What is the best tint for lips?

11 Apr.,2024

 

We conducted hours of research on the best lip tints and stains , considering dozens of formulas. Then, we tried them out ourselves , taking finish, shade range , and feel into consideration , and tapped an expert makeup artist for her favorites before ranking the best-performing formulas for this list.

The best lip stains come in a barrage of color options and a variety of formulas and finishes. Whether you want one to hydrate your lips while you wear it or you simply add a hint of natural-looking color, there’s a stain for that.

Sure, we love lipstick and lip gloss , but there are certain instances where a swipe of each just won’t cut it. When you really want your lip color to stay put for hours upon hours, reach for a lip stain. What makes lip tints and stains different from other lip coloring products is the lightweight texture , according to celebrity makeup artist Misha Shahzada . “ Lip stains often come in gel and cream forms, which offers longer wear, less application, and doesn’t transfer as easily as lipstick or lip gloss ,” she explains.

Best Overall

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint

Sephora

$24

$24

$24

What We Like

  • Delivers lots of pigment

  • Doubles as a blush

  • Buildable

What We Don't Like

  • Easy to apply too much

Honestly, no list of lip stains would be complete without the lip stain: Benefit’s Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain. The formula’s six hues are game-changing, to say the least, delivering a smudge-proof flush of color (and subtle glow) to the lips and cheeks that will look like you were born wearing it. It’s a favorite of editors, beauty gurus, and pro makeup artists alike, thanks to its super strong color payoff.

During testing, we loved how it amplified the look of our natural lips, giving them a punch of pigment that works for everyday wear as well as fuller glam moments. It is buildable, but we found that we didn’t need more than a swipe or two to achieve the color payoff we wanted. The formula itself is relatively lightweight (but never watery) and serves as a wash of color that sticks onto the lips with minimal transfer, rather than a glossy topper or creamy lipstick that needs to be reapplied. During testing, we found that it was easy to apply too much, so take it slow. You may even want to blot the color in with your fingers for more control. 

Finish: Natural | Size: 0.20 fl oz | Shades: 6

Best Budget

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

Etude House

$7

$9

What We Like

  • Juicy color payoff

  • Apply it and forget it’s there

  • Sets nicely

What We Don't Like

  • Very runny while applying

  • Color looks different on the skin

Take one look at the Dear Darling Lip Tint, and chances are you’ll be transported to your childhood days of slurping down fruit juice with a slight tint of grape or raspberry left on your lips. While the formula is slightly more viscous—and, obviously, inedible—it has the same effect. 

When we tested it in the lab, we noticed that it had a runny consistency—the texture looked and felt like colored water. But, once it dried down, it altered the color of our lips effortlessly, without any stickiness or feathering. Take your pick between five juice-inspired pigments; just be aware that the color in the bottle isn’t the color that’s deposited onto your lips. We tried the Orange Ade shade, and it appeared more nude-orange in the flesh. 

Finish: Natural | Size: 0.3 fl oz | Shades: 5

Best Splurge

Dior Addict Lip Tint

Sephora

$40

$34

What We Like

  • Long-lasting

  • Leaves lips super smooth

  • Super pigmented shades

What We Don't Like

  • Harder to remove than some other formulas on this list

For a lip stain that’ll stay in place for 10 hours while looking natural and feeling weightless, you’ll want to reach for this pick from Dior. The tinted ink lightly adds a healthy dose of color and lasts through drinking, sweating, and kissing without budging an inch. Wear it alone for a neutral-looking hue, or use it as a primer underneath your favorite gloss. “I’m a big fan of the Dior Addict Lip Tint, as it feels like a very sheer lip gloss but stays on for hours,” says Shahzada. We are, too. The gorgeous palette of fresh and natural shades— including beige, raspberry, vibrant coral, and intense plum—are all wonderfully pigmented and designed to complement all skin tones.  

Upon application, we noticed that the tint has a mild minty scent and goes on fairly watery (not goopy or runny, though!) but settles into the lips nicely without irritation or stickiness. In fact, it feels like there’s nothing on the lips once it’s dried down fully. 

