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On the long list of South Korea's many fine exports — including, but not limited to, sheet masks, pimple patches, and K-pop — are lip tints. These days, some of the best lip stains for no-fuss, long-lasting color are coming straight from Seoul, thanks to Tonymoly. Luckily, you don't need a plane ticket to shop for them, and one is just $7. Several Western beauty brands have also mastered the K-beauty staple in their own ways. For example, L'Oréal Paris makes an editor-adored stain, Buxom has a light-as-air variety, and Maybelline New York has a slim crayon that leaves a wash of tinted color.
"Unlike lipsticks that add a layer on top of the lips, stains are absorbed into the outer layers of the skin for a sheer pop of low-maintenance color," explains makeup artist and Guide Beauty founder Terri Bryant. Remember, they're called lip stains for a reason: As such, these products are especially ideal for mask-wearing.
When you're ready to apply the stain, makeup artist Andrea Claire recommends drawing a "V" at the bow and outer corners of your lips and a "U" towards the bottom of your lips. Then, connect the dots, fill in the lips, and voíla. For a natural-looking finish, makeup artist Geneivive Garner advises tapping the product directly onto your lips using your fingers. Claire recommends applying the stain straight from the tube for a more saturated look.
