Wonderskin hype: time to put these long-lasting lip stains to the test
2/12/2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Lip Stains from Wonderskin have been going viral a little too long for my taste. High time to see how they hold up in real life.
You’d practically have to be living under a rock to have missed the countless reviews about the Blading Lip Stain Masques from Wonderskin. They’re far from new at this stage, but the hype persists. And I’m starting to think I should give them a go, just to stop wondering if they work.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Lip stains aren’t really my bag. But I get what people like about them: the colour’s long-lasting like an ink stain. Eating, drinking, kissing? Not a problem. But woe betide you apply it sloppily. Or worse, the colour doesn’t suit you. Then you’re in trouble. The colour is really hard to get off. Another reason I’m not a big fan? I prefer lip products that cover or lighten the natural colour of my lips. Stains, however, enhance it.
What’s so good about Wonderskin stains?
Well, it’s not the packaging, that’s for sure. Its generic design is reminiscent of an old-fashioned MLM brand. What I’m curious about is how it’s applied. That’s because Wonderskin isn’t an ordinary stain. The colour only comes out after a few steps. First, you need to apply the lip mask, then you let it dry and, finally, you wipe it off with a damp cloth. The result should last all day while keeping your lips soft and hydrated.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
My experience
Based on my preferences, I chose the two colours I’m least intimidated by: Adore and Charming. Incidentally, our bestseller is Whimsical.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
I start off with the brighter tone Adore. The metallic blue-violet scares me at first. Its consistency is more fluid than I expected and can be applied very precisely using the flat applicator. It even worked to paint over my lips’ natural contours a little. Overall, I made sure to apply the same amount of product throughout. At the same time, I struggled to block out the soapy scent it gives off.
I carefully let the mask dry with my mouth open. If you touch your lips when the colour’s still wet, the mask comes off in spots. My lips tingle and burn slightly during the drying process. It feels a bit like being on vacation without my lip balm and licking my dry, chapped lips over and over again.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
As soon as the layer’s dry, I wipe it off using a damp cotton pad.
You’ve got to be kidding me… My lips have a slight pink tinge. This is a far cry from the colour displayed on the packaging. What’s worse though is that my lips feel anaesthetised for the next ten minutes. I resist the urge to apply a layer of my nourishing Laneige lip care mask and venture out with this numbness instead. My outing includes a trip to a restaurant. After five hours, I check myself in the mirror: the pink on my lips is only slightly visible. That’s sobering. And a relief at the same time.
You can also apply multiple layers of Wonderskin lip tint (as stains are also often referred to) for more intensive results. In other words, apply several times in a row, allow to dry and wipe off. I’m definitely not after a more intense look, but for this test I tried it out the next day with the slightly darker colour Charming.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
The first layer looks blotchy. The blotches are caused by a few dry patches that have appeared on my lips despite the lip mask I’ve been wearing at night. I therefore recommend using a lip scrub before applying Wonderskin. I look a bit like a vampire after a feeding frenzy. I don’t like it at all because of the stains, but also because the colour isn’t very flattering on me. Begrudgingly, I slap on a second layer. Has this made the colour more intense? Nope.
I try to take it off again. But the colour won’t budge. Neither my micellar water nor a bi-phase remover for waterproof make-up do the trick. Even my trusted oil fails to remove the stain. Looks like I have to sit it out. What’s weird is that the colour’s vanished after three hours. What is this witchcraft?
In a nutshell
I’m sticking to my regular lipstick
Stains from Wonderskin – an all-round disappointment. Applying Stains is laborious and unpleasant. The design’s basic, the result and alleged long-lasting effect sobering. Instead of moisturising, the stains also dry out your lips. I’d rather stick to regular lipstick and reapply it twice or three times a day.
Pro
- Lasts up to three hours
Contra
- Awkward to apply
- Scent
- Tingling, numb lips after application
- Doesn’t last as long as advertised
- Looks cheap
- Dries out lips
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.