Lip Glosses, Oils, Stains, and Tints: Your Ultimate Lip Guide

By Dahvi Shira

Published on Jul 31, 2025 • 7 min read

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Photo by PeopleImages / Getty Images

Remember the good ol’ days? You know, the ones spent at the MAC counter, itching to find whatever frosty pink, of-the-moment shade was trending? Well, you may not, actually, but some of us do. And let us tell you, they were a time. Finding a flirty lipstick with an accompanying high-shine gloss was of prime concern—and that was pretty much that. Easy applicator, non-sticky glossy finish, we were good to go. Welp! Fast-forward to now and boy have times changed. While we still want to avoid dry lips, we now have lip glosses vs. lip oils vs. lip stains vs. lip tints. In fact, traditional lipsticks aren’t even part of this conversation.

“With a wide range of new formulas and strong marketing, consumers are now building trust with new brands that aren’t shy to experiment with new formulas,” says Brenda Orduno, a professional makeup artist and senior product developer at BEAUTY CREATIONS COSMETICS. “This means focusing more on the skincare aspect for our lips. Because the price is so accessible, it’s a risk they’re willing to take, and consumers seem to enjoy modern developments of traditional lipstick.”

But when it comes to growth of the category altogether, it seems like a natural evolution. “Lip products are so beloved in everyone’s routines because of their simple function and accessible price point,” Orduno explains. “They offer instant transformation with a wide range of color selection and formulas, making them a versatile product that meets the needs of different demands. Most importantly, they’re products you need throughout your day. After a meal or a drink with the girls, you need to reapply lip products to restore the confidence of a good lip with comfort.”

Now that we have the background out of the way, let’s get down to what we’re really here for: lip glosses vs. lip oils vs. lip stains vs. lip tints. They each offer at least a hint of color, mostly infused with moisturizing lip care—but what you implement into your makeup routine is really just a matter of personal preference. Do you want a wash of color or something more pigmented? Do you want long-wearing, or something that will require reapplication? Do you want more of a liquid lipstick formula, a wax, or more of a tinted lip balm? Keep reading our FAQs as our experts break down lip makeup products’ differences and functions, and how to elevate your makeup look with just one swipe.

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MEET THE EXPERT

Brenda Orduno is a professional makeup artist and BEAUTY CREATIONS COSMETICS’s senior product developer.

Ashley Gomila is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist who also works as a hairstylist.

Lip Gloss: Glossy Shine and Hydration

In case the name didn’t give it away, lip glosses are, well, glossy. “They’ve got a reflective shine that immediately enhances the fullness and dimension of the lips,” explains celebrity makeup artist Ashley Gomila. “Applying gloss instantly creates a youthful, plump appearance and delivers significant hydration. Gloss formulations range from sheer to opaque, which allows versatility from subtle shine to bold statements. Their moisturizing properties often come from ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid, making glosses a comfortable choice for everyday wear.”

If you don’t already have a lip gloss of choice, allow us to recommend the POLITE SOCIETY Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit. Not only does the light pink shade complement every look, but the formula is nourishing and lasts on our lips forever. And for obvious reasons, we’re of course fans of the FENTY BEAUTY Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. It’s known to look good on every skin tone, and the formula is *chef’s kiss.*

Lip Oil: Moisturizing and Glossy, Without the Stickiness

This is where things could potentially get confusing. Much like gloss, lip oils are pretty self-explanatory. But oils and glosses both offer a distinctive shine, so what’s the difference? “Lip oils stand out for their intense hydration and smooth texture,” Gomila says. “They provide the perfect alternative for those who prefer shine without the stickiness of traditional glosses. They’re infused with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, or argan, leaving a soft and supple finish. They create a natural-looking shine, ideal for daily use and achieving a subtle yet polished appearance.”

We truly can’t speak enough praises about the E.L.F. COSMETICS Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Pink Quartz. It features a decadent formula that makes our lips look beautiful and bouncy, and it happens to feel great. And honestly, the drugstore wins this one. We also can’t get enough of the NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip. Packed with nourishing oils, this formula makes us feel like we’re doing our lips a favor when we apply it. Orduno recommends the BEAUTY CREATIONS Tinted Luxe Lip Oil, thanks to its sheer finish with high, vitamin-E shine.

Lip Stain: Long-Lasting Color With Minimal Maintenance

Now here’s where we enter fresh territory. “A lip stain is a new formula in the beauty space that provides long-lasting pigmentation without the need to reapply,” Orduno explains. “It looks and feels natural with a matte finish; therefore, you’re not worried about the product moving throughout the day. Formulated to be more lightweight with a high pigment concentration, lip stains ‘sink’ into the skin, unlike other lip products that sit on the topmost layer of the lips.”

Aside from a lip stain’s function, they’re also used for different occasions. “Stains offer a lasting flush of color that won't smudge or fade easily, making them perfect for busy days or special events where frequent touch-ups aren’t practical,” Gomila says.

Now, of course, proceed with caution (because these bad boys do not budge), but if you want our recs, we stand by the BENEFIT COSMETICS Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain. It is a cult classic for a reason, and is what really started the craze years ago. You can also use it on the cheeks, making it a two-for-one steal. But if you’re looking for something newer, you can’t go wrong with the TikTok-famous SACHEU BEAUTY Stay-n Peel-Off Lip Liner Stain. This type of stain takes a little more effort and practice, but the end result is unmatched.

Lip Tint: the Middle Ground Between Gloss and Stain

OK, so we can gather a lip tint is a far cry from a stain, but where does it fall between the others? “A tint is a very hydrating formula that provides a sheer tint of color but with a natural finish,” Orduno says. “They have a water or gel base to offer a lightweight consistency that has buildable coverage.” You can thank your favorite K-Beauty innovators for bringing said tints to the surface.

“They offer the staying power of a stain with the subtle shine and hydration benefits of a gloss,” Gomila adds. Tints usually contain lightweight formulas that enhance your natural lip color, ideal for achieving a casual, fresh-faced look. They’re perfect for those who desire subtle color payoff with a natural dewy finish.”

Once again, you can’t go wrong with the BENEFIT COSMETICS Plush Tint, which provides a plush-matte finish and soft-focus blurring effect. We’re also fans of the award-winning, nourishing TRESLÚCE BEAUTY Bold y Atrevida Lip Tint.

Final Thoughts

While their category names may suggest otherwise, lip glosses, lip oils, lip stains, and lip tints each have overlapping characteristics. But even more so, they each serve a unique function in the space as a whole. From pigment and shine to nourishment and natural glam, there were apparently many gaps to fill in the wonderful world of lips. Beauty lovers lean into these products in particular because of their versatility and accessibility. At this point, you likely can’t name one makeup brand that doesn’t offer one or more of these options.

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