Lip stains are becoming increasingly popular, especially if you want to line and contour your lips with colour that actually stays put. Unlike a traditional lip liner that can fade throughout the day, a stain is meant to leave behind long-lasting colour, whether you’re using it to define the edges of your lips or fill them in completely. And with more brands coming out with their own versions, there are now plenty of options to choose from at different price points.
As a beauty editor, I get to test a lot of makeup and have tried my fair share of lip stains, so naturally, I wanted to see how e.l.f.’s $6 Main Stain Lip Marker compared. I put it to the test to see how it applies, how well it lasts and whether it’s actually worth picking up.
How It Wears:
I really like the felt-tip applicator because it makes the lip stain super easy to apply precisely, especially around the edges of the lips. The colour payoff is pretty good too, and once it sets, it does have decent staying power. I wouldn’t say it lasts quite as long as the Summer Fridays lip stain, though. It does start to fade when you eat, but honestly, that’s pretty typical for a lip stain.
The formula itself does feel pretty dry, which is something I noticed almost immediately. I’ve only had these for about two weeks, but they already feel like they’re starting to dry out. Since it is a marker-style product, I expected the formula to feel a little drier than a traditional liquid lip stain, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly.
My biggest issue, though, is the smell. I hate it. There’s no nice way to put it—it has this really unpleasant scent that almost reminds me of pee. Thankfully, the smell doesn’t stick around forever, but it’s definitely noticeable when you’re applying it and takes away from the experience for me.
Who Would Like This Product?
If you can get past the smell and you’ve been wanting to try a lip stain, I don’t think this is a bad option. It’s easy to apply, gives you a nice wash of colour and has pretty decent staying power. I also think it could be a good option for a pre-teen who is starting to get interested in makeup and wants to experiment with lip products without spending too much.
Is It Worth The Money?
At only $6, you’re not making a huge investment if you want to give it a try. But when it comes to lip stains, I do think there are better options on the market. I personally prefer the Summer Fridays Lip Stain because I find it lasts longer and the formula feels better on the lips. Between the smell and how quickly the marker seems to be drying out, I don’t think this is a lip stain I would repurchase.
e.l.f. Main Stain Lip Marker, $5.97, Amazon.ca
Disclosure: This product was gifted, but I am under no obligation to share a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own and based on my honest experience. This post also contains affiliate links; if you choose to purchase them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create. Thank you for your support!
Photo courtesy of Amazon. Graphic made by Mursal.