Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour Stains are all over TikTok lately, with creators praising its bold pigment and staying power, while others claim it doesn’t quite live up to the hype. With all the mixed opinions floating around, I had to see for myself. Are they really smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and transfer-proof for a full 12 hours? I put it through a day of coffee, food, and real-life wear to find out.
How It Wears:
I’ve been wearing the shades Baby Pink, Rosewood, and Toasty Brown for a while now. I use Rosewood and sometimes Toasty Brown to line my lips and fill in the corners, then apply Baby Pink in the center. Baby Pink is a “your lips but better” shade, while Rosewood is a rosy pink. I usually apply both as a base for a pink lip combo—so even if the lipstick and gloss fade, the stain stays underneath.
Founder Huda Kattan released a video explaining how to use the Lip Contour Stains, and honestly, if you don’t follow her instructions, you likely won’t be happy with the application. Make sure to store them upside down so the ink flows properly, and ensure your lips are clean with no other product on them. Apply the stain in sections and blend it out with your finger—because it dries down fast and can leave harsh lines.
If you wear the stain by itself without layering anything on top, it can emphasize the lines in your lips and make them look dry. The brand actually released Tinted Jelly Lip Oils as the intended topper. I have the shade Juicy Pink Lady, and when I applied it over the stain, my lips looked amazing. The shade looks almost clear, but the formula is super hydrating, smells like candy, and gives the lips an ultra-glassy finish.
Is it Truly Long-lasting?
The product claims to be “smudge-proof, kiss-proof, and transfer-proof for 12 hours.” Huda mentioned that while the stain passed the transfer-proof test, it will transfer if you apply too much product. And yes—it did transfer for me, because I applied a generous amount.
It is smudge-proof, but it doesn’t stay looking flawless like in that viral video of Huda eating a burger while wearing the stains. After eating, there was still pigment left on my lips, but the colour did fade. My lips still looked lined—which I liked—but the rest of my lip combo definitely needed a touch-up. Before eating however the lip stain stayed on perfectly.
As for kiss-proof… I’m not kissing anyone, so I can’t confirm that claim.
The lip oil, of course, faded after eating—but that was expected.
Who Would Like This Product?
Anyone who doesn’t have time for a ten-step lip combo but still wants colour and dimension will enjoy these lip stains. If you do love a multi-step routine, this product will help prolong your look. Just keep in mind—you need to be okay with storing it upside down and patient when the product doesn’t come out right away.
Is It Worth The Money?
I’ve tried the $8 e.l.f Sheer for it Blush Tint, and it’s fantastic both on the lips and cheeks whereas these Lip Contour stains cost $34. So far, I’ve been enjoying using the Huda Beauty Lip Contour stains, and I like how you can get a precise application if you’re using them as a lip liner. Similar to a lip liner, you will still have to touch up your lip combo with the products because they do fade eventually. However, Huda Beauty’s Tinted Jelly Lip Oils are 100% worth the money.
Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain for 12-Hour Wear, $34, sephora.ca
Product image courtesy of Sephora. Graphic by Mursal.
Disclaimer: This product was gifted to me as part of a PR package. However, my review is entirely honest and based on my personal experience. While I may earn a commission or monetary compensation related to the products in this article, my priority is to provide you with a genuine and unbiased evaluation.