Glossy shine or blurred matte? Soft tint or bold stain? The world of lip colour has gone far beyond your classic lipstick bullet, and if you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you’re reaching for a lip tint or a lip stain, you’re not alone. It’s the perfect time to decode what lip tints and lip stains really are!
What’s a Lip Tint?
Image used for representational purposes only.
A lip tint offers a sheer flush of colour that often feels feather-light and fresh. Think of it as your ‘your lips but better’ formula- hydrating, wearable, and great for a casual, everyday look. Tints usually have a slight shine or dewy finish and are designed to be buildable. The focus? Comfort and a healthy-looking pout.
What’s a Lip Stain?
A lip stain, on the other hand, sinks into your lips like a pigment tattoo. These formulas are made to last, leaving behind a wash of colour that doesn’t budge, even after a meal (or three). They’re often matte, semi-matte or even glossy. All in all, they’re ideal for all-day wear with minimal touch-ups.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Lip Tint vs. Lip Stain: What’s the Real Difference?
Though often used interchangeably, lip tints and lip stains aren’t quite the same. A lip tint usually offers a sheer, buildable colour with a lightweight, often hydrating formula. It’s perfect for a soft, everyday look that fades naturally. A lip stain, on the other hand, packs more pigment and staying power. Designed to sink into the lips and leave a lasting flush, stains often have a matte or satin finish and are ideal for long wear with minimal touch-ups.
YSL THE INKS: A Little Tint, A Little Stain, A Lot of Style
If you’re stuck choosing between a tint and a stain, YSL Beauty’s THE INKS collection brings the best of both worlds, without compromising on performance or finish.
THE INKS Vinyl Cream delivers a high-shine, lacquered finish with visibly fuller lips. It’s pigmented, creamy, and comfortable, making it a good pick if you like your lips hydrated with a hint of glam.
THE INKS BLUR, in contrast, gives a softly diffused matte effect- almost like a whisper of colour that stays put. Think of it as a more elevated take on the traditional stain, with a weightless feel and a clean, blurred finish.
Both formulas are infused with skincare-inspired ingredients and come in a curated set of 20 shades, from nudes to reds, making it easy to find one that works for your style and skin tone.
Tips for Picking & Using a Lip Tint or Stain:
Prep First: Always exfoliate and moisturise your lips. Both tints and stains cling to texture, so a smooth base makes a huge difference.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Tint Tip: For a soft flush, dot a tint on the centre of your lips and blend outward with your finger for a gradient effect.
Stain Tip: Want your stain to last even longer? Apply a thin layer, blot with tissue, and layer again.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Match Your Mood: Use a vinyl gloss like YSL’s Vinyl Cream when you're feeling bold and want a plumped, polished finish. Reach for something like THE INKS BLUR for a chic, all-day matte that looks effortless but polished.