12 Best Drugstore Lip Stains with a Rich Color Payoff

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 09, 2024
Drugstore Lip Stains with a Rich Color Payoff
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Women and their love for lipsticks, lip balms, and lip tints is never-ending. To fuel their love a little more, we have come up with a comprehensive list of the best drugstore lip stains. These lip stains not only help one to save bigger on their makeup bills but also chuck the possibility of making their lips look discolored. So, today we will introduce you to lip stains and their long-lasting, smudge-proof, waterproof, kissproof, and primarily lip-nourishing properties. 

Before we delve deeper into the world of lip stains, let us take a look at what Patricia Longo, Celebrity Makeup Artist, has to say about them. She says, “I like to prep the lips first. Usually, a lip stain can make your lips look very dry. So, what I recommend is moisten the lips with a not-so-shiny balm. Then, I like to apply a little bit of lip plumper. This makes sure that the lip stain stays on. And then I finally apply a lip stain. My favorite lip stains are the ones that look like a stick and have a tip-like applicator so there is no need for a lip liner.”  If you too are in love with lip stains for their long-lasting natural look, then scroll down to populate your makeup vanity with the best of all right away.

12 Best Drugstore Lip Stains

Rimmel London has come up with a flawless double-ended lip color to make your lips look luscious. With intense color pigment on one end and a clear top coat on the other, this lip stain wins the hearts of makeup junkies across the world. This beauty essential keeps your lips perfectly hued throughout the day. Moreover, the top coat delivers 100% moisture to keep your lips hydrated and feel smooth and soft.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Kiss-proof
  • Mask-resistant
  • Non-transferable
  • Available in 12 shades
Cons
  • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Lip Balm

    REVLON BALM STAIN - Honey

    REVLON BALM STAIN - Honey
  • A single stroke of lip balm has the power to transform your look. Considering this principle, Revlon has introduced its honey-shade balm stain to ensure that you look your best everyday. This balm stain is enriched with the goodness of coconut, shea, and mango butter. This triple butter complex stains your lips and leaves them thoroughly moisturized. The retractable crayon is sleek and slips into any pocket or pouch. Plus, you need no sharper to maintain a precise tip.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Glossy finish
    • Travel-friendly
    • Available in 8 shades
    • Causes no discomfort on lips
    Cons
    • Not smudge-proof
  • Ultra Hydrating Lip Stain

    ETUDE Dear Darling WATER Tint - Cherry Ade

    ETUDE Dear Darling WATER Tint - Cherry Ade
  • Fruity and sweet lip tints have a different fanfare altogether. And, for all those makeup junkies who love fruitilicious lips, look what we found for you — Etude’s Dear Darling water tint! This lip essential is just perfect for those who are more inclined toward cherry, orange, and strawberry-like shades for their lips. So, why wait? Populate your lipstick collection with this water tint and define your lips effortlessly.

    Pros
    • Non-sticky
    • Ultra-hydrating
    • Vibrant and bright shade
    • Quick absorbing formula
    Cons
    • Not smudge-proof
  • Most Natural

    PALLADIO LIP STAIN - Nude

    PALLADIO LIP STAIN - Nude
  • When you aren’t able to decide on the right shade of lipstick to go with your LOTD, opt for nude. No matter what kind of outfit you choose to wear, nude lipstick surely plays the game for you. And, this lip stain from Palladio is a sheer game-changer when it comes to accentuating your looks. It has a precise tip for mess-free application and features a long-lasting formula that will require no touch-ups at all. In addition, this vegan and cruelty-free lip stain hydrates your lips intensely.

