We Test-Drove the Buzziest Drugstore Lip Stains—These Are the 17 We’d Recommend to Our Friends

Whether it’s bold or neutral, there’s no denying a nice lip color can complete a makeup look. In fact, it can be the centerpiece of your whole look if you don’t want to get dramatic with your eye makeup. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: When I’m not feeling a full face of products, my go-to makeup look is a bold lip with a few dabs of concealer and a swipe of mascara. It’s my easy out for days when I feel lazy or have zero time to get ready. And I think it’s just as flattering as a full face of makeup.

From lipstick to tinted balms and glosses, I’ve amassed quite a collection of lip products because of this makeup habit. One product I’ve really gotten into lately is lip stain. I love how they melt into my skin and leave a sheer color that looks 100% effortless. When the lip stain is budget-friendly, well, that’s even better. Luckily, you can get some high-quality and long-lasting lip stains straight from the drugstore. Keep scrolling to see our top picks!

The Best Drugstore Lip Stains, at a Glance:

• Best Overall: e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain
• Best Matte: L’Oréal Paris Makeup Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain
• Best Gloss: ColourPop HydraPop Glossy Lip Stain
• Best Peel-Off Formula: Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N
• Best Cheek and Lip Stain: Revolution Beauty Jelly Blush Stick Lip & Cheek Stain

The Best Drugstore Lip Stains We Tested in 2025

Best Overall: e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

Best Matte: L’Oréal Paris Makeup Rouge Signature Matte Lip Stain

Best Gloss: ColourPop HydraPop Glossy Lip Stain

Best Peel-Off Formula: Sacheu Peel Off Lip Liner STAY-N

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Best Transfer-Proof: Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

Best Cheek and Lip Stain: Revolution Beauty Jelly Blush Stick Lip & Cheek Stain

Best Color Payoff: NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

Best Sheer: Ulta Beauty Collection Weightless Water Lip Stain in Pink Popsicle

Best Natural-Looking: Essence What a Tint! Lip & Cheek Tint

Best Semi-Matte: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain in That’s Fire

Best Marker: Covergirl Outlast Lipstain

Best Longevity: Rimmel Provocalips Lip Stain

Best Hydrating: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

Best for Lip Liner: Palladio Lip Stain

Best Water Tint: Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

Best Portable: Kiko Cosmetics Long Lasting Color Lip Marker

Best Shade Range: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick

The Best Drugstore Lipstains: A Comparison Chart

Lip Stains vs. Liquid Lipsticks

You might be wondering: What’s really the difference between a lip stain and a liquid lipstick? They do seem pretty similar upon first glance, but according to celebrity makeup artist Misha Shahzada, lip stains are much more lightweight in consistency. “[They] absorb into the lips, leaving a natural, long-lasting tint. Liquid lipsticks are more pigmented, sit on top of the lips, and provide full coverage with a matte or satin finish,” she notes. “Stains feel lighter and fade gradually, while liquid lipsticks offer bolder color but can feel heavier.”

Makeup artist Andrés Nuñez concurs: “Liquid lipstick doesn’t last all day and it’s a thicker formula that usually feels a bit cakey on the lips. Lip stains are thinner and more comfortable — they feel like you have nothing on but last all day!”

What to Look for in a Lip Stain

• Longevity: A lip stain should coat your lips with long-lasting color—hence why it’s called a stain as opposed to a lipstick or balm. The main perk of lip stains is that you shouldn’t have to retouch them throughout the day, so no matter which pigment you choose, make sure it has a long-wearing, smudge-proof formula.
• Hydrating ingredients: Because lip stains cling to your lip skin, many can settle into the delicate cracks, which can be quite drying. “Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera to prevent dryness, especially in water- or alcohol-based formulas,” Shahzada suggests. “Avoid lip stains with high alcohol content, strong synthetic fragrances, or formulas that feel drying, flaky, or tacky.”
• Finish: “Pick a finish that suits your style—matte for long wear, glossy for hydration and shine, or sheer for a natural look,” advises Shahzada.

How to Apply a Lip Stain Correctly

The experts we spoke to all agree: Lip exfoliation is key. “Make sure you buff off all of the dry skin first and apply the stain to fresh, clean lips for optimal long wear,” makeup artist Dennese Rodriguez shares. Feel free to use a dollop of lip scrub, or you can even use a clean, dry toothbrush to buff your lips in small, gentle circles. Follow up with lip balm (hydration after exfoliation is essential), and let the moisture absorb for a beat before blotting off the excess with a tissue.

Next, “Apply the lip stain in thin layers, starting from the center and letting each layer dry fully,” Shahzada advises. “Avoid pressing your lips together while it sets.” Instead, Rodriguez recommends using a fingertip to diffuse the color, which results in a softer application. Once you’ve built up the intensity to your liking, top it off with a touch of balm or gloss—just make sure the stain has completely dried down.

How We Chose

When it comes to our testing process at Who What Wear, personal recommendations always come first. Our beauty editors initially selected the drugstore lip stains they personally swear by for their own pouts, making sure to include a variety of finishes, shade ranges, and price points. Customer reviews are also important to keep in mind, so we made sure to scour the review sections of our favorite retailers when compiling our list.

Finally, we also consulted trusted experts. Shahzada, Nuñez, and Rodriguez advised us on what to specifically seek out (plus what to avoid!) in a drugstore lip stain, which helped us ultimately whittle down our list to the 17 all-stars you see here.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.