24 Hair and Makeup Trends You’ll Be Wearing Next Season

While the runway is known for dishing out more than its fair share of over-the-top styles, there is plenty of beauty inspo that’s more than appropriate for the everyday. The Spring 2016 catwalks were no different, boasting makeup and hair ideas that promise to take your beauty game to the next level. From technicolor lids to ’70s-inspired waves, here are some of our favorite hair and makeup looks straight from the NYFW runway.

1. Braided Crowns at Herve Léger by Max Azria: Braided crowns aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but an off-kilter twist and a few long, loose strands make this style feel contemporary and chic. Think Heidi: Urban Edition. (Photo via Craig Barritt/Getty)

2. Braided Ponytail at Daniel Silverstain: French braids got a major upgrade at Daniel Silverstain. The traditional ‘do was tied up into a ponytail-like style to create a futuristic feel that mirrored the somewhat space-age vibes of the collection. (Photo via Desiree Navarro/Getty)

3. Long Pigtail Braids at Mara Hoffman: Chances are you haven’t rocked a set of pigtails since way back before your high school days, but Mara Hoffman thinks it’s time to bring ’em back into style. The ultra-long plaits had a distinct boho quality, especially when paired up with a statement bandana. (Photo via Arun Nevader/Getty)

Electric Eye Makeup

4. Aqua Cat Eye at Jenny Packham: To say we’re a little obsessed with this bold aqua eyeliner would be an understatement. The look is ideal for a night out, but with a thinner line, it could totally work at the office too. (Photo via Noam Galai/Getty)

5. Punchy Pink Corners at Creature of Comfort: Slightly more subtle than the bold liner that seemed to be everywhere this season, this colorful look is no less impactful. Shadow is focused on one portion of the eye, straight up to brow level, delivering a dash of vibrant color that makes those peepers pop. (Photo via Yuko Torihara/Getty)

6. Two-Tone Green Liner at Giulietta: Two-tone lids lit up the runway at Giulietta, taking an already bold look to the next level. To recreate the look at home, layer a thick line of bright liner over a lightly dusted lid in a complementary hue. Use primer beforehand, then look to long-lasting products like cream eye color for a budge-proof finish. (Photo via Jenny Anderson/Getty)

Messy Ponytails

7. Textured Low Ponytails at Collina Strada: While there were four different hairstyles to be seen at Collina Strada, this tousled look is what caught our attention. Stylist Pamela Baumgartner shared the inspiration for the look on Instagram, explaining that, “The ‘dollhouse’ look for the models is a bit quirky, as if you can pull them out of your drawer and play with them no matter how matted or knotted the hair is.” (Photo via @bumbleandbumble)

8. Messy Bun-Meets-Ponytail Number at 3.1 Phillip Lim: The dominant look at Phillip Lim had an almost harried feel. Hair was pulled into a pseudo ponytail style, as if the models were in such a rush to hit the catwalk, they forgot to pull their hair all the way through. The sleek upper half of the head creates balance within the look, injecting the ‘do with a polished edge. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)

9. Classic, Voluminous Ponytails at Banana Republic: Though textured and a little unkempt, this high ponytail is incredibly pretty. Tease a section of hair at the front of the head, pull hair back and secure just above the crown of the head, then lightly tease and curl hair to get the desired effect. (Photo via Astrid Stawiarz/Getty)

Color Blocked Nail Art

10. Two-Tone Tips at Georgine: A whole new take on the French manicure, this look subs in bold-and-bright color for classic neutral hues and extends the tip for a more look-at-me style. (Photo via Cindy Ord/Getty)

11. Bold, Mismatched Styles at Libertine: A single color simply wouldn’t do at Libertine, where graphic prints, striking color and punk-inspired pieces reign supreme. CND went for a mismatched look with checked patterns, flashy stripes and a spectrum of vivid color. (Photo by Jennifer Graylock/Getty)