Finish: Natural | Size: 0.17 fl. oz | Shades: 8

Best Hydrating

Jones Road The Lip Tint

Jones Road

$26

What We Like

  • Feels like a nourishing lip balm

  • Plenty of pretty color options

  • Creamy and smooth

What We Don't Like

  • Multiple swipes needed for noticeable color payoff

Though it has a thin consistency, this creamy lip tint is the perfect cross between a hydrating lip balm and a tinted stain. When we swatched it, we were surprised at how thin it was and how little color initially came off, but once we got more acquainted with the formula, we fell in love with its sheer-buildable wash of color. (You’ll have to swipe a few times to achieve a noticeable color difference.) Also nice: It’s texture is smooth and doesn’t clump. There are 13 different colorways to choose from—including a fiery Valencia Orange and a subtler Just Peachy coral—so there’s something for everyone. 

Finish: Balmy | Size: 0.06 oz | Shades: 13

Best for Everyday

Clarins Water Lip Stain

Nordstrom

$31

$31

$31

What We Like

  • Great alternative to lip gloss

  • Not tacky on lips

  • Lightweight and long-lasting

What We Don't Like

  • Can be a bit watery

  • Not ideal in hotter climates

If you’re aiming to find a lip stain that stands in for a lip gloss, you’ll adore this one from Clarins. It’s undoubtedly a fantastic alternative, especially since it has a glossy finish sans stickiness or color fading. We found it to be more glossy-looking than other lip stains, so we recommend keeping it on hand as a less-sticky alternative to lip gloss. During testing, we loved how comfortable this formula felt on the lips, even after a few hours. It’s a great choice for those who don’t love the feeling of lip gloss or don’t like having to continuously reapply lipstick. It can get melty in hotter temperatures, so that’s something to keep in mind if you live in a warmer climate.

Finish: Glossy, natural | Size: 0.20 fl oz | Shades: 4

Best Long-lasting

Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love

Amazon

$34

$34

$34

What We Like

  • Hydrating

  • Natural-looking and buildable

  • Doubles as a blush

What We Don't Like

  • Requires a lot of product for strong color payoff

While all lip stains are considered long-lasting, this pick from Charlotte Tilbury outlasts a number of options on this list. What’s more, it’s buildable and applies like a gloss on both the lips and cheeks, leaving behind an effortlessly flushed finish. During testing, we fell in love with its doe-foot applicator that deposits product perfectly onto hard-to-reach areas of the lips, giving every inch a gorgeous satin finish. Another plus: It contains vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for added hydration. 

Finish: Satin | Size: 0.33 fl oz | Shades: 5

Best Matte

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

Amazon

$36

What We Like

  • Smoothing and plumping

  • Offers a natural-looking, semi-matte finish

  • Outstanding color payoff

What We Don't Like

  • Can feel tacky

A smoothing and plumping matte lip tint sounds like it could never exist, but this one from Victoria Beckham Beauty proves it’s (somehow) possible. With a natural, highly pigmented color, all you need is one swipe—and maybe a slight touch-up after lunch—to get you through the workday and onto happy hour. It’s unlike anything else we’ve tried, and we owe it to the product’s plumping, blurring, and smoothing capabilities. It can feel tacky on the lips, so that’s something to keep in mind before buying if you’re not a fan of lip products that feel sticky.

Finish: Semi-matte | Size: 0.19 fl oz | Shades: 3

Best Buildable

Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

Amazon

$10

$12

What We Like

  • Glides on smoothly

  • Soft on the lips

  • Comes in colors that flatter all skin tones

What We Don't Like

  • Takes a while to set

With a formula that applies like a gloss and stays put like a stain, there isn’t much left to be desired from this Flower Beauty pick. Its water-based formula, lightweight gel texture, and long-lasting tint are packed with moisturizing ingredients that feel soft on the lips (never sticky). In the lab, we found that it builds nicely, so you can layer on as many coats as you’d like to achieve your desired result. The cherry on top: It comes in six shades—in pink and red variations—that look fabulous on all skin tones and natural lip shades. Note: It takes a few minutes to set, so you’ll have to practice patience here.

