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What Is the Difference between Lip Stain and Lipstick?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Lip stain and lipstick both add color to the lips, but they do so in different ways. A lip stain will actually temporarily stain the lips, as the name implies; the color can sometimes last all day, since it has actually dyed the skin. Lipstick sits on top of the lips and may wear off throughout the day and require reapplication. Typically, lipstick is manufactured in a solid form, whereas lip stain is more of a gloss or gel. Some people prefer one over the other, because there are some important differences between lip stain and lipstick.

The first difference between lip stain and lipstick is the way they are made. Lipstick is often made with a base of wax, color, and an emollient that can help to moisturize the lips and prevent them from drying out. Lip stain, on the other hand, is made with gel and typically includes a bit of alcohol, which can be quite drying to the lips. As a result, many people need to apply a moisturizing balm on top of their lip stain throughout the day to prevent the lips from cracking and peeling.

Lip stains are made in numerous shades as well as in different formulations.
Lip stains are made in numerous shades as well as in different formulations.

Another difference between lip stain and lipstick is color availability. As a general rule, lipstick is available in a wider variety of shades and colors, while lip stain is more limited, since it is much more difficult to actually stain the lips a different color. Lipstick may also have a shiny finish, but lip stain will have a natural matte finish, as the lips naturally do when cosmetics are not applied. In most cases, lip stain is applied with a wand, and requires careful application to ensure that it does not accidentally stain the skin around the lips; if so, it will be necessary to use makeup remover to get it off.

Lipstick won't stay on the lips as long as lip stain.
Lipstick won't stay on the lips as long as lip stain.

There are some other pros and cons to lip stain and lipstick. First, lip stain lasts much longer, sometimes with just one application all day, whereas lipstick will need to be reapplied. In addition, lip stain will not bleed or feather into the skin around the mouth the way lipstick can. On the other hand, since it is so drying, some people find they need to reapply balm all day anyway. Many people have a collection that contains a variety of different types of lip stain and lipstick to be worn for different occasions, especially if they find it to be too drying to wear lip stain every day.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Lip stains are drying but so are some lipsticks. I have to wear a lip balm before I wear either one. I think lipstick makes women look more sophisticated and lip stain more fun!

SteamLouis

@donasmrs-- Well you're right that lip stains have less moisturizers in them. But this is also why lip stains are very drying for the lips. I wore a lip stain once and my lips were completely cracked and felt awful at the end of the day. I never had that issue with lipstick.

Lip stains also come in less color options because, naturally, they are supposed to stain the lips.

I think I prefer lipstick for the most part, but I can definitely see how a lip stain would come in handy for certain looks.

donasmrs

I love lip stain. I've been using this product every since it came out. It's less oily so it stays on the lips for a long time and it looks natural. I don't feel comfortable wearing lipstick to school, but I can wear a pink lip stain every day. It never looks overdone.

It's also multi-purpose. I use my lip stain as a cheek stain as well. If I did that with lipstick, I'm sure my skin would break out from the oil in lipstick.

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    • Lip stains are made in numerous shades as well as in different formulations.
      By: bst2012
      Lip stains are made in numerous shades as well as in different formulations.
    • Lipstick won't stay on the lips as long as lip stain.
      By: Rafa Irusta
      Lipstick won't stay on the lips as long as lip stain.
    • If lip stain gets on the skin around the lip, makeup remover may be needed to get it off.
      By: lightwavemedia
      If lip stain gets on the skin around the lip, makeup remover may be needed to get it off.
    • Most lipsticks contain wax, color, and an emollient that is designed to keep lips moist.
      By: alex83ch
      Most lipsticks contain wax, color, and an emollient that is designed to keep lips moist.