12. Stacked, Ombre Color at Rebecca Minkoff: Ombre nails in shades of cornflower blue and peachy pink mirrored the indie, boho flair of Minkoff’s spring collection. (Photo via Astrid Stawiarz/Getty)

Slick Ballerina Buns

13. Vertical Bun at Monique Lhuillier: Here’s an unfussy wet look with an athleisure edge. To create the look, Moroccanoil stylist Bob Recine wet hair, worked in volumizing mousse and used a wide-toothed comb to pull hair back into a high ponytail. Instead of pulling hair all the way through, he twisted it into a knot shape and secured it with hairspray, pins and an elastic band. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

14. Sleek Bun Crown at BCBGMAXAZRIA: Before hitting the runway to show off BCBG’s beach babe-meets-skater-girl spring collection, models rocked crowns of Princess Leia-inspired buns. The funky style allowed the girls’ hair to develop a beach-inspired texture as it dried. We’re kind of bummed they didn’t strut their stuff in this unexpected style, but we’ll totally be considering this look come spring. (Photo via Astrid Stawiarz/Getty)

15. Amped-Up Ballerina Buns at Jason Wu: The designer’s Spring 2016 collection was an interpretation of modern glamour, so a classic updo was an obvious choice. To bring the look into the here and now, locks were worn wet and tightly slicked back. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)

Graphic Eyeliner

16. Doubled-Up Lines at Libertine: As if the outrageously awesome nails weren’t enough, Libertine amped it up with a thick cat eye, bold outlines along the crease and a quick swipe of liquid liner beneath the eye. The result? Sexy and modern with a badass edge. (Photo via Cindy Ord/Getty)

17. Exaggerated, Two-Tone Cat Eye at Rachel Comey: Bare Minerals followed up their perfectly executed cat eye with an overlay of orange liner, then completed the innovative beauty look by outlining a portion of the bottom lid. This just might be our new favorite style. (Photo via @beautydotcom)

18. Tiger Stripe Eyes at Josie Natori: There was a subtle camouflage thing going on at Josie Natori, where eyes were painted with multiple horizontal stripes to create a tiger-like effect. But unlike classic camo, it did anything but blend in. (Photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)

Bombshell Waves

19. Disco Diva ‘Dos at Diane Von Furstenberg: The designer’s Studio 54 days were the inspiration for this impeccable throwback look, with voluminous, side-swept curls and mermaid-like aqua eyes. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)

20. Smooth, Sleek Waves at Carolina Herrera: Above all else, elegance is what Carolina Herrera is all about. Center-parted waves took the stage, presenting a look that was sophisticated and anything but stuffy. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)

21. Modern, Side-Swept Waves at Brandon Maxwell: Soft waves feel fresh styled to the side with a dramatic, asymmetric fringe. (Photo via Fernando Leon/Getty)

Barely Touched Hair

22. Smooth, Center-Parted Locks at Prabal Gurung: Natural-looking waves and beautiful shine take this modest style from plain to pretty. (Photo via Frazer Harrison/Getty)

23. Voluminous Tight Curls at Houghton: If our curls looked anything like this, we’d be busting them out on the daily. Spinning off the summer of ’69 theme of the collection, this bodacious ‘do channels a somewhat romantic, retro vibe. (Photo via Brian Ach/Getty)

24. Straight, Slightly Tousled Hair at Derek Lam: Soft, straight and a touch disheveled, the hair at Derek Lam had a French girl, laissez-faire quality. (Photo via Vivien Killilea/Getty)

Will you be incorporating any of these looks into your beauty routine? Tell us about your favorite in the comments!

I knew beauty trends were officially headed in a different direction when latte makeup dominated social media last year. Everything about it gave the appearance of soft features, making this millennial appreciate the ‘no makeup’ look more and more. And while I'm working on staying up-to-date on all the latest makeup trends, it also reminded me there are outdated trends that unintentionally age people...and definitelyneedto go.

