9 Lip Stains For Winter That Won't Smudge or Transfer, Even Under a Face Mask

POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Harrington
POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Harrington
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I remember when applying a lip stain before leaving the house meant you were going on a date — maybe expecting true love's kiss? — or, at the very least, planning on eating some really good food. These days, if you're on the hunt for a good, long-lasting lip tint, it probably just means you're wearing a face mask (as you should be) and tired of your lip color wearing off on the inside of it before you even walk out the door. My, how times have changed.

The quest for finding a quality lip product with true staying power has always been a difficult feat, but this year, it's especially tricky. As if finding something that stays put through talking and eating wasn't hard enough, throw a face mask into the mix and, well, you get the picture. We spend good money on our makeup products — the last thing we want is to feel like we're wasting them.

In an effort to find the best lip stains for winter that won't smudge or transfer (due to a face mask or other reasons . . . ), I tried a bunch of the bestselling lip tints and stains on the market to find the ones that truly hold up. See what products made the cut ahead.

Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Matte Stain in Carmine Encounter
sephora.com

Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Matte Stain in Carmine Encounter

The Yves Saint Laurent Tatouage Couture Matte Stain in Carmine Encounter ($38) is a deep plum shade that's perfect for winter. The stain has a rich color payoff and a nonsticky feel that truly doesn't budge after it's applied.

L'Oréal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain in I Rule
ulta.com

L'Oréal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain in I Rule

The L'Oréal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain in I Rule ($12) is a drugstore makeup hero that lives up to its long-wear claim. The formula glides on smoothly and doesn't feel the least bit drying. The shade I Rule is a purply pink that will make lips pop this season without being too bold.

Elaluz Lip & Cheek Stain
saksfifthavenue.com

Elaluz Lip & Cheek Stain

The Elaluz Lip & Cheek Stain ($34) is a two-in-one lip and cheek stain in a flattering true-red color. The formula has a lighter color payoff, so it's perfect if you want that soft, bitten-lip look.

Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain in Compulsion
janeiredale.com

Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain in Compulsion

If you want a full-coverage lip stain that wears more like a liquid lipstick, try the Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Lip Fixation Lip Stain in Compulsion ($32). It has a thick, creamy texture and dries completely transfer-proof. As for the shade, Compulsion is a mauve brown-pink.

Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in 270 Wine Trip
target.com

Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in 270 Wine Trip

The Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint in 270 Wine Trip ($11) is the perfect burgundy-wine shade for winter. Depending on how much of this lip tint you apply, you'll either get a diffused or a full-coverage look.

The Crème Shop Lip Juice Stain in Eternally Grapeful
thecremeshop.com

The Crème Shop Lip Juice Stain in Eternally Grapeful

Just as its name suggests, The Crème Shop Lip Juice Stain in Eternally Grapeful ($10) has a juicy, water-based formula that stands up to its 12-hour claim. The color Eternally Grapeful is a deep-purple shade that makes your lips pop.

Clarins Water Lip Stain in Violet Water
ulta.com

Clarins Water Lip Stain in Violet Water

The Clarins Water Lip Stain in Violet Water ($28) has a unique liquid formula, but don't let that fool you into thinking the color won't stick. Once it dries down, you're left with a violet tint to your lips that's not going anywhere.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain in Black Cherry
ulta.com

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain in Black Cherry

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain in Black Cherry ($18) passed this editor's mask test with flying colors. The formula feels a bit watery when you first apply it, but it dries to a point where it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything at all. The shade Black Cherry is a deep brick red.

Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint in Posietint
ulta.com

Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint in Posietint

The Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint in Posietint ($18) is a bright poppy-pink shade. What's great about this product is that you can apply it to your lips and cheeks for a monochromatic look that won't fade or lose its vibrancy.