Lip Stains and Tints: The Low-Maintenance Beauty Revolution Taking Over TikTok
If you have ever struggled with the high-maintenance nature of traditional lipsticks or glosses, you are not alone. Common complaints include formulas that smudge easily, fade quickly, feel overly noticeable on the lips, and demand frequent reapplication throughout the day. The solution to these beauty woes might just be a lip tint or stain. These innovative products are designed for a care-free approach, drying down completely and weightlessly—or in some cases, applying like a mask that peels off to reveal a vibrant stain underneath. The result is color that appears fused with your skin, eliminating smudging and uncomfortable textures while providing a long-wearing pop of color that can endure all day, even through meals.
Why Choose Lip Stains and Tints?
Stains and tints are an excellent choice for anyone who appreciates a more subtle, natural-looking lip. Most formulas, though not all, impart a sheer and buildable hue that layers beautifully under your favorite everyday lip balm. Beyond their primary use, some beauty enthusiasts are even using these products creatively, such as lining the outer border of their mouths or contouring their noses for a makeup-free look. The versatility and ease of use have contributed to their rising popularity, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, where viral trends have propelled certain products to cult status.
Top Viral Lip Stains and Tints to Try
Many of the best lip stains and tints have gained massive buzz on TikTok, with some frequently selling out due to high demand. Here is a detailed look at some of the most beloved and viral options available today.
Milk Makeup Cooling Jelly Water Tint
This bouncy and cooling water jelly tint from Milk Makeup has become a TikTok sensation, often selling out for weeks at a time. Designed for use on both cheeks and lips, it features a Jello-like texture that glides on to deliver a glassy, buildable color. The hydrating formula is infused with vegan collagen, soothing aloe, and refreshing seawater, making it a refreshing addition to any beauty routine. It is available in four shades and retails for $26 at Amazon, Milk Makeup, and Sephora.
Amazon K-Beauty Water Tint
Touted on TikTok as a more affordable alternative to the classic Benetint cheek and lip stain, this K-beauty water tint offers a water-based, vitamin-infused formula. It claims to be imperceptible on the lips, completely smudge-proof, and bursting with hydration. Available in five buildable colors, each promises a juicy finish that is not completely matte. Prices start at $6.19 on Amazon and $6.90 at Ulta.
Sacheu Stay-N-Peel Off Lip Tattoo
This long-lasting and nourishing lip tattoo earned its TikTok fame for its versatility, often used as a lip liner or contour due to its ability to provide a natural hint of accentuating shadow that lasts all day without looking overdone. The Sacheu Stay-N-Peel Off lip tattoo comes in eight shades, ranging from neutrals for contouring to deep pops of red. It dries into a peel-away mask, leaving behind a flattering stain that truly will not budge. It is priced at $14 at Ulta, Amazon, and Target.
Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain
A timeless beauty classic with intriguing origins, Benefit Cosmetics' Benetint lip and cheek stain has maintained a strong following, thanks in part to TikTok. Users adore its lightweight liquid formula and non-drying natural finish. Available in three buildable shades, with the original rose-toned option being a favorite, it claims to last all day. You can find it for $28 at Sephora and Ulta, or $24 at Benefit Cosmetics.
PeriPera Ink Velvet Stain
Known for its high pigment and opaque coverage, the PeriPera Ink Velvet stain is celebrated for its blurred, soft-matte finish that many users describe as feeling soft and cloud-like. It is available in over 20 transfer-proof shades, from rosy nudes to coral-hued reds, and retails for $9.90 on Amazon.
Wonderskin Lip Stain
Another popular peel-off option, the Wonderskin lip stain applies as a metallic blue cream and magically transforms into your chosen shade once wiped away. Available in 19 pigmented colors, it stands up to eating, kissing, swimming, and drinking, offering a skin-like finish. It is priced at $22 on Amazon and Sephora.
E.l.f. Cream Tint
Combining the long-lasting, budge-proof power of a lip stain with a subtle gloss finish, this affordable tint from E.l.f. features a creamy texture that feels more like a balm than a lipstick. It comes in eight sheer-to-fuller coverage shades and retails for $7 at Amazon, Ulta, and Target.
Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain
Starting with a glossy finish, the Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain leaves behind a juicy swath of color once wiped away. Thanks to an innovative oil-in-water formula containing squalane, it does not feel overly dry on the lips. Available in six vibrant shades like deep berry and fuchsia, it is priced at $28 at Ulta and Fenty Beauty.
Milani Semi-Matte Lip Stain
Infused with hydrators like hyaluronic acid and plant-derived squalane, this stain from Milani claims to leave a cushioned and comfortable feel on the lips without drying. The buildable liquid formula applies with a glossy finish but dries down to a semi-matte, budge-proof wear for up to eight hours. It comes in six shades and retails for $12 on Amazon, $15 at Ulta, and $15 at Milani Cosmetics.
Clarins Lip Stain
From the luxury French beauty brand known for its hydrating lip oil, this lip stain features a watery gel texture and buildable color. It promises fade- and feather-proof wear that is matte yet hydrating, and contains a plant-based complex to protect skin from pollutants. Available in four sheer-to-fuller coverage shades, it is priced at $32 at Sephora, Ulta, and Nordstrom.
Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain
For those who struggle with precise application, the Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain offers an innovative marker tip applicator that makes lining or filling lips easy. The stain itself is sheer but buildable, lightweight, and non-drying. It comes in 16 colors and retails for $25 at Ulta, $21 on Amazon, and $21 at Stila.
Jelly Glaze Lip Stain
This adorable jelly stain for cheeks and lips promises a juicy pop of color, with a formula infused with squalane for moisture and an antioxidant-rich triple berry complex for skin protection. Each of the five buildable shades offers a radiant, non-completely matte finish, and it comes with a charming keychain. It is priced at $25 at Ulta, Sephora, and Macy's.
In summary, lip stains and tints represent a significant shift in beauty trends, offering low-effort, high-impact solutions for everyday wear. With options ranging from affordable drugstore finds to luxury brands, there is something for everyone in this growing category. Whether you are looking for a subtle hint of color or a bold, long-lasting statement, these products provide the durability and comfort that traditional lipsticks often lack.
