Lipstain, Explained

FOR QUITE some time, I had resigned myself to the fact that I wasn’t a “lipstick person.” I happened to snack often and it only seemed pointless to reapply rouge that would only stick to a piece of cake moments later.

So, lip color was relegated to the bottom of the makeup case, only making an appearance on special occasions (or whenever I remembered) and gone by the time lunch was served.

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm

Imagine my surprise when, on a random trip to the drugstore, I stumbled upon Revlon Just Bitten, a double-purpose tube with a nub of lip-softening balm on one end, and budge-proof pigment on the other. I got reminded of Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint—that classic rose-colored lip and cheek tint which still has a consistent following among lip stain fans (its current existence in the market proving so).

Lipps candy, revisited

Most lip stains on their own leave a straightforward matte finish. In the case of Just Bitten, it applies like a Sharpie marker and the accompanying balm prevents lips from drying, yet doesn’t impart a lot of sheen.

The effect is very much like eating Lipps Strawberry Candy and enjoying the delightful crimson shade it leaves on lips. Or, on a grown-up level, the same hint one gets after sipping a glass of red wine.

Thankfully, the cosmetics industry has successfully isolated these desirable hues. All one has to do is take a trip to the beauty counter or drugstore to get a lip fix.


What’s out there now

Other than the products mentioned above, many lip stains are available in the market, ranging from the super affordable (try HerBench, Face Shop, or bazaars) to the ultra luxe (try Laura Mercier Lip Stain, Fresh Sugar Plum, or TheBalm For Keeps Watercolor Lip Stains).

While the latest lip stains feature water-based pigments—Covergirl Outlast, for example—they can still be drying. Revlon has been ahead of the curve by including a balm, and Benefit sells a tube version of Benetint called Pocket Pal that comes with clear lip gloss.

If you become a fan of tinted lips, be sure to double up on the Carmex, Burt’s Bees, Nivea Lip Care, and if you can, La Mer The Lip Balm. Ideally, do this at night to give your pout time to “recover” and get softer—perfectly prepping the canvas for the next day’s application.

Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and OK! Magazine Philippines. She is now based in New York City. Visit http://BeautyintheBigApple.com and http://NyMinuteNow.com.

Photo courtesy of Revlon and Benefit Cosmetics. Originally published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Inquirer.net ("Lip Stain—For That Distinct Pout").