I can guarantee if you’ve been on TikTok you would have seen at least one video of someone sporting blue lips. No, it’s not a new beauty trend, it’s the latest viral product by Wonderskin. A lip mask that dries in 60 seconds to leave a stain, which resembles a lip blush semi-permanent makeup treatment, for 24 hours. Co-founded by Marina Kalenchits, Wonderskin brand director, during lockdown when she couldn’t attend her ‘high maintenance to be low maintenance‘ beauty appointments, like microblading for her eyebrows, Kalenchyts looked into ways she could create the look at home. Fast forward three years and Wonderskin has taken social media by storm, receiving over 100 million views and generating 4,000–5,000 orders for every 10 million views.
Currently it offers 15 lip stain shades, including a limited edition Liptole shade which instead of the iconic blue as it dries it goes green and is said to stand the ultimate long-lasting test of staying put after eating a burrito, as well as three eyebrow stains alongside mascara, lip oil, lip and eye liners and treatment products.
But how does it actually look and last in real life? I got three editors to try it out, all with different skin tones and beauty styles and these were the results.
Lauren Ezekiel, associate editor PS UK
“I’m not a big lipstick person, I’m a very expressive talker and if I wear a bold colour your can guarantee within a few minutes it will be spread across my face. so I liked the idea of a stain that was completely waterproof and would last for hours. I gave it a go and I couldn’t believe it – it actually worked! Apply all over your lip, leave for around a minute, remove the excess blue, or in this case green, and Viola! you are left with a subtle stain that lasts for hours. It can also be used on the cheeks as a blush stain if you like a naturally flushed finish.
I have tried quiet a few of the shades, I find XOXO is really nice for enhancing my lips without it being noticeable to others that’s I’m wearing any products, however the limited edition Wonderskin Liptole Wonder Blading Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Kit (£28) I’m wearing in this photo is ideal when you want a hint of colour, but for it is not to be overpowering. I’ve very much into the no makeup-makeup look and this is right up my street. It enhances without being too much and gives you that finished look with minimal effort. I even made my 88-year-old Nana try the product and she loved it, it is perfect for the mature lady who may want to bring some life back into their lips without looking like they are wearing a full face of product.
On a separate note I love the Wonderskin Wonder Blading Brow Stain & Go Masque in Dark Brunette (£19), it is my new go-to product as it lasts a couple of days. I just paint over my brow and then remove the excess after a few minutes and it leaves my eyebrows looking more prominent without looking over done. I also have to say the Power’Full Mascara is pretty good too!”
Lauren Gordon, editorial co-ordinator PS UK
“I don’t usually wear a red lip, so when I do, I really want it to last. I’m too used to fading and smudging, so I was excited to put Wonderksin Wonder Lip Masque in Divine (£19) to the test, wearing it on my pizza date. The shade of red really suited me, if I do say so myself, and two hours after application (a stuffy train ride, a glass of wine and two bites of pizza in) my lips were still bright red, albeit in need of some lip balm. I wish I wore a red lip daily, channelling my inner Taylor Swift, but I can’t say I would. If I did however, I’d reach for Wonderskin for a long-lasting pop of colour, but would need to have a trusty lip balm on hand to keep my lips glossy and moisturised.”
Chloe Dunn, senior social content producer
“I’ve always hated lipsticks. I find it impossible to find a natural colour, I don’t like the claggy texture and without fail, it wears off in the centre of my lips within an hour. So, when I tried out the Wonderskin Wonder Lip Masque in Whimsical (£19) I had high hopes that it would answer my lipstick prayers. Overall, I really like the product. You’ll notice in my photos that I don’t have a prominent cupids bow but I find it really easy to carve out some definition with the lip stain. It makes my lips appear fuller, my partner even asked me if I’d had filler done because they looked noticeably plumper. I’m also a huge fan of the colour. I’ve tried the shade charming and while the colour on the box looks like a nude pink, it actually comes out as a natural red on my lips. However, I have learnt that I need to do adequate lip preparation before applying the stain. I need to exfoliate my lips and keep them nice and moisturised in order for the stain to last a long time. To put it to the ultimate test, I wore the stain while drinking a few margaritas – complete with salted rim – and unfortunately I have to report that the stain didn’t make it. I mean, in defence of the product, the salt was probably acting like a natural exfoliant. While it didn’t last the night, I’m definitely going to use the stain instead of lipstick in the future because it’s a lot easier than fussing with lip liner and I definitely prefer the texture over a thick lipstick.”
Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
Chloe Dunn is a social content producer at PS UK. With more than six years of experience in social media marketing, she is always on the lookout for the latest viral buzz. Working across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest, Chloe specialises in bringing people together virtually and building global online communities. She has previously worked in the music industry, including at a major record label and for the UK’s biggest group of music venues.
Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specializes in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.