New Lip Stain Launches Offer Something For Everyone

by Jill Schuck Taylor (Subscribe to Jill Schuck Taylor's posts)
Posted Jul 21st 2010 at 7:00AM

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain, $24. Courtesy Photo

More sophisticated than gloss, more precise than lipstick, a good lip stain is invaluable.

While former last-forever incarnations left lips excruciatingly dry, or dripped and feathered messily, the newer ones are made with moisturizing ingredients and go on neatly. Throw in the fact that their color stays on despite food, drinks, kisses, you name it, and you've got a real winner.

Recent launches in the lip stain world delve into different price points, finishes and application methods, so there's a choice for everyone (and an application tip: apply a lip balm first and let it sink in while you do the rest of your makeup. Your lips will be soft enough to avoid weird flaky spots, but not so slippery that the tint won't go on evenly).

Here's a selection of our new favorites.

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer, $24.50. Courtesy Photo.

Givenchy Printed Lips Tinted Look Lip Stainer
These chubby magic marker-ish sticks are available in two classic shades (soft, rosy Pink Impression and reddish Rose Impression), $24.50 each. They deliver seriously rich and long-lasting color, so apply quickly -- try outlining lips in quick, short strokes, then fill in the rest after you get the shape you want.

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain by ColorStay
Genius. There's a moisturizing, antioxidant-enhanced balm at the opposite end of each tint, so the whole thing looks like a giant colored pencil and eraser. Thanks to a small, pointy tip, it's a cinch to apply, and the balm leaves lips just dewy enough, not gloppy-shiny (and it comes in ten neutral, pink, plum and red shades, $8.99 each).

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Stain

A water-based "ink" with a sheer finish, plus a great price (only $7.49 each!) make these sticks the perfect way to dip your toe into the stain pool. The ten shades subtly complement all skin tones without being too bright, and give you enough time to blend before the color sets. Is it weird to say that they're like the training bra of lip stains? We mean that in the best way possible.

Stila Raspberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, $24. Courtesy Photo

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain

In a departure from other similar products, this stain imparts a noticeably matte (yet not chalky or dry) texture with the slightest hint of shimmer. Each of the six hues ($24 each) contain no synthetic ingredients, and are infused with all kinds of goodies, from minty-fresh peppermint oil to protective antioxidants. They even boast proven technology that helps to increase lips' moisture levels so they look full and plump.

The Balm For Keeps Watercolor Lip Stains

See, this is why the beauty world is so much fun-makeup that lets you pretend you're back at summer camp but with better art supplies. Each little tin contains two spots of color (Petunia Pink/Raspberry Red or Brown Sugar/Plum Berry, $28 each), a brush and a large mirror. Just dip the bristles in water, swirl them onto the colors and paint your lips; you can make the end result as light or deep as you want.

Stila Raspberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

If it was possible to turn a Katy Perry song into a lip color, this would win, hands down; it's fuchsia, sparkly, sweet-smelling and completely girly. The uber-summery shade, $24, looks amazing with a porcelain complexion and Betty Boop lashes, or with bronzed skin and sexy, smoky eyes.

Need some lip service? Find the solutions to all of your common pout problems.

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