On the long list of South Korea’s many fine exports — including, but not limited to, sheet masks, pimple patches, and K-pop — are lip tints. These days, some of the best lip stains for no-fuss, long-lasting color are coming straight from Seoul, thanks to brands like Tonymoly. Luckily, you don’t need a plane ticket to shop for them, and many of these picks are under-$15. Several Western beauty brands have also mastered the K-beauty staple in their own ways.
When you’re ready to apply your favorite stain, makeup artist Andrea Claire recommends drawing a “V” at the bow and outer corners of your lips and a “U” towards the bottom of your lips. Then, connect the dots, fill in the lips, and voíla. For a natural-looking finish, makeup artist Geneivive Garner advises tapping the product directly onto your lips using your fingers. Claire recommends applying the stain straight from the tube for a more saturated look.
“To ensure the longest wear, make sure you apply your stain on clean, dry lips,” Garner tells Allure. What’s more, according to Claire: “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 recommends using a lip liner as a base, which helps extend the stain’s wear time. To seal the deal, both Claire and Garner suggest laying a one-ply tissue over your lips before dabbing a small amount of translucent powder on top.
No matter which lip-stain iteration you’re into, these products are sticking with you for the long haul. Expect not a single drop of color to travel to your teeth, and post-meal reapplication won’t be a concern. You’ll be committed to the hue for hours.
Intrigued? Read on for the complete list of our favorite lightweight, low-maintenance lip stains.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Dior Addict Lip Tint, $40
- The Popular Pick: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint, $11
- The O.G: Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, $21
- Moisture Surge: Clarins Water Lip Stain, $29
- The Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Lip Stain, $27
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