The best long-wearing lip stains and peel-off lip liners
image via @violette_fr/instagram
words by lara daly
“This is the one Billie Eilish uses.”
A great summer makeup routine is all about high impact, low effort. And for me, nothing complements a sun-kissed complexion like a pop of colour on the lips. This is why a good lip stain is your best friend, especially when it doubles as a blush.
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While old-fashioned lip tints have been around for decades, thanks to Billie Eilish and those viral TikToks of women peeling-off black lip liner for their #morningshed, the world of lip stains is going through a burst of innovation. From gentle formulas inspired by water colours, to sticky inks that leave a tattoo-like finish, here are seven of the best I’ve tried.
Benefit Benetint Cheek and Lip Tint
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Let’s start with the blueprint. Benefit’s Benetint has been around for over 40 years and (fun fact) it was first created in 1976 as a nipple tint for exotic dancers. They boiled rose petals and carmine to create the red stain, which is a cult classic to this day. My desk buddy Daisy Henry swears by this and every time she wears it, I’m reminded that I need one.
Get it here.
Violette Fr Lip Nectar
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Think of this as the hyaluronic acid serum of lip stains. I first discovered this product when a girl next to me in the club bathroom practically forced me to try hers on, and it revived my whole night. I picked up the exact shade (Dahlia Noir) the next time I was at Mecca, and have been loving its high-shine, long-lasting stain that doesn’t feel sticky or drying.
Get it here.
Stila Caligraphy Lip Stain
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Lip stain liners are definitely trending and Stila’s water-light version gives you the best of both worlds. Used on its edge, the blade-like tip allows for super precise lip shaping, while the other flat side is easy to swipe over your lips for full (sheer) coverage. Available in 14 shades, once the colour settles it won’t budge for the next eight hours, even if you top it with lip balms throughout the day.
Get it here.
Smooche Peel-off Lip Stain
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This peel-off lip stain really lasts all day, no touch-ups needed. It’s waterproof, kiss-proof, beach proof. In saying that, make sure your lips are well exfoliated and moisturised before you go on with this bad boy. Take it from me, you don’t want to put this on chapped or sunburnt lips. Available in a range of berry to cocoa tones, it’s universally flattering on all skin types.
Get it here.
Clarins Water Lip Stain
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I’ve always associated Clarins with my grandma but truth be told, the brand’s lip products are unbeatable. The Lip Comfort Oil? Incredible. But if I want a long-lasting colour without a heavy finish, the Water Lip Stain is what I reach for. The shades are all divine, whether you’re after a rosebud pink or a deep crimson.
Get it here.
Romand Dewyful Water Tint
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Navigating the K-beauty store can be a challenge when you don’t understand Korean. That’s why I take the advice of my makeup artist friend, Liz Hyun, before venturing into a W Cosmetics. According to her, Romand make some of the best lip products, and when I sampled the Dewyful Water Tint, the colour was still on my lips six hours later. Also, it’s $16. Just get one.
Get it here.
Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N Peel-Off Stain
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Famously, this is the lip stain Billie Eilish uses. Technically a lip liner, it’s the original, peel-off lip tattoo stain that went totally viral on TikTok, for good reason. I recently ordered one and can attest to its long-wearing power. And no, you don’t need to wear it to bed… 10 minutes will do. Just make sure you don’t apply this in a rush – precision is key here, as when you peel it off that colour is going to stick around.
Get it here.
For more summer beauty hacks, try this.
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