While a lip stain might look similar to a gloss or lipstick, the difference lies in the way that lip stains work. They’re formulated so that the color is absorbed by your lips (instead of just sitting on top of them) so that the color lasts longer and needs less touching up.
Lip stains generally come in the form of liquids or gels, and they’re generally matte, although some varieties are also glossy. The L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain comes in more than 30 shades and is designed with a precision wand for a perfect application.
Lip stains offer the most color payoff since the formula “stains” your lips and is absorbed by the skin, while the color you get from lipstick and lip gloss forms a layer that sits on top of your lips.
A lip gloss is a liquid product that is used to moisturize the lips and make them shiny. With lip glosses, the defining feature here is the wet texture and high shine, and it can come in both clear and colored varieties.
For more of a traditional gloss, try the L’Oréal Paris Glow Paradise Lip Balm-in-Gloss Pomegranate Extract, which combines the comfort and hydration of a lip balm and the shininess of a gloss thanks to pomegranate extract and hyaluronic acid.
The comfort and shine of a lip gloss is its main benefit over lipstick or a lip stain.
Lipstick is used to apply color and texture to the lips, and it’s often made of a combination of wax and oil for both staying power and comfort. Lipsticks are incredibly versatile, and there’s a formula and finish for every taste: matte, shiny, shimmery, frosted, metallic — you name it.
Liquid lipsticks are a happy medium between lip gloss and lipstick because they offer the color of a lipstick with the comfort of a gloss. Keep in mind, though, that they’re not as long-lasting as a traditional lipstick.
Reach for the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Intense Volume Matte Lipstick for a weightless lipstick that won’t bleed or feather. The lipstick has a long-wearing powdery finish but the hyaluronic acid in the formula prevents it from drying out your lips.
The versatility and different finishes of lipsticks set it apart from other lip products.
The main difference between lip stains, lip glosses, and lipsticks are going to be the formula, color payoff, and longevity. Lip stains last the longest — about eight to 12 hours — followed by lipstick, then lip gloss. Generally, lip glosses will offer the least longevity since the wet texture is more for shine than staying power, so it's the most prone to fading (especially when you factor in activities like eating and drinking).
The removal method of each product is also going to differ, as a lip gloss can easily be removed with a napkin or washcloth. Lipstick can be removed with your favorite makeup remover or face wash (just remember to keep your lips closed), while removing a lip stain will take a micellar water like the L’Oréal Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof, for All Skin Types, or an oil-based remover. Olive oil can also work in a pinch.
Ultimately, personal preference will determine which pick is best for you, as well as formula. If you’re going to an event where you would rather not have to reapply your lip product, go for a lip stain. If you want color on your lips but don’t want a long removal process at the end of the night, a lipstick is your best bet. For color with the most shine, try a lip gloss if you’re not bothered by re-application.
Next: How to Get Gorgeous Glass Lips in 4 Easy Steps
Photographer: Chaunte Vaughn, Art Director: Hannah Packer, Associate Creative Producer: Becca Solovay, Digital Tech: Katy Andrascik, Photo Assistant: Sam Kang, Makeup Artist: Jonet Williamson, Hair Stylist: Akihisa Yamaguchi, Wardrobe Stylist: Melina Kemph, Wardrobe Assistant: Kayla Martinez, Model: Juli Deng
Lips come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and lip products are equally varied. From lipsticks to glosses—with plenty of formulas in between—there really is something out there for everyone.
But what lip products suit you best when you aren't necessarily sure what you're looking for? We've taken two sought-after lip products that nearly everyone has tried at some point—lip tints and lip stains—and decided to break down the differences. Whether you want subtle color or a full-blown power lip, we've got you. Ahead, with the help of professional makeup artist Michelle Shakeshaft, we break down the differences between lip tints and stains, how to use them, and advice on picking the right one for your needs.
Meet the Expert
Michelle Shakeshaft is a national pro makeup artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics based in Washington, DC.
Lip Stains vs. Lip Tints
The key differences between lip stains and lip tints are:
A lip stain will be ideal if you're looking for something matte that will last and deposit color. Lip tints are a suitable option for a hydrated, more natural look.
What Is a Lip Stain?
When differentiating between lip stains and tints, the names are quite helpful. A lip stain is exactly what it sounds like: "A lip stain is a sheer wash of a natural matte color that stains the lip," Shakeshaft explains. While lipsticks and glosses can often be wiped away with little to no residue, a lip stain will leave some color behind, essentially staining the lip, and typically must be removed with a cleanser or makeup remover. Lip stains also come in glossy finishes and hold up well against eating and drinking, thanks to their staying power.
How to Apply a Lip Stain
Since most lip stains come in matte formulas, it's best practice to ensure lips are free of any dry skin or flakes before application; matte textures and finishes can sometimes exaggerate dry skin. Using a lip scrub to remove debris from the lips is helpful, along with wearing hydrating lip masks at night. Fresh Beauty's Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator ($19) can help slough off any skin on the lips for smoothness. For a hydrating treatment, try Halo42's Pout it Out Lip Rejuvenation ($42).
Shakeshaft has a specific method for applying lip stains. "I like pressing lip stains onto and into the lip," she says. "You can also create a stained look by using highly pigmented lipstick, like Bobbi Brown’s Luxe Lip Color ($28), and pressing it onto the lip in sheer layers, using your finger [as opposed to] swiping straight from the tube. The saturated pigment will create a stain on the lip."
Want something a tad lighter? "If you like the 'I just ate a popsicle' look, press the stain into the lip's center, leaving the outer edges bare," Shakeshaft recommends. This is a subtle option for those who want the look of a stain yet a minimal color payoff. Armani Beauty's Lip Maestro Liquid Matte Lipstick ($39) is ideal for this technique: It glides on smooth with the lasting power of a stain, is buildable (you go until you're satisfied with the tone), and a little goes a long way.
And if you're not sure, you can always try something inexpensive, like one of these drugstore lip stains.
What Is a Lip Tint?
"A lip tint is a sheer wash of moisturizing color for the lip," says Shakeshaft. Think of a softer, hydrating lip product that will deposit lighter color onto the lips and, at times, has a glossy or balm-like finish.
How to Apply a Lip Tint
Shakeshaft has a few simple tips for applying lip tints. "Lip tints can be swiped across the lip if you want a bit more shine, or again, pressed in for a softer, hydrated look," she says. Want to use your lip tint and stain together? "You can layer a lip tint over a lip stain if you are looking for a longer-wearing, natural look but feel like the lip needs a bit more moisture or if you prefer a little shine on the lips," she adds. This technique is an excellent alternative to wearing lip gloss if that's not your preferred finish.
If you want a lip tint with the added benefit of treatment, Make Beauty's Serum Balm Intense Pigmented Lip Emollient ($26) hydrates and treats lips with several colors. For a glossier finish, try the Essence Lip Tint from Unicorn Glow ($11).
The Final Takeaway
The best practice for choosing lip products (or any makeup products) is doing swatch tests on your hands to see the differences in finish, color, and wear. While shopping for lip tints or stains, test a few on the top of your hand to see how much they vary in consistency and hue, and to figure out which formula feels more comfortable on your skin. If you know that you're more of a natural lip fan, you can skip the stains and look at tints. If a bold finish is what you're after, compare colors and brands of different stains to figure out which one you feel will look the best and hold up through long work days and then some.