Hello, lipstick lovers!
Let’s be honest. We’ve all been there. You find the most perfect lip colour, you apply it carefully, you feel amazing… and then you have a coffee. Or some lunch. And just like that, your beautiful lipstick is gone. All that’s left is a messy line around the outside of your lips. It’s so frustrating!
What if there was a lip product that gave you gorgeous colour that actually stayed put? A product that didn’t smudge, transfer, or disappear after one sip of tea?
Welcome to the world of Huda Beauty Lip Stains. These little wands have a huge reputation for being some of the best long-lasting lip products on the market. But with so many shades to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
Don’t worry! I’ve tried and tested them all. This guide is your best friend in the hunt for the perfect lip stain. We will talk about what they are, how they feel, and I’ll help you find your ideal shade. Let’s dive in!
Also Read: Ulta Beauty World 2026 Tickets: Release Date, Pricing, and Early Access Tips
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat Exactly is a Lip Stain? And Why Would I Want One?
First, let’s clear something up. A lip stain is not the same as a lipstick or a lip gloss.
- Traditional Lipstick: Sits on top of your lips. It can be creamy or matte, but it will eventually wear off or smudge.
- Lip Gloss: Adds shine, but is often sticky and doesn’t last long.
- Lip Stain: This is a liquid product that you apply, and it literally stains the colour into your lips. It sinks in and leaves a wash of colour that lasts for hours and hours.
The biggest benefit? It’s transfer-proof. That means it won’t end up on your coffee cup, your clothes, or your partner’s cheek! It’s perfect for:
- Long days at work or school.
- Weddings, parties, or big events where you don’t want to worry about touch-ups.
- Wearing under a face mask.
- Anyone who is always busy and doesn’t have time to reapply their makeup.
Meet the Star: The Huda Beauty Lip Stain Formula
Huda Beauty offers a few different liquid lip products, but the one we’re focusing on is the Power Bullet Matte Lipstick and the Liquid Matte Lipstick. These are the ones famous for their staying power.
Also Read: Beyond the Packaging: A Deep Dive into Beauty Bakerie’s High-Performance Formulas
So, what makes them so special?
- The Applicator: It has a unique, slightly curved doe-foot wand. This shape makes it super easy to line your lips and fill them in perfectly, even without a lip liner.
- The Feel: When you first apply it, it feels wet and creamy. But within about 60 seconds, it dries down to a completely matte finish.
- The Finish: It’s a true matte. There’s no shine whatsoever. It feels very lightweight on the lips – you’ll hardly know it’s there!
- Important Note: Because it’s so matte and long-lasting, it can feel a little drying. This is normal for all matte liquid lipsticks. The secret is to prepare your lips first (more on that later!).
How to Choose Your Perfect Shade: A Simple Guide
This is the fun part! With over 30 shades available, there’s a colour for everyone. The best way to choose is to think about your skin’s undertone.
What is an undertone? It’s the subtle colour that comes through your skin from underneath. There are three main types:
- Cool Undertones: Your skin has hints of pink, red, or blue.
- Warm Undertones: Your skin has hints of yellow, peach, or gold.
- Neutral Undertones: A mix of both! You’re lucky and can wear almost anything.
Not sure? Here’s a quick test: Look at the veins on your wrist in natural light.
- If they look blue or purple, you likely have cool undertones.
- If they look greenish, you likely have warm undertones.
- If it’s hard to tell, you probably have neutral undertones.
The Best Huda Beauty Lip Stains for Cool Undertones
If you have cool undertones, you will look amazing in shades with blue or pink bases. These colours will make your skin look bright and fresh.
My Top Picks:
- Bombshell: This is a beautiful, classic cool-toned pink. It’s a fantastic everyday colour that isn’t too bright. It’s very flattering and feminine.
- Feminist: A deeper, more dramatic mauve-pink. It’s perfect for the evening or for when you want a bit more colour. It’s very sophisticated.
- Venus: A stunning true red with a blue base. This is the red that will make your teeth look whiter and your skin glow. It’s a show-stopping colour.
The Best Huda Beauty Lip Stains for Warm Undertones
If you have warm undertones, shades with orange, brown, or coral bases will look incredible on you. They will complement the golden tones in your skin.
My Top Picks:
- Spice Girl: This is a cult favourite for a reason. It’s the perfect warm, terracotta brown. It’s a 90s dream and looks gorgeous on everyone with warm tones.
