For years, lip liner was the one makeup step I regularly skipped. While it looked great at first, most formulas would smudge, shift, or disappear after a few hours and a couple of coffees. Eventually, it stopped feeling worth the effort. That all changed once I discovered lip liner stains.
The most important quality of a good lip liner is long-lasting wear, and stains deliver exactly that. You may already be familiar with lip stains that rival traditional long-wear lipsticks, but liner stains are specifically created to give precise, high-impact pigment around the lip line—an area where colour fades fastest. One helpful tip: store felt-tip liner stains upside down to prevent the nib from drying out and to keep the pigment rich.
What makes liner stains especially appealing is their versatility. You can layer them beneath lip balm for a soft, hydrated look or wear them under lipstick to minimise touch-ups throughout the day. Below are my six most-worn lip liner stains that truly stay put—even through a three-course meal.
Best Lip Liner Stains for All-Day Colour
Sephora Collection Lip Tint Felt Liner
Sephora’s in-house range is packed with budget-friendly products that easily rival more expensive options. This felt-tip liner is one of my newest additions, and its staying power immediately impressed me. The ultra-fine nib allows for precise lining, while the colour lasts from morning to night. I’ve worn it through a full day out and three separate meals without any reapplication. It dries to a matte finish and sets quickly, making it easy to layer with other lip products.
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Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N Peel Off Lip Stain
If you’ve seen peel-off lip stains trending online, this is the one responsible. The Sacheu formula applies as a thick liquid that sets before being peeled away to reveal long-lasting colour. The doe-foot applicator isn’t as precise as a felt tip, but it delivers plenty of pigment for a bold finish. Once set, the stain lasts all day and is also waterproof.
Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain
This felt-tip liner offers reliable, day-long colour with a slightly wider nib than most, allowing it to double as a full lip stain. The formula feels lightweight and blends easily before drying, making it ideal if you prefer a soft, diffused lip rather than a sharply defined line.
Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain
Wonderskin’s lip stain has been praised for years, and it remains a go-to when I need colour that truly won’t budge. Like other peel-off styles, the liquid formula dries before being wiped away to reveal the stain underneath. The narrow doe-foot applicator helps create a clean outline, and the formula feels more hydrating than felt-tip liners, making it especially suitable for colder months.
Kiko Milano Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker
This was the very first liner stain I ever tried and the product that introduced me to these formulas. It’s not only affordable, but the wider nib delivers generous colour that lasts for hours. It can be used both as a liner and across the entire lip. In my experience, the wider tip also means the product lasts longer before running out.
REFY Lip Sculpt
For those who prefer a traditional creamy liner over pens or liquids, REFY’s Lip Sculpt is a strong alternative. While it has a classic texture, it stays in place for hours. The formula creates a flexible, long-wearing film that locks in colour without drying out the lips. With a matte yet creamy finish, it works especially well layered under satin lipsticks for a comfortable, polished look.