Wanna look younger and more on-trend, too? From super metallic eyeshadow to contour that dominates your face, here are the 8 outdate makeup trends to leave in the early ‘90s to mid-2000s.

The 8 outdated makeup trends you need to stop ASAP!

1. Full Coverage Foundation

KoolShooters

There was a time where wearing full-coverage foundation was all the rage. From drugstore to high-end brands, it seems like they were consistently shoved in consumers’ faces to help us achieve a ‘full beat’ without sitting in a makeup artist’s chair. Also, those of us with dark spots or hyperpigmentation may have relied on them when we were in the thick of our skincare woes.

But these days, wearing too much foundation isn’t as popular as natural and skincare makeup are prioritized. If anything, more people are interested in wearing light-to-medium coverage foundation, skin tints, or tinted moisturizers.

2. Too Much Concealer

George Milton

It wasn’t until I watched this video by makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes that I realized some of us have been too heavy-handed with our concealers. There’s no reason we should be slapping products under the thinnest parts of our face, but we didn’t know any better!

Now that you know you can still get the desired effect with a minimal amount of concealer, don’t revert back to painting your under eyes!

3. 'Baking' Your Setting Powder

Chidi Young

Before you throw away your setting powders, step away from your makeup drawer and have a sit-down chat with me. There isn’t anything wrong with applying them to your face to help ‘set’ your foundation and concealer. However, spending over 10 minutes ‘baking’ your powder (AKA letting it sit untouched) doesn’t work for everyone.

It can lead to creased makeup which can derail your look, plus it’s a pain to correct when you’re halfway through your routine!

4. Overlining Lips

Kaboompics.com

I love a good lip liner, especially if it mirrors my favorite ‘90s makeup look. But, there’s such a thing as overdoing it. The key to lining your lips is following the natural flow of them. Going out of your way to draw above and under your lips’ lines comes off as comical and exaggerated. If anything, use a lip plumping gloss to help your lips look fuller.

5. Overtweezing Your Eyebrows

Getty Images

I don’t even have the words for this outdated makeup look besides wanting to say “no” 20 times in a row. But, I’ll bite and say why this shouldn’t be on your 2025 beauty moodboard.

Some people naturally have thinner eyebrows which is A-okay! However, purposely tweezing your eyebrows to smithereens is cringey. If you truly want to wear this look, here’s what you can do instead of tweezing:

  • Create a faux bleached look by applying a skin tone colored setting powder all over your brows.
  • Once they’ve ‘disappeared,’ take an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner to draw a thin line over them.

I’m…wondering what the ramifications of telling you how to do this will be, but only use go for this look if it’s a part of a themed party…like Halloween.

6. Exaggerated Highlighter On Cheeks

Milad Farhani

The shimmery look is in since it’s winter, but please don’t make it look like you dipped your cheeks into a vat of glitter. You can lightly dust highlighter onto your cheeks for a more natural glow that flows with the rest of your look. Otherwise you’ll look like a walking disco ball which could be the opposite of what you were going for.

7. Heavy Contour Or Bronzer

Laura Garcia

I know the ‘sculpted’ look is popular, but too much contour or bronzer can overpower the rest of your makeup and face. While it’s not impossible to fix if you do it by mistake, using the wrong shade of contour or bronzer may still peep through no matter how much you try to buff it out.

When in doubt, be gentle with your contour or bronzer application!

8. Incredibly Matte Makeup

Nataliia Yatsiuk

Matte makeup that didn’t budge was the ‘It Girl’ look for oily and combination skin girls! We thought it was the answer to our skin’s incessant need to hydrate our faces instead of actually using skincare products that focused on combatting that issue (psst…Vitamin C serums help!).

But now’s the time to break up with this look for good for one reason: dewy skin looks healthier.

While we have you here, learn about the outdated shoe trends you shouldn't be wearing in 2025 either.

