I love a good lipstain, but in my experience, a good lipstain can be hard to find. So often the formulations can be drying and the applicators can be harsh. Few things are more unattractive than dry, chapped lips – and believe me, dry, chapped lips that are stained hot pink or orange are definitely the worst. I speak from experience.

I’ve tried a gamut of lipstains, but never anything like Tarte’s Natural Matte Lip Stain. The previous stains I’ve stanned for were of the gel variety, like Vincent Longo’s. Tarte’s Natural Matte Lip Stain is not what I expected. It’s basically a giant crayon that delivers a wash of light, matte, and super pretty color. Infused with their “LipSurgence” technology, the pencils are made without parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, all the icky stuff ingredient-conscious beauty junkies strive to avoid. And still they manage to be truly moisturizing. Wonders never cease!

I do prefer to use products that are all natural and chock full of healthy beauty ingredients…but those products don’t always work for me the way I’d like them to. I’m happy to report that these Tarte lip stains do! The LipSurgence technology promises to “deliver a surge of moisture on a cellular level,” and it really does make for a wonderfully soft, smooth application – like a minty lip balm that leaves behind the perfect color. It’s great on its own, but when I’m going to something special, I layer a sheer or pale gloss over it for a little extra POW. I got a sample in Lively (hot pink) at the Cocktails and Couture party, and I’ve been hooked ever since! Now I’m all about getting more – Envy (mauve berry) is next on my list.

They cost $24 a pencil, but if you’re looking for a luxurious alternative to the regular lip stain, you might want to give them a try. And if you’ve already tried them – let me know your thoughts!

COMMENTS

SanTara says:

September 29, 2010, 1:08 pm

I must give these a go! the color selection looks promising

vonnie says:

September 29, 2010, 1:40 pm

i've never really used lip stains, will have to test these out maybe by grabbing one at sephora

Sabrina says:

September 29, 2010, 6:55 pm

I really like them! I have one that is an almost perfect nude for me.

D. Rene says:

September 29, 2010, 8:10 pm

I have been burned sooo many times by bad lip stains. I'm going to give this one. more. try.

Cocoa Mama says:

September 29, 2010, 11:20 pm

are these hard to wash off?

inge says:

September 30, 2010, 8:38 am

I totally agree w/you. I saw the products in a magazine and decided I wanted to give it a try. I ended up getting the regular lip stain instead (as opposed to the matte). I picked up Joy (peach) @ Sephora and I love-love it. It's uber moisturizing and goes on sheer and light. I should mention though, after a few applications throughout the day the color ends up looking hot pink on me. I don't mind it though - it was a pleasant surprise that unexpectedly led me to (finally) try a brighter color. I love the product so much that I plan on going back for Lust (red).

inge says:

September 30, 2010, 8:39 am

@ Cocoa Mama: Easy to wash off!

Krissy says:

September 30, 2010, 11:23 am

I can't wait to try these! I'll be sure to grab it during my next trip to Sephora.

Liz says:

October 2, 2010, 11:50 am

I have one and think it's lovely, but I think it's more of a sheer lipstick than a stain. It didn't last any longer for me thank lipstick, and it felt like lipstick. Still, I liked it for what it was even if it really wasn't a stain.

Maya says:

October 3, 2010, 6:36 pm

You are right on target! I just got my Tarte lip stain yesterday in "Exposed". And I love it. "Exposed" is supposed to be a nude, but I am a woman of color so per usual it doesn't look nude on me. But is a pretty soft pink. It looks natural, it tastes delicious, and it is the only lip stain I like.

Phoebe says:

October 7, 2010, 9:56 am

I just purchased 'Envy' yesterday and I do love it. It's more moisturizing than other stains I've tried. But I wouldn't compare it to a lip balm. I place either my chapstick or a gloss over it and I'm good to go. The color lasts and leaves a faint wash of color when the gloss or chapstick has evaporated (or I ate it off lol). Will purchase a brighter color next.

NayoNico says:

December 13, 2010, 2:39 pm

Love the lipstains, I'mma give it a try!!!

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