bring you the ultimate list of makeup essentials that deserve a permanent spot in your beauty bag.
What Makes a Lip Stain Different?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why lip stains are taking over the beauty world in 2025.
Unlike lipsticks that sit on top of your lips, lip stains soak into the skin, providing color that won’t budge—even after eating or drinking. They offer:
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Lightweight feel: No heavy or sticky texture.
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Transfer-proof formula: Ideal for all-day wear.
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Buildable pigment: From natural tint to bold statement.
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Hydration: Many modern formulas now include nourishing oils and extracts.
If you’re someone who wants color that stays put without constant touch-ups, a long-lasting lip stain is a must-have.
How We Tested the Best Lip Stains
To help you find your perfect match, we evaluated each product based on:
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Longevity – How well the color lasts throughout the day.
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Comfort – Whether it feels hydrating or drying.
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Pigmentation – Color payoff and vibrancy.
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Ease of application – How smoothly it goes on.
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Value – Whether it’s worth the price tag.
After weeks of testing, we narrowed it down to the 9 best lip stains of 2025 that deliver on every front.
1. Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
Best for: All-day hydration and bold color
Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Poutsicle is a cult favorite for a reason. It gives a juicy, long-lasting tint without drying your lips. The lightweight, hydrating formula ensures a natural sheen that fades evenly into a soft tint.
Why you’ll love it:
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Sheer to medium buildable coverage
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Contains squalane for added hydration
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Comfortable, non-sticky finish
Pro Tip: For a glossy look, layer it with Fenty Gloss Bomb.
2. Benefit Benetint Rose Lip & Cheek Tint
Best for: Multi-purpose use
This timeless classic continues to reign supreme in 2025. Benefit’s Benetint offers a natural, rosy flush that works beautifully on both lips and cheeks.
Why you’ll love it:
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Subtle yet buildable color
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Kiss-proof and long-lasting
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Lightweight and easy to blend
Makeup Tip: Dab a few dots on your cheeks for a monochrome makeup look.
3. Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
Best for: Dewy, hydrating finish
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty delivers a game-changer with its Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil. Despite being labeled an oil, it acts as a lip stain once absorbed, leaving a rich, long-lasting tint.
Why you’ll love it:
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Glossy-to-stain transformation
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Feels ultra-hydrating
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Perfect for everyday wear
Shade to try: Affection — a soft berry hue that flatters all skin tones.
4. Dior Addict Lip Tint
Best for: Luxury lovers
For those who crave elegance, Dior Addict Lip Tint offers a couture-level finish. The formula provides a natural matte tint with 12-hour wear and a barely-there feel.
Why you’ll love it:
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High-end feel and texture
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Transfer-proof and smudge-resistant
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Enriched with cherry oil for hydration
Pro Tip: Pair it with a Dior Lip Glow Oil for extra shine and nourishment.
5. e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain
Best for: Budget-friendly beauty
If you’re on a budget, e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain is an unbeatable option. It delivers a sheer wash of color that deepens over time, leaving a soft stain that lasts all day.
Why you’ll love it:
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Affordable price
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Lightweight, non-drying formula
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Vegan and cruelty-free
Makeup Tip: Apply two layers for extra intensity.
6. YSL Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream Lip Stain
Best for: Velvet-matte lovers
The Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream offers intense color payoff in a soft matte finish. It’s perfect for bold looks that last all day (and night).
Why you’ll love it:
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Creamy, comfortable texture
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High pigment in one swipe
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Sleek, elegant packaging
Pro Tip: Use a lip brush for precise edges when applying darker shades.
7. Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink
Best for: High-shine, transfer-proof color
Maybelline’s SuperStay Vinyl Ink gives you that glossy, high-shine look without sacrificing longevity. It stays vibrant for up to 16 hours—no smudges, no fading.
Why you’ll love it:
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Affordable drugstore option
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Intense pigment with vinyl-like finish
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Smudge-proof and comfortable
Shade to try: Peachy — a versatile coral that suits every skin tone.
8. Clarins Water Lip Stain
Best for: Lightweight, natural finish
Clarins Water Lip Stain is perfect for those who love a barely-there feel. Its water-based formula tints your lips beautifully without feeling heavy.
Why you’ll love it:
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Extremely lightweight
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Adjustable intensity
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Enriched with aloe vera and raspberry water
Pro Tip: Apply one layer for a soft tint, or three for a bolder statement.
9. NARS Powermatte Lip Stain
Best for: Intense, long-lasting wear
If you’re after full coverage and serious staying power, the NARS Powermatte Lip Stain won’t disappoint. It delivers rich color that sets quickly and stays flawless for hours.
Why you’ll love it:
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Ultra-pigmented formula
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Smooth, matte finish
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Non-drying and transfer-resistant
Makeup Tip: Pair with a nude lip liner for a clean, defined look.
How to Make Your Lip Stain Last Even Longer
Even the best lip stains can benefit from the right prep and application. Here’s how to make your long-lasting lip color truly stay put:
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Exfoliate: Gently scrub your lips to remove dead skin.
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Hydrate: Apply a lightweight balm before your lip stain.
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Apply in layers: Start with a light coat, let it dry, and build as needed.
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Blot excess: Use a tissue to remove extra product.
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Avoid oily foods: Oils can break down pigments faster.
Bonus Tip: Seal your look with a setting spray for a full-face lock-in.
Trends to Watch in 2025 Lip Colors
2025 is all about hybrid beauty products—formulas that combine skincare and color. Expect to see:
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Tinted lip oils with nourishing benefits
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Water-based stains for natural looks
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Bold berry and coral shades dominating spring and summer
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Minimalist packaging focusing on eco-conscious design
Lip stains are no longer just makeup—they’re part of a clean beauty lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Your 2025 Lip Stain Essentials
Whether you prefer a soft tint or a bold pout, these 9 best lip stains of 2025 cater to every mood, budget, and skin tone. From luxury favorites like Dior and YSL to affordable gems like e.l.f. and Maybelline, each product has earned its spot for delivering vibrant, long-lasting color that feels as good as it looks.
Ready to upgrade your beauty routine? Add one (or a few) of these makeup essentials to your collection today and enjoy effortless color that lasts all day.
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