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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Give a girl 7 Christmas makeup ideas to choose from and she can change the world — or at least slay her holiday pictures. So what if you only plan to be in your living room this year? There's no harm in getting dolled up to celebrate one of the best days of the year. After all, you've basically survived everything 2024 has thrown at you from dealing with toxic friends to wondering if it's too late to participate in the winter arc trend (it's not!). So let's get into these lovely Christmas makeup looks!

7 Christmas makeup ideas to recreate at home

1. Red-Tinted Lipgloss 

Jasmine Williams

"I love the simplicity of this look because it takes less than 10 minutes to complete. I prepped my skin with e.l.f. Cosmetics' Power Grip Primer before applying Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation and Sephora's Best Skin Ever Concealer, a touch of One/Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, and Ami Colé's Hydrating Lip Oil Treatment in the shade Romance (cranberry color)! IMO, the subtle pop of lip color is great for someone who doesn't want to overdo it on Christmas." — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer.

2. Icy Blue Eye Makeup  

Chloe Williams

"When I want to try something different than my classic gold lid, I love breaking out an ice blue or periwinkle shadow. ColourPop is my favorite brand to get eyeshadows from just because of how pigmented they are, and I went crazy with this LAV_ISH palette. More is more in this case, y'all! I layered Mood Boost, Escapism, Serenity, and Virtual Love all together until it was just right. I've also found that skipping eyeliner for this look helps it feel a little more carefree instead of polished, which is always fun." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

3.Sunset Eyeshadow 

Kenilev Terku

While it's easy for bronze looks to sway into the skin-like neutral territory, this cute Christmas makeup idea is more festive. The difference has everything to do with adding brown, gold, or even pink shimmer towards the inner corner and middle of your eyelids.

Our recommendations: Milani Gilded Mini Eyeshadow Palette or Urban Decay Naked Mini Eyeshadow Palette

4. Glittery Purple Eyeshadow

Chloe Williams

Go big or go home with a Christmas makeup look that's as bold as your holiday decor. It doesn't hold anything back with its glittery purple eyeshadow and crimson lipstick! It's going to show up in all your pictures without an issue. As an added bonus, let your nails match your eyeshadow! We have plenty of Christmas naildesigns that'll help you narrow down the right polish or press-on nails to go with this.

Our recommendation: Revolution Beauty Forever Flawless Eyeshadow Palette

5. Pink Shimmery Eyeshadow 

Chloe Williams

"I love the femininity of the sugar plum fairy, which makes this all-pink look one of my favorites! I've been loving the glowy look of the L'oreal true match nude serum foundation along with peachy blush. For the eye, I use the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette I got in high school along with the Rare Beauty All of the Above Weightless Eyeshadow Stick in Well-being. And to finish off the look, I don't go anywhere without my L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Sugar Plum (fitting!). This is my third tube and it's literally like my lips but better." — Chloe Williams, Brit + Co's Entertainment Editor

6. White Gold Shimmery Eyeshadow + Nude Lip Combo

Jasmine Williams

"This is probably my favorite Christmas makeup look I've worn because I decided to be adventurous with my eyes by adding white gold glitter to them. I didn't want to go overboard so I kept it light by using the shade * from Too Faced's * palette. For my lips, I used Maybelline's SuperStay Matte Lipstick in the shade Seductress and their Lifter Lipgloss in Stone on my lips. It's a great look for anyone who plans to wear statement outfits on Christmas!" — Jasmine Williams, Brit + Co's Writer

7. Sugar Plum Ice Princess 

Kayla Walden

As much as we love intricate designs and makeup looks, we know the best ones don't involve a lot of things. Kayla Walden, one of Brit + Co's Staff Writers and in-house Content Creator, knows how to create stunning looks that only involve a few products. All she did was add a sparkly white eyeshadow all over her eyelids while lining her bottom waterline with a white eyeliner.