- Trendsetter: A rich, warm chocolate brown. It’s a bold and modern choice that is very fashionable.
- Flirt: A vibrant coral-orange. This is a fun, summery colour that is full of energy. It’s great for making a statement.
The Best Huda Beauty Lip Stains for Neutral Undertones
If you have neutral undertones, you can play with almost any colour! You can pull off both cool and warm shades.
My Top Picks:
- Bachelorette: A lovely, everyday dusty rose colour. It’s not too cool and not too warm – it’s just right. It’s my top recommendation for a “my lips but better” shade.
- Famous: A deep, berry red. It’s a universal shade that suits almost everyone. It’s perfect for autumn and winter.
- Heartbreaker: A bright, poppy red. This is a confident, happy red that isn’t too blue or too orange. It’s a great first red lipstick to try.
How to Apply Your Lip Stain Like a Pro
Getting a perfect, long-lasting application is easy if you follow these steps:
- Prep is Everything! The night before, gently scrub your lips with a lip scrub. Then, apply a thick lip balm. This will get rid of any dry, flaky skin.
- The Morning Of: Right before you apply the stain, wipe off any leftover lip balm. Your lips should be smooth but not greasy.
- Line and Fill: Use the pointed tip of the applicator to carefully outline your lips. Then, fill in the rest. You need to work quite quickly because the formula dries fast!
- Let it Dry: Keep your lips apart and don’t press them together for about one minute. Let the stain dry completely.
- The Final Touch: For extra comfort, you can dab a tiny bit of clear lip gloss just in the centre of your lips. This adds a little shine without ruining the staying power.
Where to Buy Huda Beauty in the UK
The great news is that Huda Beauty is very easy to get in the UK! You don’t have to worry about international shipping.
- Cult Beauty: This is a fantastic online retailer with a huge range of shades. They often have offers and free gifts.
- Space NK: Another brilliant high-end beauty store. You can also visit their physical shops in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham to swatch the colours in person.
- Link: Huda Beauty on Space NK
- Boots: Some larger Boots stores now have Huda Beauty counters! Check the biggest Boots in your city.
- Sephora UK: Sephora has now arrived in the UK! You can shop online or visit their London store.
My Final Verdict: Are Huda Beauty Lip Stains Worth It?
After trying so many, I can say: Yes, absolutely.
The Pros:
- Unbeatable Longevity: They truly do not budge for hours.
- Huge Shade Range: There is a perfect colour for every skin tone.
- Comfortable Feel: Once dry, they feel lightweight and you forget you’re wearing them.
- No Transfer: A dream for busy people.
The Cons:
- Can Be Drying: You must look after your lips.
- Application Learning Curve: You need to apply it quickly and precisely.
If you want a lip colour that you can apply in the morning and not think about again all day, Huda Beauty Lip Stains are a brilliant investment. They are worth every penny.
Have you tried a Huda Beauty Lip Stain? What’s your favourite shade? Or are you still deciding? Let me know in the comments below – I’d love to help you choose!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Huda Beauty Lip Stains
You asked, and we’ve listened! Since publishing our ultimate guide, we’ve received so many brilliant questions about these iconic lip stains. I’ve compiled the most common and important ones here to give you all the extra information you need before you buy.
Q1: I have extremely dry, flaky lips. Can I still wear these matte lip stains without it looking bad?
A: This is the most important question. Yes, you absolutely can, but preparation is 100% key. The matte formula will cling to any dry patches, so you need to create a smooth canvas first.
- The Night Before: Gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a sugar lip scrub (like the one from Lush). Then, apply a thick, hydrating lip mask (like Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask) overnight.
- Right Before Application: In the morning, wipe off the excess mask. Your lips should be smooth and supple, but not greasy. Any oil or balm residue will prevent the stain from adhering properly.
- The Result: If you prep well, the stain will apply evenly. If your lips are chronically very dry, you might find a satin-finish lipstick or a tinted lip balm more comfortable for daily wear.
Q2: How do I remove this lip stain at the end of the day? It seems like it won’t budge!
A: Because these stains are designed to be long-wearing, they require a specific removal method. Water and standard makeup wipes will not work effectively and you’ll end up scrubbing, which irritates the lips.
