If you've scrolled on TikTok in the last few months, chances are your FYP has been inundated with influencers talking up lip stains. And since it might be hard to decipher which beauty gurus are getting paid to promote a product and which ones are just genuinely good, I'm here to honestly answer the important question: Which viral lip stain is actually worth the hype? In the name of beauty journalism, I've been testing the Sacheu Peel-off Lip Stain and the Wonderskin Lip Stain Masque for the past month to give you all the deets and my honest reviews.
For the uninitiated, these two lip stains stay put for HOURS. They're not as opaque as lipstick (the color is more sheer than saturated) and can be used as long-lasting lip liners (because, let’s be real, I have yet to find a pencil liner that truly lasts all day) or as an all-over tint under a shimmery lip gloss or lip balm. Keep reading for my honest review on the Sacheu and Wonderskin lip stains to see which one deserves a spot in your makeup bag.
Sacheu Lip Stain:
- Price: $12
- Shades: 10
- Set time: 10-15 minutes
You might've seen Billie Eilish's tour GRWM which amassed a casual 125 million views. The peel-off lip product she used was Sacheu's Lip Stain. She applied it as a liner—thanks to its ultra-precise applicator—but it works just as beautifully all over the mouth too. The formula goes on as an intense, deeper version of the shade. After about 10 minutes (or once it has fully dried down), you simply pull it off in one satisfying go to reveal a wash of long-lasting color.
I applied the stain every morning for weeks and at the end of every day—after three meals and countless snacks—the color looked just as good as it did 12 hours prior. There was zero smudging, smearing, or feathering either. Need more convincing? Just check out what my fellow teammate beauty editor Beth Gillette has to say:
"Listen, I've tried so many lip stains in the past, and I just wasn't expecting miracles with this. But I drew this on my lips in the afternoon, then went to a dinner where I inhaled buttered bread followed by cacio e pepe and saucy chicken, and as I was leaving, someone asked me what lip liner I just put on. I went home, ran to the bathroom mirror, and was in SHOCK when this lip liner was still totally on. I've now tested it through sweaty workout classes, eating, and drinking and it doesn't budge. This is like the makeup equivalent to the Stanley Cup that still has ice in it after your entire car catches on fire. The staying power is truly unmatched."—BG
Wonderskin Lip Stain:
- Price: $22
- Shades: 18
- Set time: 30 seconds
I was skeptical when I first saw this purple formula on TikTok, but once I tried it, I was hooked. It applies just like a typical lip product—except for its bright color. After letting it sit for 30 seconds, you simply swipe it off with a damp cloth or tissue to reveal a gorgeous lip color.
It pairs seamlessly with any lip oil/gloss/balm, so you can layer on your favorite hydrating formula without needing to rely on drying lipsticks for bold pigment. The only downside? You need a wet tissue or cloth to remove the purple layer, so be sure to do this before your makeup routine to avoid accidentally wiping away other products.
I really love this stain when I know I have an event or long meal ahead of me (filled with multiple drinks, greasy food, lip gloss applications, and maybe some smooches) and it's somehow still perfectly intact by the end of my night. And of course, we have some more thoughts from Gillette:
"Now, Wonderskin is definitely better if you want to cover your entire lip. It's also available in a gazillion shades, which is def helpful if you want a wide range, like a red lip that won't budge. I don't love that I have to wipe it off versus peeling it; however, wiping it off definitely helps me avoid any mistakes I might make when applying. I wish this one had a guide color (like Sacheu) since all of them apply purple and I really gotta look at the bottom to see what shade I'm putting on."—BG
Final thoughts:
Both the Sacheu and Wonderskin lip stains are truly amazing products, fully worthy of their viral hype. The Sacheu applicator offers more precision and is an excellent value at just $12, while Wonderskin wins when it comes to shade range. The only setback to both? Removal. Sacheu’s stain needs a full 15 minutes before you can peel it off, while Wonderskin's requires a wet tissue to wipe away—so pick your struggle! That said, both deliver impressive, all-day wear, so the best choice comes down to your personal preference.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers viral beauty products like LED masks and hair rollers. You can always find her with a minimum of five lip products in her bag at all times, and for this story, she tested the viral Wonderskin and Sacheu lip stains for weeks to see which had the best pigment, staying power, and ease of use.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.