Finish: Glossy | Size: 0.16 fl oz | Shades: 6

Best Natural

Kaja Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush

Sephora

$25

$25

What We Like

  • Juicy and jelly-like

  • Enhances the look of natural lip color

  • Versatile and buildable

What We Don't Like

  • Can be slightly tacky

With names like Cherry Spritz and Berry Colada, you might not think this stain would look the most natural—but you’d be wrong. It’s the product’s smooth, slick formulation that captured our hearts. It goes on wet—like most of the other products on this list—then dries down to a jelly-like consistency that enhances your lip's natural color. Depending on the color you choose, the lip stain can actually be built up to a more vibrant color payoff, but it’s natural enough for daily wear, too. Our only complaint: It can be somewhat tacky, but this wasn’t a dealbreaker for us. 

Finish: Glossy, Natural | Size: 0.17 oz | Shades: 5

Best Color Payoff

Peripera Ink the Velvet Liquid Lip Tint

Amazon

$10

$10

What We Like

  • Like pigmented paint, but for lips

  • Creamy but weightless

  • 27 shades available

What We Don't Like

  • Not buildable

  • Not much room for error

Paint your lips into works of art with this super-pigmented lip stain from Peripera. The adhesive formula fills in the curves of your lips with a smooth, silky finish and insane color payoff. The thick, viscous texture is just like paint (aka doesn’t feel like a lightweight lip gloss), and it dries down for a weightless, mattified finish. It’s not drying, though; in fact, it’s velvety and creamy. The formula comes in 27 shades—the most expansive shade range on this list—and each really packs a punch. If you’re looking for a vibrant stain that will last despite drinking water, coffee, tea, etc., this is the one for you. 

It’s important to note that one swipe is all you’ll need. It’s not a bad thing (we love a one-and-done application), but it’s worth mentioning because those with shakier hands or unsteady grips might have a harder time achieving clean, straight lines before the formula dries down and takes hold. 

Finish: Matte | Size:  0.14 fl oz | Shades: 27

Best Multiuse

Huda Beauty Lip Blush Lip & Cheek Stain

Huda Beauty

$25

$25

What We Like

  • Can be used on lips and cheeks

  • Matte and transfer-proof

  • A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

  • Can set too quickly

Matte and transfer-proof, the Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint formula is as long-wearing as it gets. Each stain contains hyaluronic acid and coconut extract to provide lots of moisture, which is key for nourishing skin throughout the day. Warning: the pigment is very strong when first applied, but you could definitely layer more for a darker finish if you wanted to. We only had to use minimal amounts of product to achieve the tint we wanted, so we can honestly say that one tube will last a while. Similar to the Peripera option, it sets quickly, so it’s great for a swipe on the go. Just beware, since it can set quickly, you’ll want to work fast.  

Finish: Matte | Size: 0.20 fl. oz. | Shades: 5

Curious about which ones made the cut? See our top picks for the best lip stains of tints, ahead.

With this in mind, our PEOPLE Tested team set out to find the best lip stains and tints through rigorous lab testing. We researched and experimented with nearly two dozen top formulas and carefully made note of their ingredients, pigmentation, and shade range. We also tested for overall performance, longevity of wear, and comfort before narrowing down our selections.

“It is important to find a high-quality lip stain because you want something that is not only going to offer beautiful color pay-off, but that is also not drying on the lips,” Dominique Lerma , an executive makeup artist at Omnia Brush , tells PEOPLE. Lerma also recommends choosing a long-wear and non-transferable formula to get that desired, all-day stained effect and notes that the ingredients play a key role in the overall efficacy of lip stains and tints.

As far as staying power is concerned, nothing quite compares to lip stains and tints. Formulated to literally stain your pout with pigment, these formulas can help transform your natural lip color and also serve as a base coat for lipsticks , lip glosses, and more. But here’s the thing: It’s not as simple as staining the skin on your lips. In addition to providing pigment, these makeup products need high-quality formulas that are comfortable enough for all-day wear, too (after all, they color the lips for extended periods of time).

Best Overall

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint

Sephora

$24

$21

$24

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.8

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.9

    /5

Pros

  • The formula is versatile enough for lips and cheeks.

  • It has a lightweight and pleasant rose scent.

  • The watery consistency makes it easy to apply and blend into the complexion.

  • The formula also comes in a large 0.33-oz. size.

Cons

  • The original Benetint only comes in one color. However, Benefit makes several other lip and cheek tints.

