The formula: This is the one thing I’m not totally sure about, so I guess I’ll make myself talk about it first? On one hand, it wears quite well for a drugstore product (we’ll get into that more later,) but on the other — it does have its downfalls. For instance, it tastes really bad! And it’s far from moisturizing; you’re definitely going to want some lip balm overtop (but not underneath!) it. 

The applicator: I really, really liked this felt-tipped applicator. It’s a lot easier to apply a sharpie-like stain than it is to fidget with liquid and gel ones — plus, your fingers end up a lot less pink. However, like the formula, it has its downfalls, too: the marker tip makes it less versatile, and you can’t use it as a cheek stain or blend it with other products (e.g. on a colour palette.) I think we definitely win out with this trade-off, though; the, convenience, precision, and ease of application can’t be beat!

The wear: A lot of people have troubles with the wear of this one — they say it leaves a ring of colour around your lip line, and wears off in the center. I’m not quite sure why, but I haven’t had a single problem with this (and I press my lips together a lot!) It could be because they’re applying over other lip products; the one thing you never want to do with a lip stain is try to layer it overtop anything else. So, in short, this one does not leave a “ring of colour.“

Random addition to the review: for whatever reason, I didn’t like this one at first, and planned a pretty negative review! I’m not totally sure why, though. I think possibly because it’s not FAB, y’know? It’s just… good. But for the price, “good” is still more than decent, no?

The shade: Huge raves for Everbloom Kiss! It’s bright, but still very natural looking, and has just enough blue in it to brighten up everything from slightly cool to very warm skintones. Basically, it’s just really, really cute!

Try it if…

• You want a “starter lip stain” that’s really, really easy to apply,
• You’re looking for something that you can touch up during the day without much hassle,
• You want a really long-wearing lip product,
• You like a really natural-looking lip finish! (I do — I love a stained-but-bare lip.)

• You can’t stand icky-tasting lip products. It’s only really an issue if you lick your lips a lot, but hey — maybe it’ll help break you of the bad habit!
• You have extremely dry lips and are unwilling to exfoliate first?