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Everyone has their non-negotiables for what completes a makeup look. For some, it’s the eyebrows that make or break a final look; others wouldn’t dare spritz their setting spray without a top-up of blush. Nor for me, it all comes down to the lips. The combo is simple: long-lasting lip liner, nude lipstick, and a shiny lip gloss so reflective you can see yourself in it. However, let’s zoom in on the most important step—lip liner, and not just any lip liner, but a lip liner stain.
If you’ve kept a pulse on K-beauty, you’re likely a fan of the lip stains our beauty friends overseas helped popularize. Now, these stains have been engineered for use along the lip line to ensure your subsequent products stay within their borders. “Lip stains give your lips long-lasting color that really stays put; they usually have a lightweight liquid texture and come with a doe-foot applicator, which makes it easy to swipe on smooth, even color all over. A lip liner stain, on the other hand, comes in a marker-like pen that lets you be more precise. These types sink into the lips to define and shape them, instead of coating the whole lip the way a traditional lip stain does,” Brenda Orduno, a professional makeup artist and Beauty Creations Cosmetics senior product developer, explains.
ELLE’s Favorite Lip Liner Stains
Many of the formulas on the market arrive in deep hues for those looking for a more pronounced outline, while several shades work well for an all-over lip enhancement. According to Orduno, it’s all about technique—lip stain liners have a bit of a learning curve. “To use a lip liner stain, apply a thin, even layer starting at the center of your lips and blend outward, letting it dry for about 30 seconds to lock in the color,” she says. Of course, it’s easier to buy lip liner stains with thin, pointed tips “for precise application and buildable pigmentation.”
Regardless of your skill level, lip liner stains are a fool-proof way to achieve a sharp or blurred look that stays put through sweat, drinks, and conversations. Ahead, we polled Orduno, perused ELLE editors’ personal lip collections, and referred to customer reviews to compile a list of the seven best lip liner stains money can buy.
Lip Contour Lip Stain
A Huda Beauty face is one that can withstand whatever is thrown its way, and its lip stain is just another bulletproof formula to add to your repertoire. The applicator tip is designed to outline the lips using the thin side, while the flatter surface easily fills and blurs the rest of your lips.
Shades: 8
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “I don’t know what kind of makeup sorcery this is, but Huda Beauty cracked the code to long-lasting lip liner. I always ombre the two darkest shades to create the perfect gradient, and go about my day with the reassurance I’ll still have a good amount of lip liner left at the end of the day. I’ve only ever seen it completely disappear after using micellar water or cleansing oil when it’s time to remove my makeup—never after drinks, food, or even sleep (yes, I’ve even worn it to bed!)——Nerisha Penrose
Calligraphy Lip Stain
Another stain perfectly designed to double as a liner, Stila’s version features a superb flat applicator to target the corners and outline of your pout. It’s smudge-proof and lightweight, so you can easily build up the intensity.
Shades: 10
Ulta rating: 3.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I’ve used the peel off stains, all different types. The tip allows for great precision. And the tip doesn’t just dry up. There’s another lip stain from a popular makeup brand that I’ve tried and the felt tip stopped working after a week and that’s only after applying once a day. I’ve used these lip stains before and they’re fantastic!”
Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
The beauty of this lip stain is its marker applicator. While not technically marketed as an outliner, the tapered applicator helps to create a precise outline to guide the rest of your products, especially if you prefer a blurred, flush of color.
Shades: 4
Ulta rating: 3.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love love love mine, the color can be worn much more casually than the pictures. I usually just lightly line my lips with it and it looks beautifully natural.”
Lingerie Lip Liner Stain
Nearly every woman’s introduction to makeup came through NYX’s versatile, affordable formulas. Years later, its innovation persists, jumping on the lip liner stain wave with perhaps one of the best shade ranges on the market. Over 12 shades, you can outline, fill, and contour to your heart’s desire without worrying about it bleeding or fading too quickly. Plus, the felt-tip applicator creates pro-level precision.
Shades: 12
Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “I’m a NYX lip product junkie through and through, so I was excited to add this liner to my lip combo. I never leave the house without lining my lips—even if I’m headed to the gym or running errands, bare-faced or soft glam. For the price, this has easily become my go-to because it lasts so long. The trick is to work fast but controlled because the formula can feel a bit thin and wet. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never leave home without it.”Nerisha Penrose
Stay-N-Peel Off Lip Liner
This viral lip stain has garnered attention for its color payoff, but way more for the application process. The trick is to apply thick, yet controlled strokes along the lip and its outline to get the most color payoff when you peel—yes, peel—it off. Each swipe is conditioned with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, so your lips are properly nourished to avoid cracks and flaking.
Shades: 9
Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I use them almost every day. They last me all day and are so pigmented even after eating. Definitely would buy again!”
Lip Shift Ink Peel Off Lipliner Stain – Bitten Cherry
If you’re new to peel-off lip liners and want to get in on the fun, Revolution Beauty’s lightweight, comfortable formula is a great place to start. The fun is in the shade pairings; while the darker ones are great for creating an ombre lip look, the lighter shades can help enhance your lips’ natural color.
Shades: 6
Ulta rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “My daughter had been wanting to try a peel-off lip liner, so I got one for both of us. It’s super cool! Just line, let dry, peel! It stays on through eating/drinking, is comfortable on the lips, and is unique! It’s got a good price point & the color is super pretty!”
LinerSense® Lip Liner
Even after hours spent conversing with friends or multiple drinks and meals throughout the day, the LinerSense lip liner won’t budge. A favorite of makeup artist Brenda Orduno, the formula delivers the same long-lasting effect as its counterpart, LipSense Long-Lasting Liquid Lip Color, with a few added ingredients to cushion the lips and keep the color intact: vitamin E, beeswax, and kaolin clay.
Shades: 5
SeneGence rating: 4.5/5 stars
Our expert says: “I absolutely love the SeneGence® LinerSense® Lip Liner. It’s perfect for long-lasting color and includes a fine, sable brush for accurate application.”—Brenda Orduno
Meet the expert
Brenda Orduno, professional makeup artist, Beauty Creations Cosmetics senior product developer, and bridal specialist
Hearst Owned
Meet the expert
Brenda Orduno, professional makeup artist, Beauty Creations Cosmetics senior product developer, and bridal specialist
Hearst Owned
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