Our top pick for the best lip stains and tints is a formula we have worn for decades. After testing it in the PEOPLE Tested lab against dozens of other formulas, we found that it not only holds up but outperforms its counterparts. We’re talking about the iconic Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Tint, of course. 

This formula is designed to serve as both a lip stain and a cheek tint, making it one of the most versatile options on our list. We love this formula because it has a lightweight and pleasant rose scent (to match its rosy pigmentation) and features a super watery consistency that allows you to blend it into your pout for an even tint.

The formula also stays true to the integrity of lip tints, and instead of moonlighting as a gloss or lipstick, it simply stains the lips, so you can choose to wear it on its own or layer your favorite lip balm or lip gloss on top. On top of all that, the Benefit lip stain lasts forever. Seriously, you will hardly need to replace this, even with regular use.   

The original Benetint comes in just one color — a universal rose hue — but Benefit also carries several spin-offs in different tones, including a mango-tinted stain, and a pink-tinted stain so there are some additional color options to choose from, too.  

Lerma is also a fan of the Benetint formula. “This is a versatile product that everyone should have in their makeup arsenal, as it’s a beautiful, buildable, and blendable product that can be used on both the lips and cheeks,” she notes. 

Size: 0.20 oz. | Shades: 1 | Good for: Lips and cheeks

Best Budget

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

Etude House

$7

$9

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    4.7

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.7

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.6

    /5

Pros

  • This is a similar product to the Benetint, for a fraction of the price.

  • The formula comes in five different shades, including classic rose, grape, orange, and more.

  • It features a more buildable consistency compared to some others we tested.

Cons

  • While it's formulated with a nourishing vitamin and berry fruit complex for added skincare benefits, we didn’t notice a major difference in our lip hydration.

Whether you want something more budget-friendly or are looking for a Benetint dupe, the Etude House Dear Darling Lip Tint is an excellent pick. It's available for less than $7 — but don’t let its cheap price tag speak for the quality. After testing this formula, we were highly impressed by its ability to blend into the pout for an even yet buildable coverage. We also love that it comes in several different shades, including some you don’t see as often, like grape and orange.

The formula also stays put on the pout and barely transfers after application, so it stays true to its tinted design. The doe foot applicator wand also makes it easy to apply without creating a mess around the mouth (something you definitely do not want with a lip stain). Additionally, the lip stain features a vitamin and berry fruit complex for added skincare benefits, though we didn’t really notice a difference in the lab since it doesn’t have a creamy or glossy texture like lip balm. 

Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin and berry fruit complex | Good for: Lips

Best Investment

Dior Addict Lip Tint

Sephora

$34

$40

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    5

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    5

    /5

Pros

  • There are 12 different shades, which is extensive for a lip stain.

  • The formula features a more subtle pigmentation, so it’s a great choice for those looking for a more natural-looking tint.

  • It boasts impressive staying power.

Cons

  • It is a little stubborn to remove, even with a makeup remover wipe and micellar water.

The Dior Addict Lip Tint is our top pick for the best investment for several reasons. First, this formula comes in 12 different shades, which is extensive for a lip tint and allows lots of variety for makeup application. On top of that, we love that it has a more subtle finish and just enhances the natural lip color rather than adding a color that is too bold. 

Despite having subtle pigmentation, we found that this designer lip tint has impressive staying power. It’s so effective at staining the lips that it’s actually kind of hard to remove, even with a makeup wipe and micellar water. Nonetheless, we recommend this as a high-quality and splurge-worthy formula that can elevate natural lips for long wear. 

Size: 0.17 oz. | Shades: 12 | Key Ingredients: Cherry oil | Good for: Lips

Best Buildable

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

Kohl's

$28

$28

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    4.8

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.7

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    5

    /5

Pros

  • The formula has a lightweight consistency that is easy to build upon for an even and more pigmented finish.

  • A little goes a long way, so you can get a lot out of one tube.

Cons

  • This Fenty lip stain features squalane in its ingredient lineup. However, it’s not super hydrating and might require an additional layer of lip balm if you need added nourishment.

The Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain is our top pick for the best buildable formula because it has a lightweight consistency that is easy to build upon. On top of that, it features rich pigmentation, so a little goes a long way and you don’t need many layers to achieve a bold look. 

