Lipstick vs Lip Tint vs Lip Stain: What are the Differences?
Lip makeup is one of our favourite forms of self-expression and the perfect touch to tie together your finished look or elevate your daily makeup game. Between lip tints vs lip stains vs lipsticks, there’s a variety of lip formulas at your disposal to get your desired coverage.
So, we’ve assembled this go-to guide for lip tints vs lipsticks vs lip tints so you can understand the differences between each formula and the type of finish you can expect.
Read on to lock in your next lip look!
What is a lipstick?
Lipsticks are made of waxes, oils and emollients, with various levels of pigment – so you can opt for anything between sheer and saturated.
They also come in different textures and formulas:
• Cream lipsticks – these are typically bullet lipsticks, like the Color Sensational® Cream Lipstick, which gives vibrant pigment and a smooth finish on the lips. However, you can also get your creamy coverage with a crayon lipstick like the Super Stay Ink Crayon® Lipstick, which gently glides over the lip surface.
• Liquid lipsticks – liquid formulas pack a vibrant punch and deliver long-lasting lip coverage. A liquid lipstick like the Super Stay Matte Ink® Liquid Lipstick is perfect for a flawless matte finish, but you can also find formulas with a high-shine finish like the Super Stay® Vinyl Ink®.
What is a lip tint?
The saturation of a lip tint vs lipstick is more subtle; a lip tint still offers a beautiful wash of colour, but has a sheerer, more natural finish that you can build up as desired.
The beauty of a lip tint is that it’s often packed with hydrating ingredients, offering a lighter feel than some liquid or cream lipsticks. However, that doesn’t mean compromising on staying power. For example, the Super Stay Teddy Tint delivers a flush of blurred matte colour that lasts for up to 12 hours without smudging.
What is a lip stain?
If we’re talking lip tints vs lip stains, you might hear these terms used interchangeably – but they’re actually pretty different.
Lip stains are formulated without wax and have a more water-like consistency that sinks into the lip surface: rather than sitting over the top like a lip tint or lipstick.
These types of products get their name from the ‘stain’ of colour they leave on your lips – but don’t let the name put you off. Lip stains are a great option if you want a low-maintenance lip look that promises serious longevity. Some lip stains are peel-off formulas that ‘dye’ the lips, while others are designed with a precise applicator like a liquid lipstick.
Lipstick vs lip tint vs lip stain – which one is right for you?
With so many trusty lip formulas in your arsenal, how do you decide which one is suitable for your makeup look? Since there are differences in the consistency, vibrancy and longevity of a lipstick vs lip tint vs lip stain, what works for one makeup look might not work as well for another. Below, we’ve put together a series of tips for each type of lip product, so you know when to choose a lipstick, lip tint or lip stain.
When to choose a lipstick
If you’re relying on your lip makeup to introduce a vibrant edge to your end look, we recommend reaching for a liquid lipstick. This will give you that vivid colour and long wear that’s perfect for full glam.
Our pick: Go for bold with the Super Stay® Vinyl Ink® in ‘Wicked’ – a rich shade of red with a subtle berry undertone that’s great for evening wear or as a statement makeup look for winter.
Our application tip: It’s no secret that you’ll need more precision when applying a lipstick vs lip tint vs lip stain. So, this is where your trusty Lifter Liner Lip Liner will come in handy to give you cleaner lines and prevent feathering. You can also use it to overline your lips for a fuller-looking pout.
When to choose a lip tint
When you’re seeking a more laidback makeup look for a casual event or your dedicated office day, a lip tint offers a soft blurred effect that will carry your through eating and drinking. It’s also perfect for quick touch-ups, since it doesn’t demand the same precision as a lipstick.
Our pick: We adore a low-effort, high-reward nude colour like Super Stay Teddy Tint™ in 'Current Mood', which works for both a special occasion or casual setting when you want to create an easy, natural makeup look.
Our application tip: Let your formula dry a few seconds between coats to lock in the colour of your lip tint and ensure a smooth finish.
When to choose a lip stain
A great hack for those of us who love a low-maintenance lip look, a lip stain delivers long-lasting pigment without the worry of smudging, smearing or feathering, and is the ideal long-haul lip companion when you’re strapping in for a busy day.
Our pick: Lip stains tend to dry down matte, so we love to overlay a lip tint with a lip gloss. Reach for our Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss in ‘Pearl’ for a glossy, translucent shimmer over the top of your lip tint.
Our application tip: Because lip stains have a water-based formula, they can accentuate dry patches. Before reaching for a lip stain, nourish your lips with the Baby Lips® Loves Colour lip balm.
