A defining beauty trend of summer 2026? Soft makeup. Heavy coverage has made way for sheer formulas, while harsh eyeliner is being replaced by buildable, diffused eyeshadow. Bronzers are taking a back seat to fresh, flushed blush tints, and lived-in lips complete the look – with lip stains emerging as the must-have final flourish.
It’s been near-impossible to escape Wonderkin’s viral lip stain on social media feeds. There are endless videos and tutorials of makeup fans applying the distinctive blue formula before wiping or peeling off to reveal perfectly rosy lips.
Read more: Wonderskin beauty review – do the viral lip stains go the distance?
I had my reservations (would it be drying or look like I’d drunk too much red wine?) but I’m hooked. I’ve used Wonderkin’s wipe-off lip stain (£18, Wonderskin.com) all summer long for a rosy, long-lasting pout that doesn’t look as harsh as lip liner.
The lip stain concept is nothing new – Benefit created the famous Benetint in the 1970’s as a rosy nipple and cheek tint for San Francisco’s exotic dancers – but today’s formulas are more hydrating, nourishing and easy to apply.
Now, Elf has launched the £5 main stain lip marker to rival Wonderskin. No stranger to budget alternatives, the beauty giant has also created a cheek blush tint that costs just £6 (Benefit’s Benetint will set you back nearly £25).
With the lip stain gaining traction on TikTok, I swapped it into my morning makeup routine to see whether it’s worth the hype.
How I tested
Available in nine shades – including black cherry, light pink, orange, and red – the makeup staple has been praised for its hydrating, lightweight texture and sheer finish. After applying it in the morning, I assessed these claims throughout the day, noting the finish, staying power and how it felt on my lips. Having been converted to Wonderskin’s wipe-off lip stain this summer, will Elf’s lip stain be the product I rebuy instead?
Elf main stain lip marker
Unlike other lip stains, Elf’s main stain lip marker doesn’t require wiping or peeling off – something that might have put people off Wonderskin. I love how quick and easy it is to apply with no wait time for the stain to develop.
Designed to offer the same precision as a lip liner, the applicator boasts a pointed side for lining lips and a flat side for filling them in. There are nine natural-tone shades for a no-makeup makeup look, from a dusty mauve (which I tested) to a rich warm brown and baby pink.
While I prefer the precision of Elf’s pen when applying, the pigment isn’t as strong as Wonderskin’s – it takes a few layers to build it up to my desired coverage, which is enhanced with gloss and balm. Wonderskin’s does a far better job of outlining lips, while Elf’s struggled with overlining.
The beauty brand claims that the formula is transfer-resistant with no touch-ups required. After initial application, I blotted with only the slightest bit of transfer – overall, impressive results.
However, Wonderskin’s formulas create a far more subtle, believable stain than Elf’s, which can look noticeably more like a traditional lip stain.
I found much of the TikTok testimony to be true: the lip stain lasted up to five hours, through eating and drinking, before I felt like it needed a bit more definition. Whether refreshed with a pencil lip liner or layered with more of the stain itself, the formula remains comfortable and, crucially, doesn’t become dry or flaky with repeated application throughout the day.
Is Elf’s lip stain worth it?
An affordable and faff-free alternative to trending peel-off lip stains, Elf’s lip stain impressed me for the price. But the pigment, longevity and overlining performance just isn’t as strong as Wonderskin’s. Offering a middle ground between lip liners and lip stains, Elf’s budget buy is great for those wanting to dip their toe without fully committing. But if you like a natural look, Wonderskin’s is the one to try.
Why trust me?
Daisy has been reviewing beauty for six years for publications including The Standard and The Independent. Covering everything from lip liners and bronzers to hair tools and fragrance, she thoroughly tests each product to find out if it offers the best value for money.
Read more: My summer hack for reapplying SPF over make-up – without ruining your look