While this formula claims hydration as a benefit — and features squalane in its ingredient lineup — we found that its hydration benefits are subtle, so an additional layer of lip balm might be necessary for those with dry or chapped lips. 

Size: 0.22 oz. | Shades: 6 | Key Ingredients: Squalene | Good for: Lips

Best Longwearing

Huda Beauty Lip Blush Lip & Cheek Stain

Huda Beauty

$25

$25

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.7

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    4.6

    /5

  • Application

    4.8

    /5

Pros

  • It has a lightweight consistency that dries quickly on the lips and cheeks.

  • Since the formula is thin, it’s easy to blend and build coverage.

  • It boasts a strong pigment that lasts a long time, making it great for long wear.

Cons

  • We experienced slight product bleeding upon the initial application because there was excess formula on the wand. To prevent this, we recommend wiping off some of the excess before applying.

The Huda Beauty Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint is a versatile formula that features rich pigmentation and nourishing ingredients. Since the formula consistency is on the thin side, it dries quickly on the lips and cheeks and is easier to blend and build coverage to get a desired effect. On top of that, its pigmentation is super strong, water-resistant, and doesn’t transfer, making it an excellent choice for all day wear. 

Since this formula is so pigmented, it’s possible to experience slight bleeding if you have too much formula on the wand when applying. To prevent this, we recommend wiping off the excess and applying a thin layer first, then building upon that. 

Size: 0.20 oz. | Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid powder, coconut extract | Good for: Lips and cheeks

Best Pigmentation

Peripera Ink The Velvet Longwear Lip Tint and Lip Liner Kit

Target

$15

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    4.7

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.5

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.8

    /5

Pros

  • This highly pigmented lip stain has a thick and creamy texture — similar to a liquid lipstick — that dries matte on the lips.

  • Due to its thick texture, you only need one layer for a bold finish.

Cons

  • Since the formula is so thick, we don’t recommend this as a buildable option.

  • Like lipstick, it transfers enough to leave a kiss mark.

Most lip stains feature a subtle and buildable color. However, if you want something with deeper pigmentation, we recommend the Peripera Ink Velvet. This highly pigmented lip stain has a thick and creamy texture and resembles more of a liquid matte lipstick vs. a stain. Due to its thick texture, you only need one layer to reach a desired look, so a little bit goes a long way, and you don’t need to build upon the pigmentation. Despite being thicker, the formula still feels lightweight and comfortable on the pout, too. 

In addition to its formulation, the stain comes in 16 different shades, including an excellent nude range, plus some fun pink and peachy hues. While it does transfer a little, we didn’t experience any bleeding or smudging when testing the formula in our lab. 

Size: 0.14 oz. | Shades: 16 | Good for: Lips

Best Everyday

Clarins Water Lip Stain

Nordstrom

$31

$31

$31

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    5

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    5

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.7

    /5

Pros

  • It features a lightweight, watery consistency that is effective at tinting the lips without feeling too noticeable.

  • It’s formulated with hydrating and skincare-benefiting ingredients, including aloe vera.

  • The lip stain is easy to apply and lightweight enough to wear daily.

Cons

  • Removal is a bit tricky, and it doesn’t come off with just a makeup wipe or micellar water. We recommend using a cleansing balm or oil instead.

The best lip stain for everyday is the Clarins Water Lip Stain. This formula is lightweight and has a watery consistency that tints the lips without any noticeable texture. Despite being on the more liquidy side, it’s also slightly hydrating thanks to ingredients such as aloe vera and raspberry and also features skin-protecting ingredients like sanicle, African ebony, and furcellaria.

Since the formula is more of a true lip stain, removal is a bit tricky as you can’t just wipe this away with micellar water or a makeup remover wipe. Instead, we recommend either letting it fade naturally or using a cleansing oil or cleansing balm to lift away the pigmentation at the end of the day. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: 0.20 oz. | Shades: 4 | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, sanicle, raspberry, African ebony, furcellaria, succory dock-cress | Good for: Lips

Best Applicator

Stila Cosmetics Calligraphy Lip Stain

Ulta

$25

$25

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    4.2

    /5

  • Pigment

    4.3

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.6

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    4.5

    /5

  • Application

    5

    /5

Pros

  • It features a fun, pen-like tip that helps you get a precise application.

