Give your lips that perfect pout this winter with a lip stain.
Unlike a lipstick, which just covers your lips, these products literally stain your lips and are supposed to last longer. The only downfall is this can sometimes lead to drying results (an effect we’ll want to avoid this season). So from YSL to Bobbi Brown, we critiqued brands to find you the most long-lasting, kissable lips!
Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain
YSL’s brand new lip product combines the shine of a gloss with the long lasting power of a lip stain. While the stain does have a nice sheer appearance, if you apply several coats for more shine and color, it tends to get a little too goopy. After a few uses it has a drying effect, so lip balm is a much-needed accomplice. $32, Yves Saint Laurent
Limited Edition Creamy Color for Lips & Cheeks
We loved this dual-acting stain in the Pink Truffle color; such a great pop of color for the holidays. Wear it on your lips by itself during the day or with a clear gloss for night. It also applies smoothly to cheeks for a lovely natural look. We’re crossing our fingers it will become part of the Bobbi Brown permanent collection. $20, Bobbi Brown
Lip Stain
This stain comes in six beautiful colors and probably wins the award for being the longest lasting product. The biggest disappointment is that it is in a pot, leaving users to their own devices for application—either it’ll get all over your fingers or you’ll have to carry an extra brush. Perhaps Laura Mercier should consider a redesign for a more convenient application. $20, Laura Mercier
Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm
Smashbox’s stain has the best packaging of the bunch, one side has a marker-like tip to apply stain and the other side applies a waxy balm that can be worn alone or over the stain for extra gloss. We just wished the product’s quality would last longer: after several uses the tip on the stain side didn’t work as well—applying less product and feeling sort of dry. $23, Smashbox
