Lip stains are having a moment – but are they really a new handbag essential?

NO make-up bag would be complete without lipstick – but we're less fond of its tendency to crease, crumble and smear all over our teeth.

While lipstick formulas have come a long way – with many offering flawless, day-long results – beauty fans are now flocking elsewhere.

With their precision, mess-free application, and stay-all-day results, it's little wonder lip stains are trending.

With Google searches soaring 5,000% in February and March, and #lipstain clocking up over 173.6k posts on TikTok, it's clear that lip stains are having a beauty moment.

Beauty content creators Bambi Does Beauty and Soph Does Life, as well as MUA Katie Jane Hughes and US mega-influencer Alix Earle have all shared their faves on the app.

While staining your lips sounds a little terrifying, these lightweight, pigmented formulas colour your lips for hours – and yes, they do wash off.

With Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Love Island‘s Elma Pazar all fans, it's about time Team Fabulous took them for a test run.

Here are some of the industry's newest and hottest lip stains – and our honest thoughts…

Pixi LipBlush, £14

Pixi LipBlush, £14

Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon says:

“There's something about scribbling on your lips with a pen that feels very wrong.

Despite looking and feeling like a Sharpie pen, this lip stain is genius – and has become my new handbag essential.

Its chunky felt-tip-style applicator allows for quick, easy, and mess-free application, though it doesn't offer much precision.

However, within a few strokes, it delivers a gorgeous, pigmented fuchsia shade to my lips, without setting into lines.

It leaves lips with a sheer finish, though I'd be tempted to layer a lip oil over the top, as its formula feels a little tight and drying on the skin.”

Tropic Lip Stain, £16

Tropic Lip Stain, £16

Beauty Writer Mia Lyndon says:

“This formula strikes the perfect balance between a long-lasting stain and comfy gloss, and pigments lips without feeling heavy or drying.

Toasted peach – which is one of the brand's newest, limited-edition shades – has a warm, spiced appearance.

However, you'll need to add several layers as it's not very bold, but it's easy to dial up without cracking or creasing.

It has a soft, cushioned texture that feels lightweight and hydrating on the lips, plus a pleasant, subtle fragrance.

While it's not very long-lasting, applying a few extra layers will ensure it sticks around for longer.”

Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque, £18

Wonderskin Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque, £18

Beauty Intern Bella Tofighy says:

“The Wonderskin lip stain is the viral beauty product of the industry right now, and it's easy to understand why.

Its lightweight formula glides on to lips and dries weightlessly to feel as though you’re not wearing any product, while still providing a pop of colour that lasts all day.

While initially a rather scary iridescent purple on the lips, the product dries to a lovely plum shade – perfect for that soft glam look, day or night.

The ultimate plus is that it maintains its pigmentation on lips without the constant need of touch-ups, so you can go about your day without the colour budging, unlike many other lip products.”

Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Lip Ink Pen, £7.99

Rimmel London Thrill Seeker Lip Ink Pen, £7.99

Beauty Editor Tara Ledden says:

“When this landed on my desk, I didn't think much of it – other than that it reminded me of the lip stains I'd used as a teen.

I put it in a pot with my actual pens, and a week later, I realised I'd reached for it most days before meetings for a put-together look.

It goes on lips like a felt tip draws on paper – with a steady flow of pigment that makes the stain completely foolproof.

Once on, there's no stickiness or heavy residue, and the colour lasts for hours, staying true to the hue it starts as – even after meals.

I love the slimline nib that lets you easily and precisely trace your lip line, then you can tilt the pen on its side to fill in the bulk of your lips.

After trying a few shades, the darker ones are definitely the most pigmented, which can be daunting, but there's enough time to blend it out with your finger before the colour dries and sets.”

Sacheu Stayn Lip Liner, £12

Sacheu Stayn Lip Liner, £12

Beauty Editor Tara Ledden says:

“Having seen this liner on TikTok, I thought I'd know exactly how to apply it – but in reality, it's much harder than it looks!

It has a super-dark application colour and the thick consistency makes it tricky to get a straight, natural-looking line with an unsteady hand, especially as it's a doe-foot applicator rather than a pen-style nib – so I've found it easier to do my whole lip.

Plus, having to wait 10-15 minutes for it to dry before you can leave the house is time-consuming.

Finding the end to peel away can be quite a faff too, and it took some trial and error, but once you get it, the lift is super-satisfying – like peeling PVA from the back of your hand.

Although, it leaves lots of flecks behind that I had to scrape off individually.

The stain only lasted for a few hours, and left my lips feeling tight and dry, so I can't imagine I'll be wearing it again – despite all the hype.”