The best Korean lip tints are—and have been—at the top of their game, and as a beauty editor who almost exclusively wears them, this story practically writes itself. If you’re in the market for a moisturizing, non-sticky, pigmented, and relatively long-lasting lip color, keep reading. I know I’m just one very devoted K-beauty lip product person, but our editor in chief agrees: “I wholeheartedly believe that no one does lip stains better than Korea,” confirms Jessica Cruel.
The one caveat with my picks? They’re not typically ultra long-wearing—and I’m okay with that. Most aren’t true stains, so I don’t expect them to cling on all day, and I tend to gravitate toward hydrating, skin-care-infused formulas that won’t settle into lip lines as the hours pass. Plus, I don’t mind (and even enjoy) reapplying, especially after meals.
My Top Korean Lip Stains
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint
Why I love it: The best lip tint is an all-rounder, and in the world of K-beauty, that roughly translates to Rom&nd’s The Juicy Lasting Tint. (Fun fact: I recently learned Rom&nd—pronounced “rom and”—stands for Romantic and Modern, which tracks given its lineup of peaches, pinks, corals, reds, berries, and nudey browns.) Not only are these high-shine formulas named after fruits (my go-tos are Plum Coke and Bare Grape), but they also leave behind a dewy, just-bit-into-a-juicy-peach kind of sheen…only with way more color payoff.
For the most comfortable wear, I like to first apply a layer of clear lip balm and let it sit for a few minutes while I do the rest of my makeup, then blot off the excess—don’t skip this step—before going in with the tint. That said, the formula is hydrating enough to hold its own without prep; it really just depends on how dry my lips are that day. It’s not the longest-lasting option out there (we’ll get to those), but that’s kind of the point for me. I’d rather reapply something plush and nourishing throughout the day—it’s become a small comfort ritual—than deal with anything that leaves my lips feeling tight or shriveled.