A fresh wave of lip liner stains has emerged in the beauty world, combining the long-lasting wear of traditional stains with a precise applicator for flawless lip lining. These products deliver seamless application and impressive staying power. I tested three options across budget, mid-range, and luxury price points to find the top performers.
Budget Pick: Essence Line n’ Stain! Tattoo Lip Liner (£2.49, 2.5ml)
This affordable option costs less than a typical coffee run, yet it exceeded expectations despite initial skepticism. The formula feels the most liquid among the trio, and the larger felt-tip applicator demands careful handling for even coverage. However, its endurance stands out—it truly earns the ‘tattoo’ label, resisting removal through multiple cleansing attempts by day’s end. For those prioritizing all-day wear, this delivers exceptional value.
Mid-Range Choice: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie Lip Liner Stain (£10.99, 1ml)
The unique applicator resembles a ballpoint pen fused with a felt tip, featuring a small sphere at the nib’s end. Far from complicating use, it retains product effectively, enabling smooth, fully pigmented application around the lips without drying out midway. The formula sets gradually, allowing easy fixes with a cotton swab, and dries to a natural matte finish. It proved fully transfer-resistant, leaving no marks on drinkware like coffee cups.
Luxury Option: Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain (£22, 1.1ml)
Equipped with a straightforward angled tip—uncommon in lip liners—this design simplifies contouring for the illusion of fuller lips. The reverse side offers a standard felt-tip for quick full-lip filling. Infused with aloe vera and panthenol, the hydrating formula blends effortlessly for a soft, diffused look. Like the others, it resists transfer completely, though it fades slightly sooner. Still, it maintains vibrancy for a solid half-day, meeting everyday needs.