  • The lip stain comes in 16 colors, including a good range of nudes and bold hues.

  • Once dried, it’s so lightweight that you barely notice it on the lips.

Cons

  • Albeit a non-drying formula, we did not experience any additional hydration or conditioning.

Depending on the formula, the application can get a bit tricky with lip stains — which is why we think the Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain has such a fun applicator tip. Inspired by a calligraphy pen (hence the name), this formula has a pen-like tip that allows for precise application while lining the lips with its rich pigment. We love it because, in addition to its application, the formula feels super light on the lips, and once dried, you barely even notice it’s there. On top of that, the lip stain comes in 16 different shades, including a good range of nudes and bold pigments like violet, fuchsia, and coral. 

Size: 0.71 oz. | Shades: 16

Best Hydrating

Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

Amazon

$12

$12

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    4.6

    /5

  • Pigment

    4.6

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.6

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.5

    /5

Pros

  • The lip stain is formulated with glycerin and squalane for a moisturizing touch.

  • It glides onto the lips with a smooth consistency and hydrating finish.

  • It feels like a mix between a nourishing balm and a lip stain.

Cons

  • The stain takes a little extra effort to remove.

Lip stains aren’t always the most hydrating. However, Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain is actually formulated to provide the pout with pigment while also nourishing and hydrating. Formulated with glycerin and squalane, we noticed the efficacy of this hydrating formula almost immediately upon application. Since it is a little more creamy, the application is smooth, and it’s easy to achieve an even consistency. 

Similar to other formulas on our list, the Flower Beauty lip stain also boasts excellent staying power, which can make removal a little tricky. So, instead of using a regular cleanser or micellar water, we recommend opting for a balm to lift away any leftover pigmentation. 

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 0.16 oz. | Shades: 6 | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalane

Best Natural Finish

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

Amazon

$36

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    4.7

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    4.6

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    4.8

    /5

  • Application

    4.6

    /5

Pros

  • The color is more on the opaque side, so it provides a subtle elevation of natural lip color.

  • It absorbs quickly onto the lips — like a true tint — and provides a subtle finish.

  • It applies smoothly on the lips for an even application.

Cons

  • The doe foot wand isn’t the best applicator for this lip stain since the consistency is so liquidy. We wish it came with a brush-on applicator instead.

If you like lip stains for their subtle and natural finish, the Victoria Beckham Bitten Lip Tint is the best option for you. This lip stain features a more opaque pigmentation that slightly elevates the natural lip color without looking too bold and noticeable, making it great for a no-makeup look. We love that it absorbs quickly onto the pout (similar to other true tints), and it provides a subtle finish that doesn’t overpower. 

Since this lip stain has a lightweight and more watery consistency, we don’t love the doe foot wand as an applicator and instead wish it came with a brush-on wand. Nonetheless, the formula still applies smoothly on the lips for an even tinted layer. 

Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, mustard sprout extract, squalane

Best Lip and Cheek

Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love

Amazon

$34

$34

$34

Our Ratings

  • Feel

    5

    /5

  • Pigment

    4.8

    /5

  • Transfer Resistance

    5

    /5

  • Wear/Longevity

    5

    /5

  • Application

    4.8

    /5

Pros

  • It’s versatile enough to use on both the lips and the cheeks.

  • It features a creamy and slightly watery consistency that is easy to blend into the complexion and build upon.

  • The formula feels weightless on the skin and creates a subtle tinge of color with a more natural-looking finish.

Cons

  • Since it’s meant for the lips and the cheeks, the applicator wand is a little large and might take some getting used to when applied to the pout.

Those looking for a more versatile formula will adore the Charlotte Tilbury Tinted Love Lip and Cheek Stain. This formula is designed with a creamy yet slightly watery consistency that applies smoothly onto the lips and cheeks and makes it easy to blend into the complexion for a seamless look. Since it has a weightless formula, it’s also highly buildable and allows you to customize your pigmentation from just a slight tinge to a bolder makeup look. 

In addition to its consistency and buildable nature, the lip and cheek stain is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to provide the skin with a deep conditioning effect and is an especially nice base of hydration on the pout before adding a layer of lip balm or gloss on top. 

Price at time of publish: $34

Size: 0.33 oz. | Shades: 6 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E

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