According to Gossip Girl’s Serena van der Woodsen, lipstick lasts longer but gloss is more fun. While this fictional It Girl of the Upper East Side knew a thing or two about makeup tips, it can be hard to decide between the two products when you’re a person that inadvertently ends up rubbing them off. While other products are designed to form a layer on top of your lips, lip stains are designed to be absorbed into the skin and give long-lasting color. They are often made with a combination of water, dyes, glycerin and pigment to help achieve their color.
How to use
To start, make sure your lips are free of dead skin. You can use a gentle towel soaked with warm water and lightly rub in circles on top of the skin. Next, you’ll add a moisturizing lip balm. Allow it to sit on your lips for a few minutes.
Place the applicator on the center of the lips and roll across to diffuse the product. More formula = more pigmented color. If you’re unsure about how much to apply, start with small layers.
A stain can be used for a variety of looks, ranging from a bold lip to a soft stain. Once you feel more comfortable using the tint, try experimenting by using it as a tint for the eyes or cheeks.
VALLEY Recommends
2. e.l.f Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain
3. r.e.m. beauty Practically Permanent Lip Stain Marker
4. ColourPop Cosmetics Lip Stains
Pros and Cons
Pros: Long-lasting, can be layered with different products to create a custom look (like putting lip gloss on top of a lip stain), usable on other areas of the face, a little product goes a long way.
Cons: Application can be tricky since any product that touches the outside of the lips may stain, lip stains can be known to dry the lips so keeping them hydrated is important, and the shade range may be more limited than lipstick or lip glosses available on the market.
Lip stains help provide a sheer, more natural-looking tint that is buildable. Ultimately, choosing the right lip product for you depends on the occasion. If you have an active day where you might not be able to reapply product, choose a lip stain. This product would also be ideal over lipstick or gloss while attending an event with repeated eating and drinking.
Have you tried any of these products? Tag us on Instagram @valleymag
