Lip stain
A lip stain is a sheer, durable cosmetic used to color the lips. Lip stains are differentiated from other lip cosmetics by the fact that they penetrate the skin, rather than covering it. This results in a longer wear time and lower probability of smudging. Lip stains are also generally matte, as opposed to lip tints, which are similarly sheer but may be glossy.
Description
[edit]Lip stains generally use a water-based formulation to allow them to penetrate into the skin, rather than sitting on top of it.[1][2] As a result, lip stains are long-lasting and durable against smudging and transferring.[1][2] The range of colors lip stains are available in is limited by the number of safe water-soluble dyes.[1] Stains are inherently matte as a result of absorbing into the skin.[1] Lip tints are very similar to lip stains, but they tend to have a glossy finish.[2]
History
[edit]One early modern lip stain was the Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, which was invented in 1976. This stain originated in San Francisco as the first product of Benefit Cosmetics. The stain was created from a mixture of boiled rose petals and carmine. The product was originally created as a nipple stain at the request of an exotic dancer, but it eventually gained prominence for use on the lips and cheeks.[2][3][4]
Lip stains (called lip tints in K-beauty circles) became popular in Korea in the 2010s.[5][6] Lip stains appealed to the desire for natural-looking cosmetics in Korea, and K-beauty lip stains tend to be less pigmented as a result. Daniella Jung, who works in K-beauty curation, claimed that lip stains had become foundational to Korean beauty routines as of 2026.[6]
The popularity of lip stains increased during the COVID-19 pandemic since stains are less likely to smudge or transfer to face masks.[7] Peel-off lip stains, which are applied to the lips and peeled off after the skin has been stained, gained popularity on social media a few years later. The Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque from Wonderskin became the most sold beauty product on TikTok Shop in 2024, and Elle noted a record number of lip stain and liner product launches that year as well.[8][9]
Ingredients
[edit]Lip stains are generally water-based, which limits the usable colorants to soluble dyes as opposed to the greater variety of pigments available for lipid-based lip products.[1] Alcohol is a common ingredient in water-based lip stains used to help the stain set quickly, though it is noted to have a drying effect.[10][11] Glycerin and butylene glycol may also be used as solvents.[11] Cream-based stains may instead use isododecane and dimethicone. Various colorants may be used, including synthetic dyes and naturally-derived dyes from ingredients like beetroot or minerals.[10][11]
Some stains contain additional elements that sit atop the skin to provide a non-matte finish.[1] Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and jojoba oil may be included to moisturize the lips.[11] Certain peel-off lip stains use polyvinyl alcohol to create the peelable effect.[12]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kilkeary, Alanna (September 16, 2022). "How Do Lip Stains Really Work? A Cosmetic Chemist Explains". Makeup.com by L'Oréal. Archived from the original on August 6, 2025. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Shira, Dahvi (August 26, 2025). "Lip Glosses, Oils, Stains, and Tints: Your Ultimate Lip Guide". Ipsy. Archived from the original on September 17, 2025. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
- ↑ Abelman, Devon (September 30, 2016). "Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain: The Real Story Behind the Best-Selling Product". Allure. Archived from the original on November 25, 2025. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Johnson, Kirbie (September 30, 2017). "How a Nipple Dilemma Created a Cult Beauty Brand — and Devoted Fans". PopSugar. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Bang, Isabel (August 21, 2021). "The History of Korean Makeup 1980s - 2020s". Hikoco. Archived from the original on August 19, 2026. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
- 1 2 Shira, Dahvi (February 10, 2026). "K-Beauty Lip Stains vs. American Lip Stains: What's the Difference?". Ipsy. Archived from the original on August 18, 2026. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
- ↑ Song, Sol-Hui; Kim, Jeong-Hee (August 31, 2024). "Preparation & Evaluation of Lip Stain Cosmetics with Improved Longevity and Hydration". Journal of the Korean Society of Cosmetology. 30 (4): 900–907. doi:10.52660/JKSC.2024.30.4.900. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- ↑ Schroeder, Roberta (July 1, 2024). "What's The Deal With Wonderskin?". Elle. Archived from the original on August 19, 2026. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
- ↑ Bell, Lily (February 20, 2025). "Introducing Lip Stains 2.0, Beauty's Big Breakout Trend". Elle. Archived from the original on August 20, 2026. Retrieved August 18, 2026.
- 1 2 Frye, Hannah (July 21, 2026). "The 3 Best Lip Stains". New York Times. Archived from the original on July 22, 2026. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Sandu, Andreea (October 21, 2025). "What is Lip Stain? A Long-Lasting Lip Color Option". Lipstick Queen. Archived from the original on August 29, 2026. Retrieved August 29, 2026.
- ↑ Frye, Hannah (October 30, 2025). "We Can't Escape These Peel-Off Lip Stains, So We Tested Them". New York Times. Archived from the original on November 9, 2025. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