Watch Kayla's Christmas Makeup Tutorial Here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

And just like that, you'll have the perfect makeup this holiday season!

Which Christmas makeup idea will you be wearing in your holiday pictures? Let us know and subscribe to our newsletter for more last-minute ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

By now, you may be able to recognize signs of gaslighting or other toxicbehaviors, but do you know how to take everything you've learned and become a super compatible couple? According to experts, there are a few key things super compatible couples rarely argue about — even with whatever faults each person brings to the relationship table. While the topics these couples avoid may not surprise you, the reason why they're able to avoid them might. But first, let's talk about what makes couples more compatible than others.

Dr. Brooke Keels, Ph.D., LPC-MHSP, LPC-Supervisor, Chief Clinical Officer at Lighthouse Recovery, has this to say: "Couples are compatible when they share similar values, goals, and know the best way to communicate with each other." Notice she didn't say these couples are just alike.

More so, she explains that "it's about how well they handle differences, whether they can support each other through tough times, and how they connect emotionally." Dr. Keels adds, "when there’s respect, trust, and a good balance of give-and-take between them?" Dr. Keels believes this gives couples a better chance "to be in sync."

Scroll down to see the topics you'll rarely hear compatible couples arguing about!

RDNE Stock project

1. Long-term goals like marriage aren't often a cause for concern.

Have you ever dated someone that made you wonder what you saw in them once you pay attention to certain red flags? You may have found yourself arguing with them about everything from religion to reproductive health, leaving you feeling dizzy afterwards. But Dr. Keels says compatible couples are more likely to be aligned on "whether they want the same things out of life."

Her examples include:

  • Relocating for careers
  • Family planning
  • Finding somewhere to settle down in general (i.e. apartment, condo, different state, close to family, etc.,)

"This common ground lessens the chance of fighting over these big topics," Dr. Keels reiterates.

Vlada Karpovich

2. There's a lesser chance arguments about weekend activities occur.

We're no strangers to indecisive moments where we couldn't agree about what to do on the weekends with our partners, but Dr. Keels says compatible couples don't always run into this issue. "When you enjoy similar activities or have overlapping hobbies, you're more like to find ways to unwind together, rather than feeling disconnected or frustrated by each other's choices," she adds.

While it varies from couple to couple, you and your partner may enjoy the following:

  • Buying tickets to watch the latest college basketball or football game
  • Going to a 'Paint and Sip' class for fun
  • Having a mini outdoor picnic
  • Visiting a national park if it's on your couple's bucket list
  • Spending a day at a local arcade

The possibilities are endless, but all that matters is that "this mutual understanding makes spending time together feel natural and fun," according to Dr. Keels.

Mikhail Nilov

3. Communication styles aren't causing a daily disruption.

Some people have a more direct way of communicating while others may be passive or even passive-aggressive. Less arguments aren't happening because compatible couples communicate the same however. "When they both understand each other's communication style — whether it's direct or more subtle — it helps avoid misunderstandings and frustration."

Here's a couple of examples:

  • If you're having a bad day that has nothing to do with your partner, they don't take it personal when you prefer some alone time.
  • If your partner says something they perceived to be a joke, but you didn't, you're less likely to immediately accuse them of being insensitive. Instead, there's a higher chance of asking what they mean by something and expressing why you didn't like it instead of arguing.

Compatible couples "know how to express their feelings and needs in a way that the other person can easily understand" which makes "it easier to resolve issues calmly," according to Dr. Keels.

Alex Green

Are couples better (or more compatible) because they don't have a lot of arguments?

Well, no. That's actually a stretch because everyone has arguments. "Even compatible couples can argue about everyday things like chores or schedules. No matter how well they get along or how "in sync" they are, little annoyances can still pop up here and there, and cause some tension between them," Dr. Keels shares. "The difference," she points out, "is that they're usually better at handling these moments and keeping them from turning into bigger problems."

