The defining beauty trend of summer 2026? Soft makeup. Heavy coverage has made way for sheer skin tints, while harsh eyeliner is being replaced by buildable, diffused eyeshadow. Bronzers are taking a back seat to fresh, flushed cream blush, 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 just-bitten lips.
I had my reservations (would it dry lips out or look like I’d drunk too much red wine?) but I’m hooked. I’ve used Wonderkin’s wipe-off lip stain all summer long for a rosy, long-lasting pout that doesn’t look as harsh as lip liner.
Read more: Wonderskin beauty review – do the viral lip stains go the distance?
The lip stain concept is nothing new. Its origins can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, but contemporary innovation came thanks to Benefit in the 1970’s. The California beauty brand created Benetint as a rosy nipple and cheek tint for San Francisco’s exotic dancers.
Today’s formulas are more hydrating, nourishing and easy to apply. Now, Elf has launched the £5 main stain lip marker to rival Wonderskin. With TikTok beauty buffs already praising its precise pen applicator and transfer-proof formula, here’s everything you need to know. Plus, details on Elf’s new cheek stain in matching finishes.
Elf main stain lip marker
Unlike other lip stains, Elf’s main stain lip marker doesn’t require wiping or peeling off. 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 eight colours available to mimic natural lip complexions for a no-makeup makeup look, from a dusty mauve to a rich warm brown and baby pink.
The beauty brand claims that the formula is transfer-resistant with no touch-ups required. TikTok testimony concurs, with makeup lovers lauding the lip stain for lasting up to eight hours, through eating and drinking.
Quick and easy to apply with no wait time for the stain to develop, it’s an affordable and faff-free alternative to trending peel-off lip stains.
Elf sheer for it blush tint
While Benefit’s lip and cheek stain, Benetint, will set you back nearly £25, Elf’s budget alternative costs just £6. Available in nine shades – including black cherry, light pink, orange, and red – the makeup staple boasts a hydrating, lightweight texture for a sheer finish.
Created for long-lasting wear, its transfer-free formula has become a summer hero in warm temperatures: expertly flushed cheeks stay put, while lips benefit from hyaluronic acid to stay smooth.
Read more: My summer hack for reapplying SPF over make-up – without ruining your look