    Pros
    • Natural finish
    • Smudge-proof
    • Waterproof formula
    • Available in 5 shades
    Cons
    • Dries out quickly
  • WONDERSKIN WONDER BLADING Lip Stain Kit - Whimsical

    WONDERSKIN WONDER BLADING Lip Stain Kit - Whimsical
  • Long-lasting, transfer-proof, and matte finish — these are the three reasons why the youth loves this lip stain kit from Wonderskin a little more than others. It is an all-day lip stain kit with a wide range of tints in multiple colors. And, this whimsical shade features a warm rosy hue that defines your lips beautifully. The best thing about this popular lip stain is that it is alcohol-free and features a vegan formula.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Water-proof
    • Transfer-proof
    • Best drugstore matte lip stain
    Cons
    • Tastes awful
  • Best Formula

    jane iredale Just Kissed Lip And Cheek Stain - Forever Pink

    jane iredale Just Kissed Lip And Cheek Stain - Forever Pink
  • Pink lips and rosy cheeks are loved by women all across the globe. But we understand the struggle of finding the best lip stains. For this reason, we found for you this Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain introduced by Jane Iredale. It is rich in natural botanicals, olive, and avocado butter and takes good care of your lips. The ‘forever pink’ shade is truly the secret behind your picture-perfect look of the day.

    Pros
    • Non-drying
    • Long-lasting
    • Glossy finish
    • Vegan formula
    • Softens your lips
    Cons
    • Sheer formula
  • GOLDEN ROSE LIP MARKER - Natural Burgundy

    GOLDEN ROSE LIP MARKER - Natural Burgundy
  • This lip tint from Golden Rose is yet another beauty product that has paved its way to the list of top drugstore lip stains. With aloe vera and vitamin E, this lip marker imparts a healthy glow to your lips. It is easy to glide and lends you a tattoo-like effect. For shiny and plump lips, you can apply a lip balm or lip gloss without the fear of your color coming off. Plus, this lip marker lasts for up to 12 hours and is a great alternative to lipsticks.

    Pros
    • Bold shade
    • Smudge-proof
    • Custom-designed tip
    • Water-based formula
    Cons
    • Unpleasant scent
  • e.l.f. Lip Stain - Berry Blush

    e.l.f. Lip Stain - Berry Blush
  • There is no count over the lipsticks, lip balms, and lip stains one can own. So, without any hesitation, pick as many lip stains as you wish. Don’t forget to check out e.l.f’s berry blush lip stain that manages to grab large eyeballs. It is richly pigmented and the best affordable lip stain a makeup junkie can own. It contains lip-nourishing properties and features a smudge-free formula to keep your lips pout-ready all day long.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Precise application tip
    • Natural-looking effect
    • Available in 3 shades
    Cons
    • Might dry out your lips
  • benefit bene tint Cheek & Lip Stain

    benefit bene tint Cheek & Lip Stain
  • Benefit has come up with a rosy cheek and lip stain that features an alluring sheer tint that you can rock all day. Plus, it is kiss-proof and doesn’t smudge. Its glossy finish and travel-friendly packaging have made it a cult favorite lip stain. This tint is so versatile that it makes the apple of your cheeks look supple and your lips plump. Grab this best inexpensive lip stain now and let your lips do the talking.

    Pros
    • Natural finish
    • Buildable coverage
    • Mess-free application
    • Easily glides on the lips
    Cons
    • Very diluted formula
  • COVERGIRL OUTLAST Lipstain - Flirty Nude

    COVERGIRL OUTLAST Lipstain - Flirty Nude
  • For an alluring and beautiful flush of color on your lips, splurge on this lip stain from Covergirl. It is a water-based colorant that beautifully defines your lips. Secondly, the pen-like precision makes this drugstore lip stain a sheer winner. It comes with a lightweight formula that contours your lips beautifully and lends them a natural-looking shine. Now, you can paint your lips in an absolutely hassle-free manner with this in your vanity.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Great coverage
    • Best for everyday use
    • Travel-friendly packaging
    Cons
    • Not long-lasting
  • Elizabeth Mott TINTS & SASS Lip & Cheek Tint

