8 Lip Stains and Balms to Try for That “Just Ate a Popsicle” Look

Vibrant, long-lasting formulas.

By Tatiana Bido, Aesthetic Content Manager · Mar 9, 2023

There’s something about a sheer wash of color that pairs perfectly with those in-between months that lead into spring. Natural-looking, long-lasting and versatile, lip stains and balms give a flush of pigment that enhances your natural lip color for a not-too-overdone look. Here, eight new formulas to try that are all the things: nondrying, comfortable and low maintenance.

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We cannot keep the Violette_FR Bisou Balm in Sucette ($28) off of our lips so we’re lucky it only takes a few swipes to get that “just bitten” look. The lipstick-balm hybrid gives a blurring effect that rivals that of your favorite primer, giving lips a younger, fresher, smoother appearance.

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One part lip plumper, one part wash of color, the Touch in Sol Vegan Again Juicy Plumping Lipstick ($20) is a click and twist away from delivering a hydrating, lightweight base color that gives pouty lips that live up to its name.

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With a yummy delicious scent and 14 vivid fruit-inspired shades, Halsey locks in the moisture with their About Face Beauty Cherry Pick Lip Color Butter ($15). This Watermelon Take Flamingo-inspired hue gives the perfect hint of spring-summer to your lips.

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Take the color from your lips to your cheeks with Kaja’s Jelly Charm ($25), a buildable lip and cheek stain that contains skin-loving ingredients like olive squalene and lemon fruit extract.

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Use Stila Calligraphy Lip Stain‘s ($25) applicator two ways—the blade point can be used “on tip” or “on edge” for more control. The naturally faded-looking stain is subtle, smudge-proof, buildable and transfer-proof.

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Peripera InK The Velvet Lip Tint ($10) went viral on TikTok for its ombre-effect stain and seemingly endless amount of hues. We’ve counted at least 25 and are well on our way to collecting each comfortable, long-lasting shade.

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Boasting a 12-hour wear and a scent that will transport you to the ice cream parlour, The Crème Shop’s Permanent Popsicle Lip Juice Stain ($10) consists of a hydrating water-based formula featuring hyaluronic acid, blueberry extract, lavender extract, and yuzu fruit.

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With UVA/UVB protection and a true berry tint, Winnie Harlow’s Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 ($14) in Bad Gyal Berry was created to protect lips while giving shine, moisture and a long-lasting, nonsticky kissable tint.