Lip stain is a type of lip product that delivers a sheer to medium color to your lips that lasts longer than traditional lipsticks. Lip stain is ideal for those who want a natural and effortless look, as it enhances your lip color without adding too much shine or texture. Lip stain is also great for those who want a low-maintenance lip product, as it does not require frequent reapplication or touch-ups.
However, not all lip stains are created equal. There are different types, formulas, and shades of lip stains that suit different skin tones and styles. In this article, we will show you how to choose and apply the best lip stain for your skin tone and style, as well as some tips and tricks to make your lip stain look flawless.
Types of Lip Stain
Lip stain can be classified into four main types based on their formula and texture: liquid, gel, cream, and marker.
- Liquid lip stain: This is the most common and popular type of lip stain. It has a thin and watery consistency that glides easily on your lips. It dries quickly and leaves a matte or semi-matte finish. It is usually applied with a sponge applicator or a brush .
- Gel lip stain: This is a newer type of lip stain that has a thicker and more gel-like consistency. It has a more hydrating and glossy finish than liquid lip stain. It is usually applied with a squeeze tube or a wand applicator .
- Cream lip stain: This is a hybrid type of lip stain that has a creamy and smooth consistency. It has a more pigmented and opaque finish than liquid or gel lip stain. It is usually applied with a doe-foot applicator or a lipstick bullet .
- Marker lip stain: This is the most unique and innovative type of lip stain. It has a felt-tip pen-like applicator that allows you to draw precise lines and fill in your lips. It has a very sheer and natural finish that mimics your lip color .
How to Choose the Best Lip Stain for Your Skin Tone
The best lip stain for your skin tone depends on your undertone, which is the subtle hue that underlies your skin color. There are three main types of undertones: warm, cool, and neutral.
- Warm undertone: If you have a warm undertone, your skin has a yellow, golden, or peachy hue. You look better in gold jewelry and warm colors such as orange, red, or yellow. The best lip stain shades for you are warm-toned colors such as coral, peach, orange, or brick red .
- Cool undertone: If you have a cool undertone, your skin has a pink, blue, or purple hue. You look better in silver jewelry and cool colors such as blue, green, or purple. The best lip stain shades for you are cool-toned colors such as pink, berry, mauve, or plum .
- Neutral undertone: If you have a neutral undertone, your skin has a balanced mix of warm and cool hues. You look good in both gold and silver jewelry and both warm and cool colors. The best lip stain shades for you are neutral-toned colors such as nude, beige, rose, or brown .
How to Choose the Best Lip Stain for Your Style
The best lip stain for your style depends on your personal preference, mood, and occasion. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the best lip stain for your style, but here are some general guidelines:
- If you want a natural and subtle look, choose a lip stain shade that is close to your natural lip color or one shade darker. You can also choose a sheer or matte formula that blends well with your lips.
- If you want a bright and bold look, choose a lip stain shade that contrasts with your skin tone or one that pops out. You can also choose a pigmented or glossy formula that adds more color and shine to your lips.
- If you want a fun and playful look, choose a lip stain shade that is unexpected or unconventional. You can also choose a marker or cream formula that allows you to create different shapes and patterns on your lips.
How to Apply Lip Stain
Applying lip stain is not as simple as swiping it on your lips. There are some steps and techniques that you need to follow to make your lip stain look flawless and long-lasting. Here are some of them:
- Exfoliate your lips: This is the first and most important step in applying lip stain. Exfoliating your lips helps to remove any dry or flaky skin that can make your lip stain look patchy or uneven. You can use a lip scrub or a toothbrush to gently scrub your lips .
- Moisturize your lips: This is the second step in applying lip stain. Moisturizing your lips helps to hydrate and smooth your lips, as well as prevent them from drying out or cracking. You can use a lip balm or a lip oil to moisturize your lips .
- Apply lip stain: This is the third step in applying lip stain. Applying lip stain depends on the type and formula of the lip stain, but here are some general tips:
- Start from the center of your bottom lip and work your way outwards. Then repeat the same for your upper lip .
- Use light and thin layers of lip stain to avoid clumping or streaking. You can build up the intensity and coverage by adding more layers .
- Use a lip brush or your finger to blend the edges and corners of your lips for a seamless and natural look .
- Blot your lips with a tissue or powder them with a translucent powder to set the lip stain and make it more matte .
- Add some gloss or highlighter: This is the optional final step in applying lip stain. Adding some gloss or highlighter to your lips can add some shine and dimension to your lips, as well as make them look more plump and juicy. You can use a clear or tinted gloss or a shimmery or metallic highlighter to add some gloss or highlighter to your lips .
Lip stains can also be classified into different types based on their formula and texture, such as liquid, gel, cream, or marker. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of finish, pigmentation, longevity, and comfort. You can choose the best type of lip stain for your skin tone and style based on your personal preference and needs.
Common ingredients in lip stains
Some common ingredients in lip stains are:
- Binders and emollients, such as beeswax, carnauba wax, castor oil, and glycerin, to provide texture and smoothness.
- Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and honey, to moisturize and protect the lips.
- Pigments, such as food coloring, beetroot powder, or berry juice, to give color and stain the lips.
- Optional ingredients, such as essential oils, vitamin E, or mica, to add fragrance, nourishment, or shimmer.
How remove lip stain from my lips without drying them out?
One of the ways to remove lip stain from your lips without drying them out is to use natural oils, such as almond, olive, or coconut oil. These oils can cleanse and hydrate your lips naturally, as well as break down the lip stain. Here are the steps to follow:
- Massage 3 or 4 drops of liquid almond oil or olive oil onto your lips, or smear on a dollop of solid coconut oil.
- Let the oil sit on your lips for a few minutes to dissolve the lip stain.
- Wipe off the oil and the lip stain with a soft cotton pad or a washcloth.
- Rinse your lips with water and pat them dry.
- Apply some lip balm or more oil to moisturize your lips.
You can also use other household products, such as petroleum jelly, lip balm, or cold cream, to remove lip stain from your lips. However, make sure to avoid products that contain alcohol, salicylic acid, or other harsh ingredients that can dry out or irritate your lips.
Conclusion
Lip stain is a versatile and long-lasting lip product that can give you a natural and effortless look. However, you need to choose the right type, formula, and shade of lip stain for your skin tone and style, as well as apply it properly and carefully. By following the steps and tips in this article, you can achieve the best lip stain look for you and enjoy the benefits of having beautiful and colorful lips.
