Minimal makeup offers a refreshing take on your beauty regimen. Of course, most of us are already familiar with serum-infused foundations, cream blushes, or liquid eyeshadows. So, what’s next for the minimal and “clean” makeup effect?

Lip stains are practical and long-wearing. In addition, they’re available in various finishes, hues, and formulas. With one swipe, you can achieve impeccable color payoff, and you don’t have to worry about touching up throughout the day.

Once the initial color wears off, you should be left with beautifully stained lips. You may notice lip stains will give a similar effect as biting into a juicy fruit. So which lip stains can you add to your makeup bag?

Benefits of a Lip StainLong-Wearing
Lip stains are a low-maintenance product. Once you apply it, you can forget it for the rest of the day. A significant benefit of using a lip stain is its long-wear formula. Now you don’t have to worry about smudges or touching-up.

Lightweight
Another advantage of stains is they’re lightweight. No longer will you have to feel the cakiness of a lipstick or the pilling of a lip gloss. Lip stains are hydrating and often contain nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid.

Natural Finish
Lip stains provide a “your lips but better” finish. Most formulas will often have a tint to the lips that doesn’t overpower your natural beauty. Overall, it’s the ideal product for a no-makeup-makeup look.

How to Pick a Lip Stain
How can you pick the right lip stain with all the options on the market? You may want to consider multiple factors like the shade you gravitate towards the most or what formula you prefer.

Color
Lip stains aren’t opaque, but they offer a slight hue to the lips. So, it’s crucial to analyze your desires and needs.

For example, do you want to opt for a universal peach tone or a pink with pizazz? Analyzing your skin tone can also help you pick a flattering shade.

Formula
Lip stains are available in multiple formulas. For example, you can find one with a creamy balm texture or opt for one that mimics a gloss. However, most stains have a liquidy and hydrating consistency that feels comfortable on the mouth.

Lip Stains to Shop for Bitten Lips
Benefit Bene Tint Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint ($18, shop here):

Benefit’s Bene Tint is an awarding-winning and cult-classic product. Some makeup lovers may even claim this product as the predecessor to today’s lip stains. Its multipurpose formula works for cheeks and lips.

This hydrating formula is easy to apply thanks to this product’s doe-foot applicator. In addition, Benefit describes this formula as smooch-proof, long-wear, and non-drying. Finally, you can layer this stain on to achieve your desired intensity.

Clarins Water Lip Stain ($29, shop here):

Clarins is known for its luxurious cosmetics, and their Water Lip Stain is no different. The Water Lip Stain is available in four shades to suit a wide range of skin tones. In addition, this is a water-based formula that offers a natural-matte finish.

Clarins formulated this product with skin-loving ingredients like White Tea, Organic Raspberry Water, and Organic Aloe Vera Extract. They also claim this formula is mask-proof and can last up to 300 kisses.

You can also build up the intensity by applying multiple layers of the Water Lip Stain to your pout.