Lip tint vs lipstick vs lip gloss comes down to three different ideas of lip color. A tint stains the lips and feels like nothing. A lipstick sits on the lips and gives full color. A gloss adds shine with a little or a lot of color. Each has a place, and they can be layered.
The three at a glance
| Lip tint or stain | Lipstick | Lip gloss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Sheer to medium, looks like part of the lip | Medium to full | Clear to medium |
| Finish | Natural, matte to slightly dewy | Matte, satin, cream or sheer | Shiny |
| Feel | Weightless once dry | Creamy to dry | Slippery, sometimes sticky |
| Wear time | Long | Medium to long | Short |
| Transfer | Very little once set | Some | A lot |
| Skill needed | Work fast, blend quickly | Moderate | Very easy |
Lip tint and stain
A tint is a thin liquid, gel or pen that leaves pigment in the top layer of the lips.
- Pros: lasts through eating and drinking, hardly transfers, looks natural.
- Cons: can be drying, clings to dry patches, sets quickly so mistakes are harder to correct, and can be harder to remove.
- How to apply: dot onto prepared lips and blend straight away with a fingertip. Start in the center and work out. Add balm or gloss on top for comfort.
- Best for: long days, a natural flush, people who dislike the feel of lipstick.
Lipstick
Lipstick is the classic bullet or liquid with a waxy or creamy base.
- Pros: the widest range of shades and finishes, the most even color, easy to shape with liner.
- Cons: transfers onto cups, and needs reapplying after meals unless it is a long-wear formula.
- How to apply: line, apply from the center outward, blot and reapply.
- Best for: defined color and any occasion.
Lipstick Finishes: Matte, Satin, Glossy, and Sheer explains lipstick finishes, and Liquid vs Bullet Lipstick: Finish and Application compares liquid and bullet forms.
Lip gloss
Gloss is a shiny liquid or gel, from clear to pigmented.
- Pros: makes lips look fuller and smoother, and is easy to apply without a mirror.
- Cons: wears off fast, can feel sticky, and can travel outside the lip line.
- How to apply: dab on the center of the lips and press them together.
- Best for: a fresh look, thin lips, layering over lipstick or tint.
Related products
- Tinted lip balm: moisturizing, with a hint of color. The easiest option for dry lips.
- Lip oil: a thin, glossy oil with a little tint. More comfortable than many glosses, with less staying power.
- Lip lacquer: a liquid lipstick with strong color and high shine.
- Lip crayon: a chubby pencil with lipstick-like color and easy control.
Which should you choose?
- You want color that lasts all day: tint, or matte lipstick.
- You want comfort above all: tinted balm, satin lipstick or lip oil.
- You want fuller-looking lips: gloss, or satin lipstick with gloss in the center.
- Your lips are dry: balm, cream lipstick or oil. Prepare first. See How to Prep Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick.
- You are a beginner: tinted balm or sheer lipstick.
- You wear a face mask or hate transfer: tint.
Layering them
- Tint plus balm: lasting color with comfort.
- Lipstick plus gloss: depth with shine. Apply gloss only to the center to limit smudging.
- Tint plus lipstick: the tint stays as a base when the lipstick wears off.
- Liner plus gloss: fill the lips with liner and add clear gloss for a long-wearing glossy color.
Care notes
- Long-wear tints and matte liquids are the most drying. Give your lips balm-only days.
- Do not share lip products. Cold sores and other infections spread this way.
- Replace products that change smell, color or texture.
To keep any of them from moving, see How to Reduce Lipstick Smudging and Transfer. To remove stubborn stains, see How to Remove Long-Lasting Lipstick.
Related on ArniSun
Frequently asked questions
Which lasts longer, lip tint or lipstick?
A tint usually lasts longer, because it stains the lips instead of sitting on top. Long-wear liquid lipsticks come close.
Is lip gloss better than lipstick for dry lips?
Gloss can feel more comfortable, but it does not treat dryness. A balm underneath, or a tinted balm instead, helps more.
Can I wear lip tint every day?
Yes, if your lips tolerate it. Use balm regularly, because some tints are drying, and remove the stain gently at night.