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The lip stain contour craze has reached a new level thanks to a viral trend on TikTok. For most of its existence, lip stains came housed in chubby tubes with large applicators to effectively deposit color to lips and, often, cheeks. While many great brands still follow this format, a new approach has introduced slimmer features. It started with Sacheu’s Lip Liner Stain ($14), a peel-off formula that created the perfect, just-bitten look. The satisfaction of watching tons of TikTokers apply a deeply pigmented stain to their lips, then peel it off slowly to reveal a lightly saturated shade that didn’t budge was enough to skyrocket the brand to virality. Huda Beauty’s Lip Contour Stain ($25) is currently having a similar effect on TikTok, with its pencil-like shape and precisely pointed applicator. While the application methods differ, it’s clear that lip stain contouring is here to stay. Below, we tapped three makeup artists for their advice on perfecting the beauty trend.
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What are the benefits of contouring with a lip stain?
If you’ve ever tried to contour your lips using a traditional liner, you know that precision is crucial and longevity is never guaranteed. Lip stains offer a solution to both of those issues. Some lip stains are formulated after markers with felt-tip points, while others feature tapered doe-foot applicators for precise placement. Additionally, with highly pigmented formulas, they can last much longer than a pencil. “Lip stains have an intense color payoff and sink into the skin for comfortable wear throughout the day,” says Huda Beauty brand educator Chanel Temple. In terms of lip contouring, this means that you can create the illusion of fullness without the hassle of looking overdone. “Contouring with deeply pigmented stains creates dimension, giving you the appearance of naturally enhanced lips instead of overlined and overdone,” says celebrity makeup artist Ashley Gomila. The pro notes that stains are designed to last for several hours, so using them to contour ensures that the definition stays put even after the surface color fades.
How to contour your lips with a lip stain
If you’re new to lip contouring, using a stain will make it much easier to master than a pencil. By design, stains deliver a blurred look that translates to naturally shaped lips. To begin, make sure your lips are hydrated but dry on the surface. “Then, map out the shape you want to achieve, either by directly tracing your lips or slightly outside your lips for a fuller look,” says makeup artist and Beauty Creations Cosmetics senior product developer. If you’re nervous about drawing a perfect line, Temple recommends applying the stain in short sections and immediately blending each area with your fingertip. “This technique softens the edges while keeping the overall shape defined, giving you that perfectly blurred effect,” she says. After the stain has settled, you can fill in your lips with a lighter lip stain shade or a creamy pencil, ensuring you’re diffusing the color into the stain liner. The final step, should you prefer, will be a touch of gloss to make your lips pop.
How to avoid feathering
Feathering is common with almost every lip product, including stains. Your best bet to avoid it while contouring is to begin on a smooth surface. “Exfoliating beforehand is extremely important and can help deter feathering as you apply,” says Gomila. However, if you do notice the stain bleeding a bit, she recommends using a slightly damp Q-tip to clean up any areas that aren’t evenly applied.