You must use an oil-based or bi-phase (oil and water) makeup remover. The oil breaks down the long-wearing pigments gently. Soak a cotton pad with a remover like the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (Waterproof) or The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter, hold it against your lips for 20-30 seconds, and then wipe away. It will dissolve completely without harsh rubbing.
Q3: What’s the actual difference between the ‘Power Bullet’ and the ‘Liquid Matte’ formulas?
A: This is a great question as Huda Beauty has different lines.
- Liquid Matte Lipstick: This is the original, classic formula. It’s a pure liquid that dries down to a completely transfer-proof, ultra-matte finish. It’s the one known for its incredible staying power.
- Power Bullet Matte Lipstick: This is a bullet lipstick, but with a matte, long-wear formula. It’s more creamy upon application than the liquid version and can feel slightly more comfortable, but it may not be quite as transfer-proof as the liquid matte. It’s easier for precise application if you’re not used to liquid lipsticks.
For the most intense, all-day, don’t-think-about-it colour, the Liquid Matte is the winner.
Q4: I’m a makeup beginner and scared of applying liquid lipstick. Any tips?
A: Absolutely! It can be intimidating, but it’s easy with practice.
- Use a Lip Liner First: Outline and fill in your lips with a lip liner that matches the stain shade. This gives you a guide to follow and helps prevent bleeding.
- Use the Wand’s Shape: The curved doe-foot applicator is designed to fit the curve of your lip. Use the pointed tip for the cupid’s bow and the wider side for the bulk of your lips.
- Start in the Centre: Apply the product to the centre of your bottom lip and spread it outwards. Then do the same for the top lip. This helps avoid applying too much product at the edges.
- Clean Up Mistakes: Keep a cotton bud (Q-tip) dipped in makeup remover handy to clean up any uneven lines before the product dries.
Q5: Do these lip stains have a strong scent or taste?
A: Huda Beauty Liquid Lipsticks have a very faint, sweet, vanilla-cake-like scent. It is not overwhelming and disappears completely once the product dries down. They do not have a noticeable taste, which is a big plus for a product you wear on your lips all day.
Q6: Can I apply lip gloss on top of the stain once it’s dry?
A: Yes, you can! This is a great way to change up the look. Once the lip stain is completely dry (wait 2-3 minutes), you can dab a clear or shimmering lip gloss only in the centre of your lips. This will give you a juicy, glossy look while the stain underneath maintains the colour. Be aware that the gloss will transfer, but the colour should remain intact when the gloss wears off.
Q7: My lips feel tight after application. Is this normal?
A: A slight tightening sensation is normal for many high-performance matte liquid lipsticks, including Huda’s, as they dry down. This is part of what makes them transfer-proof. However, it should not be painful or excessively uncomfortable. If it feels unpleasantly tight or itchy, it could be a sign of dehydration. Ensure you have prepped your lips well. The feeling should subside after a few minutes as you get used to it.
Q8: How long do they actually last? Will they survive a full meal?
A: The longevity is impressive. On average, with normal drinking, they will last a solid 6-8 hours without fading. When it comes to a full meal involving oily foods, they will likely fade from the inner part of your lips. However, the stain will remain, leaving you with a soft, blurred lip effect that is still very pretty. You won’t be left with a stark ring around the outside of your mouth like some inferior products. For a three-course meal, a quick touch-up in the centre afterwards is advisable for perfection.
Q9: Are there any dupes (cheaper alternatives) available in the UK?
A: While the Huda formula is unique, there are excellent drugstore liquid lipsticks that offer great wear. Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick is a famous dupe for its incredible staying power. The main differences are that the Maybelline applicator is less precise, and the formula can feel a bit thicker and more drying on some people. For the shade range, precision, and overall comfort, Huda Beauty is superior, but the Maybelline option is fantastic for its price point.
Q10: I’m choosing between two shades. Does Huda Beauty offer a mini size or a sampler set?
A: Unfortunately, Huda Beauty does not regularly offer mini sizes or sampler sets of their liquid lipsticks. This is a common request from fans! Your best bet for trying a shade without committing to a full-size is to check the offers on Cult Beauty or Space NK. They sometimes include mini lipsticks as a gift with purchase. Alternatively, search for the shade name on YouTube to find “swatch” videos from people with a similar skin tone to yours, which is the next best thing to trying it on yourself.