The beauty world is no stranger to viral sensations, but few products ignite as much passionate debate as Huda Beauty’s latest lip stain. This slender, “stay-all-day” marker has become a genuine phenomenon, garnering thousands of views and reviews across social media platforms like TikTok, polarising users into either fervent advocates or frustrated detractors. As a dedicated beauty editor, I felt compelled to dive into this digital maelstrom to uncover the truth behind this internet-dividing lip stain review.
Designed as a dual long-wear stain and liner, its fine-tipped marker promises precise definition, an ideal feature for achieving that sought-after contoured lip. However, the application process itself became a point of contention, even hinted at by Huda Kattan in a viral TikTok where she suggested many users were applying her innovative beauty product incorrectly. The comments section beneath that video vividly illustrated the deep divisions among consumers regarding this makeup trend.
A recurring chorus of complaints revolved around the product’s rapid drying time. “Why does it dry out so fast?” echoed many users, expressing widespread frustration. Others lamented, “It’s way too expensive for 1ml,” questioning the value proposition of this highly anticipated item. Alarmingly, numerous reports detailed the stain drying out completely within days of opening, prompting desperate pleas for clarity: “Can you please address the drying out in a few days after use?” The palpable frustration surrounding the product’s longevity and consistency seemed entirely justified.
Yet, for every complaint, there was an equally passionate endorsement. Many users hailed it as “the best lip stain ever made,” praising its unprecedented staying power. Others declared it “the most long-lasting product on the market,” celebrating its ability to withstand hours of wear without needing touch-ups. This stark dichotomy underscored the product’s complex relationship with its diverse user base, highlighting that when it worked, it truly excelled.
From my initial trials, it was immediately clear why some users are utterly obsessed. The pigment payoff is remarkably sharp, and the applicator delivers precise lines. I experimented with “Cinnamon” and “Warm Brown,” both shades proving rich, universally flattering, and inclusive. It masterfully creates a crisp, blurred-lip effect in mere seconds, and once it sets, this long-wear makeup formula truly doesn’t budge. There’s no smudging, no bleeding—just a comfortable, velvety, matte color that endures for hours.
However, a significant caveat quickly emerged: its incredibly fast drying time. The product sets so rapidly that I barely had a window to blend the edges before they became immovably fixed. If your goal is to achieve a soft, feathered stain effect, you absolutely must work section by section, or the result will undoubtedly be patchy. This is not a “swipe-and-go” product; attempting application without a mirror will almost certainly lead to a less than ideal outcome.
The more concerning issue, though, was the product’s tendency to dry out prematurely. While the packaging explicitly advises storing the marker tip-down to prevent this, I observed the product feeling notably drier after just about a week of use. The ink flow became uneven, and the cushion end appeared to absorb too much product too quickly, diminishing its performance. While I don’t shy away from a learning curve with beauty products, I expected a greater degree of forgiveness from a high-end item.
Despite these challenges, the wear time is genuinely impressive. Once applied, it effortlessly withstands my morning coffee, lunchtime, and afternoon meetings, fading subtly and evenly. The stain maintains a lightweight feel on the lips yet outperforms most balmy formulas I’ve previously tested in terms of durability. For added comfort and a different finish, I frequently paired it with a jelly gloss or a nourishing balm, which complemented its matte base beautifully.
My final verdict is nuanced: I thoroughly understand both the adoration and the widespread complaints. When this Huda Beauty product performs optimally, its color payoff is undeniable, and its longevity surpasses most high-street lipsticks. Yet, it can be undeniably fussy, and I occasionally found it impossible to achieve a seamless blend across my lips before it set, resulting in an overly harsh lip contour. Would I repurchase? Likely, but only in shades closer to my natural lip tone, as I prefer a softer, less defined lip line. It’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize long-lasting color and dislike frequent reapplication. While not my all-time favorite, Huda has undoubtedly created something unique. And love it or hate it, its “Marmite” status has certainly cemented its cult following.
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