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Looking for the best drugstore lip stains that actually deliver? You’ve come to the right place. These aren’t your old-school drying, patchy formulas—today’s picks give you serious staying power and a swipe of hydration so your lips look soft, plump, and full of color all day long. What makes these lip stains extra addictive? Many feel like a gloss or balm thanks to hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol, but they wear like a stain, so you can skip the mid-afternoon touch-ups. From buildable tints to hydrating gems, these drugstore lip stains are about to change the way you think about affordable color.
Our Top Drugstore Lip Stains
- Best Overall: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain, $12
- Best Glossy: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain, $12
- Best Lightweight: L'Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum, $14
- Best for Mature Lips: e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain, $7
- Best Precision: Palladio Beauty Lip Stain Marker, $10
- Best Matte: Maybelline New York Super Stay Teddy Tint, $13
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a drugstore lip stain and a prestige lip stain?
- How do you apply a lip stain?
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
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Nyx Professional Makeup
Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain delivers the best of both worlds in the lip category: a glassy, glossy finish with the long-lasting tint of a stain—even after the initial shine fades. In fact, St. Louis-based makeup artist Kimberly Wyms says it’s the most underrated lip stain in the drugstore because it has hydrating ingredients (hi, coconut water) and B12 vitamins, which nourish and keep moisture locked in. “The unique gloss texture and price point make this suitable for everyone,” she says. With 16 juicy shades—think everyday mauves and cherry apple reds—it’s everything you need for stay-all-day color you won’t want to take off.
Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis using Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis after applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Angela Trakoshis
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“The Nyx Lip IV has become my go-to lately. It gives that juicy, glossy look but feels more like a serum. It’s hydrating, super comfortable, and never sticky. What I love most is how it lasts; even after the shine wears down, it leaves behind this subtle tint that kind of works like a lip stain. My favorite shade is Caramel Drip because it pairs so nicely like a nude liner, which is something I wear every day.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: coconut water, magnesium, vitamin B12
- Shades: 16
- Finish: glossy (initial), stained (after wear)
Best Glossy: Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
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Milani
Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Milani’s Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain is drugstore magic in a tube. It gives you the bold, lasting color of a stain while sneaking in hyaluronic acid and squalane for seriously soft, supple lips that look (and feel) kissable all day. Similar to our Nyx fave, it goes on glossy and juicy, then slowly sinks in to leave a satiny, eight-hour stain that doesn’t quit. The six-shade lineup leans into rich, moody tones—hello, Bitten Berry, the perfect wintery plum—while still offering bright pops like Pink About It.
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after applying Milani Color Fetish Hydrating Lip Stain
Sarah Felbin
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“The first day I wore this lip stain, I forgot I had it on and ate a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. When my bright red lip stayed completely intact after the last bite, I knew it was a keeper! Ever since, this has been my go-to for long days. The formula is so thin and lightweight, I barely notice it's there. At first, it has a really pretty glossy shine you can leave as-is or blot down for a matte finish. Throughout the day, there's very minimal fading and transfer. After about eight hours, I start to get the itch to reapply something a little more moisturizing on top, but it's not nearly as drying as a matte lipstick would be. All of the shades have great color payoff. I also love that I don't need to wear it with a lip liner, since it never bleeds or feathers. If you're low-maintenance and want a lip stain you can truly set and forget, this is it.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Shades: 6
- Finish: glossy (initial), stained (after wear)
Best Lightweight: L'Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum
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L'Oreal Paris
Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: L'Oréal Paris’ Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum is, as you can guess, a stain and a serum in one, but beyond its hydrating abilities (glycerin and sodium hyaluronate), the lightweight feel is what impressed us the most. It’s as if you’re wearing nothing (there might be a tinge of tingling), but the color payoff is still rich. Available in eight wearable shades from nudes to reds, the pigment lasts all day too, whether you apply and blot for a subtly natural look, or let it fully dry for a bold, bright payoff. Another bonus: It comes with a wide, flat applicator, which makes applying it to the lips easy and precise, so you can really get in those nooks and crannies.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum in Le Rouge Paris
Sarah Han
Han after applying L’Oréal Paris Paradise Hyaluron Tint Lip Stain Serum in Le Rouge Paris
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This lip stain serum feels so weightless—I have to double-check that it’s still there, and it doesn't feel the least bit tacky after application. The applicator is nicely wide so you cover more area with every swipe, and the formula dries down really quickly to a true stained look. Despite the serum name, this isn’t the most hydrating stain I’ve tried—but I do have particularly dry lips that usually needs a bit of lip balm before practically any lip product, and this one definitely isn’t an exception!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
- Shades: 8
- Finish: natural-matte
Best for Mature Lips: e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain
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E.L.F. Cosmetics
Glossy Lip Stain
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For clients with mature lips, makeup artist Alexa Persico always suggests a lightweight lip stain with a hydrating, flexible finish instead of anything overly matte or alcohol-heavy. “E.l.f’s Glossy Lip Stain is great because it has a hydrating finish that is far more flattering than a matte stain on mature lips,” she says. “It helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and keeps lips looking plump and healthy.” Thanks to glycerin, it feels silky-soft and comfortable, and even after several hours, the color stays bright and pigmented—you almost forget you’re wearing it until you catch your reflection.
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- Key ingredients: glycerin
- Shades: 10
- Finish: satin
Best Precision: Palladio Beauty Lip Stain Marker
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Palladio Beauty
Lip Stain Marker
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Layering most lip stains usually ends in dry, cracked, patchy lips—but not with Palladio Beauty’s Lip Stain Marker. “It gives that effortless flush of color while still feeling lightweight on the lips,” Persico says. The pointed tip makes it easy to overline or create precise edges, and thanks to panthenol, it keeps lips hydrated, soothed, and protected. “It wears beautifully and never dries the lips out, which is key, especially when I’m using it on clients,” Persico adds.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: panthenol
- Shades: 6
- Finish: natural
Best Matte: Maybelline New York Super Stay Teddy Tint
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Maybelline New York
Super Stay Teddy Tint
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Maybelline New York’s Super Stay Teddy Tint comes in 20 shades—from pinks and reds to browns and nudes—but the color range isn’t the only standout. It delivers that blurred matte finish we love, without the dryness or stickiness that often comes with long-wearing formulas. Apply one swipe for a sheer wash of coverage, or up to three for a bold finish. “I love that it wears for up to 12 hours and that it’s smudge-proof, waterproof, and kiss-proof,” says Philadelphia-based makeup artist Marcia Williams. “Even with a matte finish, it feels lightweight while still giving rich, beautiful color.” She’s also a fan of the precise applicator: “Start at the Cupid’s bow and fill everything in from there for a flawless finish.”
More to know
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- Key ingredients: N/A
- Shades: 20
- Finish: blurred matte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a drugstore lip stain and a prestige lip stain?
According to Persico, the biggest difference between a drugstore and prestige lip stain usually comes down to formula refinement and finish. “Prestige lip stains often include more skin-care-forward ingredients and complex pigments, but drugstore options have come a long way and can absolutely compete when it comes to wear and comfort!” Most of the stains we have on our list include hydrating ingredients just like pricier options—because no one wants dry lips.
How do you apply a lip stain?
Persico says the best way to apply a lip liner stain is to start at the center of the lips and blend outward using a fingertip or lip brush for a soft, natural look. “Let it set for about a minute, then layer a balm or gloss on top if desired,” she says. Less is more!
Meet the experts
- Marcia Williams is a makeup artist based in Philadelphia.
- Alexa Persico is a makeup artist and the founder of Alexa Persico Cosmetics.
- Kimberly Wyms is a makeup artist based in St. Louis.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best drugstore lipstains, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
