A natural lip stain is a fresh alternative to lipstick or lip gloss. In fact, this product has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the many companies that have started offering it as a regular part of their lineups.
Your Lips…But Better
Years ago, the old "YLBB" acronym was tossed around between makeup addicts without a second thought. The desire to achieve a look similar to "your lips, but better" was always something of a mission. Even today, finding the perfect shade to enhance the natural lip without bringing too much color to the palette is something many women have trouble with.
Fortunately, it's not just about seeking out the perfect nude lipstick anymore. Now, "natural" means something much more fresh and radiant than it did previously. Sure, there's still a time and place for the soft nude lip, but today's color is a chic, updated hue that brings life to the entire face. It's vibrant enough to be worn alone, yet isn't so bright that it dominates a woman's overall look.
We're talking about the natural lip stain. Easy to apply, quick to blend in and so simple to find a complementary match, these stains are a must in any woman's beauty arsenal.
More Versatile Than You Think!
Just because they're called lip stains doesn't mean they can't be used for anything else. In fact, one of the world's most popular lip stains, Benefit Benetint, is also renowned for its ability to add a gorgeous flush to the cheeks! Many lip stains are now marketed as "lip/cheek" stains or washes.
If you use your lip stain to enhance your cheekbones, you'll want to make sure you blend it exceptionally well. Stains do have a tendency to dry and settle in very quickly, so it's important to blend, blend, blend immediately upon application.
Who Makes the Best Natural Lip Stain?
Lip stains are so common that there's now a whole section devoted to them at beauty giants like Sephora. Obviously that means there's a greater selection than ever before. While one would hope that each has something different to offer, the truth is that there isn't too much disparity between them. The greatest differences lie in the color selection (although that is limited, as a lip stain is generally a pinkish or reddish flush) and product consistency.
Choosing which one is right for you might simply be a matter of shopping around. Here, we highlight the best of the best; those that have stood the test of time, made a remarkable impression and made women look supermodel-fresh day in and day out!
- Benefit Benetint: Probably the one product that truly fueled the lip stain obsession, Benetint is an industry classic. Its liquid consistency and light rose scent make it unique, but its lasting color is what keeps people coming back time and again.
- Vincent Longo Lip and Cheek Gel Stain: This water-based fluid stain is available in seven diverse colors, ranging from My Sunshine (a warm red) to Baby Boo (a fresh raspberry-pink).
- Tarte Rise & Shine Plumping Lip Stain: This ingenious product pairs a lip stain (in your choice of four colors) on one end with a plumping lip gloss on the other end. Ideal when you're in a hurry and can't commit to doing a full face of makeup, this instantly brightens you up!
- Urban Decay Lip Envy: Despite its trendy nature, Urban Decay easily churns out some of the most classic colors out there. Lip Envy is available in three shades (pink, berry and bronze) and hydrates the lips with its water-rich, gel-based formula.
Keep Your Lips Soft
You'll notice when applying your lip stain that the product is not moisturizing. They dry quickly (hence the stain they leave behind), so if you are concerned about parched lips, you'll want to moisturize beforehand. A good idea is to swipe on your lip balm of choice 15 or 20 minutes prior to applying the stain. This will allow your moisturizer to sink in, and it won't be as sticky - which will in turn allow your lip stain to adhere beautifully to your lips!
Where to Purchase
It's a great idea to add a tube or two of this versatile product to your cosmetic bag. The natural effect left behind is a great way to achieve a flawless look in a matter of seconds. Purchase all of the above mentioned stains, and many more, at Sephora.