    Elizabeth Mott TINTS & SASS Lip & Cheek Tint
  • This lip and cheek tint by Elizabeth Mott is a fail-proof makeup essential that you shouldn’t resist investing in. With a non-drying and long-lasting formula, this drugstore lip tint manages to attract the hearts of all makeup-obsessed women. After all, lips play a pivotal role in accentuating your beauty. This tint smells like cherries and the red shade looks very natural when applied to the lips.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Buildable color
    • Non-drip design
    • Easy application
    • Spill-proof design
    Cons
    • Contains alcohol
  • KYDA LIP TINT - Pack of 4

    KYDA LIP TINT - Pack of 4
  • With this one lip tint set in your makeup kit, we bet you would no longer need to look for anything else to make your lips more luscious. Kyda has introduced this set for all makeup buffs who love amplifying the look of their lips by painting them with beautiful shades. In this set of 4 lip tint stains, you can try shades ranging from deep red to vibrant orange. With rich and hydrating ingredients, all of these beauties moisturize your lips to the maximum. There is clearly nothing apart from this lip stain that you need for attaining smooth, and soft lips.

    Pros
    • Long-lasting
    • Waterproof
    • Easy to apply
    • Non-stick formula
    Cons
    • Prone to leakage

    This was our list of some of the top-rated drugstore lip stains that can transform your look in a jiffy. Now, roll your eyes over and learn how to pick the best of them all.

    How to Choose the Best Drugstore Lip Stains?

    Here are a few aspects that you must consider before splurging on a good drugstore lip stain. 

    Texture: Make sure you invest in some of the best drugstore lip stains that possess a smooth and glideable texture. Secondly, the consistency of the product determines the texture of your lip stain. Runny consistency will have an opaque texture whereas a thicker formula will be more pigmented. Both of them work well if you know the right way to apply. 

    Shade: Always consider your choice and preferences. Do not buy lip stains just because they are in vogue. There is a wide range of shades right from bright, neutral, and bold. For everyday use, you may pick a neutral lip stain and make your lips look naturally beautiful. For get-togethers or parties, you may rely on bold or vibrant shades of lip stains. 

    Ingredients: To moisturize your lips and prevent chapping, always invest in drugstore lip stains that come with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut butter, and mango butter.

    Finish: As per your preference and liking, you may vouch for matte or glossy lip stains. It is also advisable to rely on a non-sticky lip stain.   

    Formula: Last but not least, it is vital to analyze the formula of your drugstore lip stain or lip tint. Always choose a lip stain that is weightless and features a non-toxic formula. Avoid products that are infused with harmful ingredients.

    This was the list of the best drugstore lip stains that accentuate your beauty in a jiffy. And, while every makeup buff needs a break from heavily pigmented lipsticks, these lip stains are a great alternative. Pick as many as possible and try out new looks every day. Right from super sheer and sheen to flattering shades, you will find all on our list. So, pull out your cards, kickstart your shopping spree, and populate your makeup vanity with some alluring lip stains.

    FAQ's

    Are lip stains worth it?
    Yes. Lip stains are a great alternative to define your lips subtly.
    What are the disadvantages of lip stains?
    Excessive usage of lip stains might cause pigmentation and skin concerns.
    Do lip stains darken lips?
    With regular or excessive use of lip stains, your lips may look darkened.
    Which is better: lip stain or lipstick?
    Lip stains are better than lipsticks as they last longer.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    As a certified makeup artist and the author of this article, Sayantani has a lot of knowledge about the best lip products on the market. She says that drugstore lip stains are an inexpensive way for one to achieve a long-lasting and vibrant lip color. Also, they can withstand the day’s activities, without requiring any touch-ups. After trying all the amazing recommendations in this article, she was really impressed by Etude’s Dear Darling Water Tint in the shade Cherry Ade. It was non-sticky and hydrating on the lips, delivering a bold color payoff. Plus, its smudge-proof qualities make it a winner!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Pinkvilla to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More