3 Lip Stains for Masks That Won't Budge

Putting on lip color can brighten your mood, even if you’re barely leaving the house. In the times of coronavirus, that joy can be instantly squashed the second you realize your lipstick is now all over the inside of your mask and your lower face… making it look like you let a 4-year-old apply your lipstick. But, that doesn’t mean you have to go au natural under your mask. For a pop of color that won’t budge, turn to a lip stain.

“Stains are ideal for those that do not like the heavy feel of products on their lips,” says Amanda Jo, creator of The Organic Bunny. “They’re also great for those that seek a longer-lasting, more matte finish from their lip products.” This matte finish is essential for staying put under your mask—glosses, satins, and creams are a major no-no.

If you have dry lips, you’ll want to do a little prep before applying your stain, because the matte formula could make your flakes even more pronounced. Start with a lip scrub and follow up with a teensy bit of lip balm. This will ensure you get a smooth application and keep your lips from getting even drier.

To get maximum staying power, celebrity makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio recommends giving your mask a little attention. “You can spray the inside of your mask with setting spray, which will help your makeup not transfer onto the mask,” says D’Amelio.

Shop three of our favorite lip stains for masks below and step into this gloriously colorful smudge-free world.

3 lip stains for masks that won’t budge

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain

This smooth, waterproof stain from Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain delivers solid pigment yet lightweight coverage. So lightweight, that you might just forget you’re even wearing it. Bonus: it’s got hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) and glycerin, so it won’t dry out your lips. It’s available in the shades black cherry, grey mauve, hot pink, and orchid.

2. Clarins Water Lip Stain

Comprising 70 percent water, this hydrating lip stain gives you smudge-proof coverage without drying out your lips. Once we’re back in a mask-free reality (or if you’re just not leaving the house) layer it under a lipstick for a serious color punch or under gloss for long-lasting color with a touch of shine. It comes in the shades rose water, orange water, red water, and violet water.

3. Benefit Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Stain and Tint

Go for a monochromatic look by using this double-duty tint on your lips and cheeks. It’s super sheer, giving you a gorgeous flush that lasts for hours. When using on your cheeks be sure to blend quickly before it dries. It’s available in the shades posietint (poppy-pink), benetint (rose), gogotint (bright cherry), chachatint (mango), and lovetint (Fiery-Red).

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