Best High-End Lip Stains

Yesterday it felt like spring, but really, it felt more like summer. I spent a lot of time outside with my charges and we had a blast. We played on the playset, blew bubbles and Easter-ized (says the 5 year old) the front walkway with chalk. I'm talking chalk bunnies, eggs, and more in all colors. Speaking of colors, when the weather gets hot, my lip product choices change. I gravitate towards bright colors (bring on the corals and pinks) and long-wearing lip products. For today's post I'm sharing some of the best high-end lip stains I've tried.

First, why lip stains? These deliver natural washes of color that can be worn by everyone, but most are very pigmented. They last for a while meaning you don't have to reapply. Many of these can be worn as a base shade--kind of like a lip liner, so you can apply lip glosses or lip sticks on top. They're easy to wear and to apply. Basically you need to try them! Keep reading to see my faves!

1-Benetint--When I think of lip stains, this is the first one that comes to mind. It's been around for years (you can look up the history if inclined) and can be used on cheeks as well. It is the very first thing I ever purchased from Sephora many years ago. Who remembers stuff like that? Crazy beauty fanatics such as myself! Anyway, it is very liquid-y and leaves a light, buildable just-bitten look. 1 shade, $30 *best for just-bitten lips*

2-Becca Beach Stain--A créme stain that tints lips and cheeks with a natural wash of color. The oil-free, streak-free stain is enriched with antioxidant vitamin E to repair and soothe skin and the water-resistant formula stays put with a subtle, fruity (watermelon) scent. If you want a matte finish, this is the one to get. It comes in 8 shades and is a must-have for me. I want them all and a little goes a LONG way. $25 * best for matte and long-lasting*

3-Dior Cheek & Lip Glow-- Cheek and lip blush that gives the skin a flush of pink. This two-in-one hybrid formula is infused with Fresh Color Reveal™ technology, which instantly reacts to the moisture in the skin and lips to give them a luminous custom pink glow. Similar to Benetint but more moisturizing and more of a gel-like feel. It's beautiful and natural. 1 shade, $37 *best for natural wash of color*

4-Sephora COLLECTION Rouge Infusion Lip Stain-- A zero-texture lip stain that is buildable up to a point as it can roll off. It is very moisturizing and lightweight. It comes in 12 shades ranging from natural to pigmented. $14.99 *best for affordable option at high-end level*

5-Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE PUR COUTURE Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain--This is one the best long-wearing liquid lip stains out there. As the name implies it is glossy and doesn't dry out lips. It comes in 20 shades. There are other lip products in the line that are great as well. This one is my fave! $36 *best for long-lasting and moisturized*

Initial swatches of each right out of the tube/bottle. Dior is showing purple here, but it is more of a pink color.

Each product on the lips. You can choose natural shades, like I did for most of these, or more pigmented.

Extra Elle:

• This week is flying by for me--I'm super busy and still behind on everything. I am soaking up the good weather before it gets too hot here in Atlanta.
• For those who want drugstore or DIY options, check out my Just Bitten Lips (5 Ways) post.