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 products like Tonymoly, some of the greatest lip stains for no-fuss, long-lasting color are now coming straight from Seoul. Fortunately, you don’t need a plane ticket to shop for them, and many of them are under $15. Several Western cosmetics companies have also mastered the K-beauty staple in their own unique ways.
When you’re ready to apply your preferred stain, make 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 voilà. Makeup expert Geneivive Garner recommends tapping the product directly onto your lips with your fingers for a natural-looking finish. Claire suggests using the pigment directly from the tube for a more saturated finish.
“To ensure the longest wear, make sure to apply your stain on clean, dry lips,” Garner advises Allure. Claire adds, “A lip mask or a light clear balm will help even out the lips’ hydration levels, prepping them for a more even application.” Claire also suggests using a lip liner as a base to help the stain last longer. Claire and Garner both recommend applying a one-ply tissue to your lips before putting a small 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 color transfer to your teeth, and no need for post-meal reapplication. You’ll be fixated on the color for hours.
Intrigued? Continue reading for a full list of our favorite lightweight, low-maintenance lip tints.
We adore carrying anything emblazoned with Dior’s iconic logo, but that’s not the only reason we’ve ranked the Dior Addict Lip Tint first on our list. Each tube of this sheer, buildable solution contains cherry oil, which leaves lips kissably soft and flake-free. Its color palette includes five glossy-finish reds, ranging from the brick-toned Natural Tea (seen above) to the raspberry-toned Natural Berry.
Who else recalls how you couldn’t browse through your social feed without seeing Peripera’s Ink Velvet Lip Tint? Because of its velvet-like matte feel and outstanding color payoff, this long-lasting lip stain quickly became one of the most popular beauty items on the internet.
The Huda Beauty Lip Blush Cream Lip & Cheek Stain is a multipurpose formula that we adore. Whether you want a pop of color on your lips, cheeks, or both, this ultra-light stain has you covered — and it won’t fade or smudge all day. This hydrating lip stain contains hyaluronic acid, which keeps your skin supple and smooth as you wear it.
Allow yourself to be spoiled with Yves Saint Laurent’s Vinyl Cream Lip Stain, a high-shine hue that will put the glossiest lip glosses in your makeup bag to shame. This lip stain is presently available in two reflective red tones (Psychedelic Chili, shown above, and Burgundy Vibes) and is claimed to last up to 10 hours.
The gel-to-oil mix of Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil is what makes it so appealing. This lightweight lip stain goes on like a gloss and has a smooth, nylon-like finish that won’t spread or smudge all day. This tinted oil also contains conditioning elements such as jojoba and sunflower seed oils, which will leave your lips feeling soft and smooth for as long as you wear it.