There is such a thing as a good stain

We've all gone a bit bonkers for lip stains lately, and it's not without good reason. They're feather light, quick and easy to use and claim to stay put throughout eating, drinking, snogging and just 'being' in general.

But, as any cosmetics enthusiast (you) would know, a lot of products are all talk, and don't always deliver on their promises! So, with this in mind, I've always hesitated to purchase a lip stain because they always seemed too good to be true - rich pigmentation, long wearing and comfortable? How is that even possible??

Here's where Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm comes in...

Smashbox Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm
£21.50 at Debenhams

I visited the Smashbox counter at Debenhams on Oxford Street on Thursday night to get prettied up before going to see my friend's band and had a good gander at all the lovely products.

I'm not very familiar with Smashbox, so it was fun learning about cool cult products like O-Glow and their best selling primer, but one product that really aroused my curiosity was the lip stain.

Initially, I wanted to try it because one shade in particular caught my eye - a dark blood red called Sangria - but after the make up artist put it on my lips, I felt that it was maybe a little similar to a few reds I already own, so she suggested I try the stain in Guava.

Then I fell in love.

These lipstains were created to mimic the effect of 'photo gels' on shoots, which I'm assuming is due to the vivid pigmentation it leaves on the lips.
The colour pay off of this stain is incredible for a product that's water based and it actually does what it says on the tin - it stays put for a long time (though not for the 8 hours it claims), doesn't feather and is virtually weightless.

Guava is a beautiful, vibrant orange-red. Perfect for spring really :)

Using the stain basically feels like colouring in your lips with a felt tip, though it's not unpleasant, and you just give the pen a little shake to encourage more colour to reach the tip.
The tinted emollient balm on the other end is hydrating and comfortable, and adds a nice sheen to the lips.

So far, I'm really impressed with  Limitless Lip Stain & Colour Seal Balm by Smashbox and if you're near a Smashbox counter I recommend you give it a try for yourself!

To show you how it looks on me, here are some creepy instagram photos of my lips. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading :)


Hannah Rose xxx