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Seriously, they don’t budge.

A collage of three people wearing different brands of lip stains in different colors

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It gives off a vibrant wash of color as a lip stain or a blush.

We lovelipstickand lip gloss, but sometimes, neither fits the bill.

If you want a more subtle,natural-looking colorwith staying power, reach for a lip stain.

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint

PHOTO: Sephora

The lightweight texture makes stains different from other formulas, according to celebrity makeup artistMisha Shahzada.

We wore them in our everyday lives, eating, drinking, and blotting our lips.

We considered finish, shade range, and feel, then narrowed it down to our favorites.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint

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The formula is relatively lightweight but never watery.

This lip stain creates a wash of color that sticks onto the lips with minimal transfer.

It’s easy to apply too much, though, so take it slow.

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

PHOTO: Etude House

You may even want to blot the color in with your fingers for more control.

While the formula is slightly more viscousand, obviously, inedibleit has the same effect.

It has a runny consistencythe texture looks and feels like colored water.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

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But once dried down, it altered the color of our lips without any stickiness or feathering.

We tried the Orange Ade shade, which appeared more nude-orange in the flesh.

Addict Lip Tint has a mild minty scent.

Dior Addict Lip Tint

PHOTO: Sephora

It’s fairly watery (though not runny) but settles into the lips nicely without irritation or stickiness.

We are, too.

The gorgeous fresh and natural shades are all wonderfully pigmented and designed to complement all skin tones.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Dior Addict Lip Tint

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Also nice: Its texture is smooth and doesn’t clump.

It has a notably shiny finish sans stickiness or color-fading.

We liked how comfortable the formula felt on our lips, even after a few hours.

Jones Road The Lip Tint

PHOTO: Jones Road

It’s unlike anything else we’ve tried.

Offering fullness and feathering prevention, the formula seems very thoughtfully designed.

It can feel tacky on the lips, but otherwise, we have no complaints.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Jones Road The Lip Tint

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It applies like a gloss and stays put like a stainthe best of both worlds.

Note: It takes a few minutes to set, practice patience with this one.

The product’s smooth, slick formulation captured our hearts.

Clarins Water Lip Stain

PHOTO: Nordstrom

It goes on wet and dries down to a jelly-like consistency that enhances your lips' natural color.

The feel was slightly tacky, but this wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.

We like that the thick, viscous texture dries down for a weightless, mattified finish.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Clarins Water Lip Stain

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It’s not drying, thoughit’s actually velvety and creamy.

One swipe is all you need, which is great because it’s not very buildable.

Matte and transfer-proof, the Huda Creamy Lip and Cheek Tint is as long-wearing as it gets.

Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

PHOTO: Amazon

And you’re free to reapply as needed.

We loved the hydrating formula and balmy, bouncy texture.

That said, this will come as a bonus for those looking for a long-wear formula.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint

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This test is ongoing.

Factors Considered:Feel, pigment, transfer resistance, wear/longevity, and app.

That way, you could see how vibrant it is and add more if needed.

Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

PHOTO: Amazon

Certain formulas last through more mouth movement (like eating, drinking, and talking) than others.

It can also depend on how many layers you apply.

“I usually consider them a hybrid of lipstick and gloss but with more longevity,” she explains.

Photos of person’s face before and after using Flower Beauty Bitten Lip Stain

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Why Trust Byrdie

Caitlyn Martynis an associate editor at Byrdie, covering all things beauty and style.

Sethi A, et al.

(2016).Moisturizers: The slippery road.Indian J Dermatol.

Kaja Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush

PHOTO: Sephora

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Photos of person’s face before and after using Kaja Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush

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Peripera Ink the Velvet Liquid Lip Tint

PHOTO: Amazon

Photos of person’s face before and after using Peripera Ink the Velvet Liquid Lip Tint

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Huda Beauty Lip Blush Creamy Lip & Cheek Stain

PHOTO: Huda Beauty

Photos of person’s face before and after using Huda Beauty Lip Blush Creamy Lip & Cheek Stain

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Sephora Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil

PHOTO: Sephora

before and after using Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Lip Oil

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Sephora Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

PHOTO: Sephora

A before and after photo showing the effects of using Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

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The Byrdie Team Tests The Best Lip Tints