Lipstick stains promise kiss proof color with a naturally ripe tint. If you're torn between a lip gloss, long wearing lip stick or a lipstick stain, consider all the unique advantages of lip stains. With a little research and hardly any effort, you could easily become a liberated lip stain convert!
Benefits of Lip Stains

Unlike traditional lipsticks, lipstick stains tint your lips with smudge proof color that lasts all day. Through lunch, a sweaty workout or a brisk dive in the pool, a lipstick stain stays put and provides just enough color so that you won't feel as though you're sporting au natural lips. For a refreshing spin on your beauty routine, ditch the liner, heavy lipstick and lip brush for just one day, and revel in the ease of a lipstick stain.

For a just-bitten ripened pout, lip stains are certainly hard to beat. When the occasion arises for perfect lips with no reapplication, reach for your lip stain and pucker up. Applying lipstick stains are easy; just roll or brush on. Packable and portable lip stains are a low maintenance beauty product with high impact sex appeal.

How to Apply Lipstick Stains

Although lipstick stains are relatively foolproof, there's a few basic tips that will help your pout look its kissable best. As with all long wearing lipsticks, it's always wise to start with exfoliated lips for smooth coverage. Lip exfoliants such as The Body Shop's Lip Scuff, are the perfect tool for lip stain preparation, although whipping up your own rub is just as fun.

Try this sweet and easy paste: mix up a sugary paste by combining a tablespoon of granulated sugar and a splash of water, and work the edible paste onto lips in a circular motion. Repeat. Rinse thoroughly. Next, reach for a light lip balm. Lip balms are an ideal base layer for your lip stain. Apply one coat. Lastly, apply lip stain to desired depth and let dry.

Types of Lip Stains

There are several types of lip stain applicators on the market. The trickiest part of applying a lip stain is working quickly. Unlike lipsticks, lipstick stains dry and set almost immediately upon application. Choosing the best type of applicator is a matter of preference, but here's the heads up on several different applicator types:

Roll-on lip stains such as Sonia Kashuk's Lip and Cheek Tint require the least amount of effort and are the easiest to apply.
Brush-on lip stains like Benefit's Benetint are a little trickier to apply. Work quickly when applying a brush on stain to avoid visible lines.
Sponge tip applicators are pretty simple to apply. The curve of the sponge tip naturally contours to the lip. Vincent Longo's lip stain in Cupid's Breath is a cult favorite amongst lip stain gals for creating a sexy and angelic pout.
Marker lip stains such as Urban Decay's Ink Lip Stain provide controlled and precise application, but tend to dry lips at a faster rate. Keep the lip balm handy.
Lip Stain Shades

A few common surprises you may run into while shopping for a lip stain may be the matte finish formula and the color options. While traditional lipstick shades vary from neutral peaches to deep maroons, the scale of lip stains is less vast.

Expect to find mostly red, pink and deep peach stains instead of intense or neutral colors. Intended to mimic your natural lip pout; lip stains stay in the flesh tone families. Lip stains are also very dry and matte. Once applied, you won't feel the stain, nor will it shine or shimmer. Rest assured you can always smack a colored or tinted gloss on top of your lip stain to increase the shine factor and add a different layer of color.

Fear not the matte finish of lip stains, as most will not dry out lips or cause them to feel cracked or parched. Following the tip of applying a lip balm prior to lip stain application will help keep your moisture level in check. Despite the lack of color variety, most women find their naturally ripened lips to be just as sexy as colored lipsticks. Try out each rosy hue and find one that flatters your skin tone.