The beauty world is currently buzzing about a new obsession dominating TikTok feeds: lip stains. These innovative products are gaining serious traction for their ability to deliver vibrant, long-lasting colour that stays put, no matter what your day throws at you. Forget constant touch-ups; lip stains offer a natural-looking flush that’s completely smudge-proof and transfer-resistant. Plus, their lightweight feel makes them incredibly comfortable to wear, perfect for achieving that effortless, low-maintenance vibe with just a few quick swipes.
As is often the case when a new beauty trend goes viral, I found myself drawn to the allure of the lip stain craze. On my quest to discover the best of the best available here in Australia, I’ve unearthed a few gems that have quickly become daily essentials, alongside some others I’m eager to try once my current favourites run out.
Top Lip Stains Making Waves in Australia
Navigating the world of lip colours can be tricky, and finding the perfect shade can be a challenge. This is precisely where Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour range truly shines. Available in a diverse selection of eight intensely pigmented shades, including four exquisite brown and nude tones, this collection has rapidly secured its place in my makeup bag. The formula itself is a winner – rich, enduring, and incredibly flattering.
My personal favourite from the range is the shade ‘Toasty Brown’. The precision felt tip applicator allows for perfect contouring of the lips, adding definition and shape.
- Huda Beauty Lip Contour Stain
- Colours Available: Warm Brown, Toasty Brown, Soft Nude, Rosewood, Rich Brown, Cinnamon, Cherry Red, and Baby Pink.
- Key Features:
- Dual-sided felt-tip liner for precise application.
- Ultra-pigmented formula for intense colour payoff.
- Infused with nourishing Argan Oil to keep lips moisturised.
- Price: $45 at Sephora.
For those seeking a lip stain that genuinely endures throughout the entire day, the KIMUSE Peel Off Lip Liner Stain is an absolute standout. Its pigmentation and longevity are so impressive that I almost wished it faded quicker, simply because my initial shade choice, ‘Pink Cloud’, proved a touch too pink for my personal preference. Undeterred, I then opted for ‘Black Cherry’, and it has since become my go-to shade, worn almost daily.
- KIMUSE Peel Off Lip Liner Stain
- Colours Available: Black Cherry, Chocolates, Pink Cloud, Deep Berry, and Strawberry Nude.
- Key Features:
- Innovative peel-off formula for a unique application experience.
- Delivers rich, long-lasting colour.
- Waterproof and smudge-proof for all-day confidence.
- Price: $19.99 at Amazon.
Benefit Cosmetics has long been a name synonymous with quality beauty products, and their Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint is no exception. I’d heard rave reviews about this lip stain, and upon spotting it at Sephora, I knew I had to try it. As someone relatively new to the world of lip stains, I was particularly impressed by how natural the finish looked and how easily the colour could be built up to achieve the desired intensity. The shade is universally flattering and pairs beautifully with my everyday lip liner.
- Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Tint
- Sizes Available: 6ml and 10ml.
- Key Features:
- Versatile formula for both lips and cheeks.
- Long-wearing for extended colour.
- Provides a natural, sheer finish.
- Price: From $45 at Sephora.
Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil has quickly become a favourite for its ability to deliver comfortable, buildable colour with a beautiful sheen from the moment of application. My lips felt remarkably smooth, hydrated, and nourished throughout the day, without any of the sticky residue sometimes associated with lip glosses. The shade ‘Delight’ is my absolute top pick.
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil
- Colours Available: Affection, Delight, Happy, Honesty, Hope, Joy, Serenity, and Wonder.
- Key Features:
- Offers a high shine finish that can be layered for more intensity.
- Unique gel-to-oil formula that melts into the lips.
- Price: $43 at Sephora.
Other Highly-Rated Lip Stains to Consider
The viral sensation that seems to be everywhere, Wonderskin’s peel-off lip stain is instantly recognisable by its distinctive metallic purple/blue hue. Beauty enthusiasts consistently praise its vibrant colour pigment, straightforward application process, and impressive staying power.
- Wonderskin Makeup Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
- Colours Available: Whimsical, Adore, Darling, Glamourous, Glamorous Classic Red, Romance, and XOXO.
- Key Features:
- Formulated to be vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients to care for your lips.
- Price: $38 at Amazon.
For a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, the NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Liner Stain is a fantastic choice. This product boasts an advanced formula that dries down to a soft-matte finish, ensuring it won’t budge. The best part? It’s available for around $22, offering excellent value.
- NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Liner Stain
- Key Features:
- Delivers a long-wearing stain for extended colour.
- Features a precision liner tip for defined application.
- Price: $21.99 at Adore Beauty.
- Key Features:
Do Lip Stains Actually Work?
The short answer is a resounding yes! Lip stains are designed to impart long-lasting colour to your lips. They are typically lightweight, allowing for buildable coverage to achieve a more natural look. Unlike traditional lipsticks, lip stains are formulated to resist smudging and transferring, making them an ideal choice for all-day wear without the need for constant reapplication.
What’s the Difference Between a Lip Stain and Lipstick?
The primary distinction lies in their formulation and finish. Lip stains offer a lightweight, natural-looking colour with a matte or satin finish, providing exceptional longevity without smudging or transferring. While they are buildable, they generally offer less moisture than lipsticks.
Lipsticks, on the other hand, are known for delivering rich, opaque colour in a variety of finishes, from matte to glossy. They are often creamier and provide more moisture, but this can also mean they require more frequent touch-ups as they tend to transfer more easily.
How Long Does a Lip Tint Stain Last?
The longevity of a lip tint stain can vary, typically lasting anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. This duration is influenced by several factors, including the specific formula of the stain and your daily activities, such as eating and drinking. Most lip tints are engineered for extended wear, providing a subtle, natural-looking colour that remains in place. However, significant consumption of food or beverages can naturally affect how long the stain adheres to your lips.
