Lip stains are in a moment of evolution. First came peel-off formulas and color-depositing lip oils; now, the pendulum has swung to the lip stain marker. Leading their rise to prominence are recent debuts from Huda Beauty and Summer Fridays to Covergirl and NYX, all of which promise the precision of a classic liner with the staying power of a stain. A helpful benefit for those of eager to ensure their lip combo lasts longer than it takes to finish a latte or get through happy hour.
However, according to pro makeup artist Kirin Bhatty, the longevity isn’t just marketing hype. Lip-staining markers genuinely outlast many traditional liners, which is why she reaches for them regularly in her own routine. “The beauty of these products is that they are an impactful liner but also work as a stain on the whole lip, without feeling dry or tight,” Bhatty tells Vogue.
Vogue’s Favorite Lip Staining Liners
Precise application is also part of the appeal. Unlike peel off and rub off formulas—you simply sketch it on, just like you would a traditional pencil. “Lip stain markers give you a level of control,” Summer Fridays co-founders Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland explain. “A marker lets you be intentional in exactly where you apply it. The pigment sinks in, so what you’re left with at hour six or seven is a beautiful, lived-in wash of color. It’s perfect whether you want to apply your lip in the morning and not think about it again, you’re eating and drinking and need it to last through an evening, or you just feel more confident with a bit of color.”
Still, despite the flurry of launches, lip markers remain surprisingly divisive among consumers. Case in point: here at Vogue HQ. While I’ve fully folded them into my daily routine—picking up a few application tricks along the way to keep them from looking like, well, actual markers when drawn on—beauty shopping editor Kiana Murden remains skeptical, albeit open to persuasion. The hesitation is understandable. These formulas come with two notable quirks: you have to blend them quickly before they dry down, otherwise you risk a sharply defined outline. Many also recommend storing the pens upside down so the felt tip doesn’t dry out.
Even the biggest lip stain marker skeptics might consider themselves converts with Kulfi’s latest launch—the indie brand is spearheading the the 2.0 version of a lip staining liner, one that’s superseded the marker tip and precious storage. Instead, it may look like just any creamy retractible liner, but it’s actually the first of it’s kind. “[With improper blending] markers can sometimes look patchy, while traditional stains can feel drying over time,” Kufli founder Priyanka Ganjoo says, emphasizing why her brand was determined to innovate with a creamy, cream-based formula. “It glides on without tugging and gives you time to define or blend before it sets. Then as it wears down, it leaves behind a soft stain that lasts for hours.”