The other thing she's seen couples argue about is money. "It's such a common stress point because everyone has different habits and priorities when it comes to spending or saving," she says. But, guess what? "Compatible couples tend to approach the conversation with more understanding and a willingness to find a compromise," she continues.

If you feel like you and your partner aren't on the same page, it may not be time to break up just yet. We've learned that that it can take time to effectively communicate with a romantic partner or understand them. Compatibility is great, but it's not an indicator that a relationship will be smooth sailing!

Keira Burton

How can I have healthier disagreements with my partner?

Like we said, getting to a point where you and your partner aren't consistently hurting each other's feelings during disagreements takes time as well as skill. No one's born knowing all the answers so don't think your relationship is over because you're still figuring things out.

Dr. Keels says one way you and your partner can work on the kind of disagreements you're having is by "knowing how to communicate/compromise." Look, we heard your sigh and know it's probably the antithesis of how you feel. We struggled with compromising, but you don't get far in life thinking that everyone else has to bend to your will all the time.

"Even if they don’t see eye to eye all the time, healthy couples listen to each other's perspectives, and look for solutions that work for both of them. It’s not about 'winning' the argument and getting to say who's right, but finding common ground so they can move forward together," adds Dr. Keels.

SHVETS production

Also, "staying respectful event when things get heated or when you're upset" is a way to have a productive arguments, according to Dr. Keels. What happens is that "healthy couples avoid yelling or saying hurting things during disagreements," she says. This means no cursing or raising voices to the point your next door neighbors feel they have to call the police to do a wellness check on you.

"Instead, they just focus on the real problem and stay calm, which helps them work through the issue without hurting each other and the relationship," Dr. Keels says. And in the event you and your partner can't find common ground in a given moment? She highly suggests you "take breaks or pause when things get too heated."

Couples who do this "know when to step away and cool off before continuing the conversation," she adds. There are times where it's difficult to have a proper conversation when you're anxious or angry, so it's always better to revisit the topic.

Dr. Keels agrees and says, "This gives them a chance to cool down first so they can properly think things through, and think of a solution that works for both of them without saying anything they might regret."

Visit more of our relationships articles to find more advice about navigating friendships and love.

I think I have no less than 50 lip products in my makeup drawer — from glosses to oils, there’s just something about a tiny tube filled with a wash of color that I love.

What I don’t particularly love about my current lip product collection is most of the shades barely last on the lips. The mass amount of lipsticks and lip glosses I own typically require multiple rounds of reapplication if I want the color to stay on my lips, which is important to me for special occasions — especially ones I know I’ll be wanting to snap a few pictures of myself.

That’s why I was colored more than intrigued when my Instagram feed started booming with lip stain try-ons. The first lip stain to pave the way was none other than the magical Wonderskin peel-off lip stain that goes on blue, dries, then reveals an even pigment that’s meant to last all day. It honestly looked too good to be true.

There are many different kinds of lip stains on the market: peel-offs, markers, oils, and even glosses. The one thing they all have in common is their claims to be long-lasting, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and water-proof. I put the claims of some of the most viral lip stains to the test by eating, drinking, and even sweating with them on my lips.

Scroll on to see which viral lip stains lived up to the hype, and which ones absolutely did not.

Meredith Holser

Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain

I love the marker format of this Covergirl lip stain. It’s super easy to use, and the precise applicator tip makes putting it on a total breeze. It helped me define my lip shape, which I feel is needed most times I want to wear a lip product because my natural lips don’t really have a defined edge.

The color I snagged was Canyon, and I must say, I am obsessed with it. It’s the perfect balance between a neutral, red, and terra cotta shade that I think is super complimentary to my skin tone.

Meredith Holser

Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain, before

Now, onto my first impressions wearing it. As I noted, the marker-like application tip was especially helpful for adding color and definition to the outline of my lips. It boasted an even and smooth wash of color once I was done lining. Disappointingly, it was not as smooth on the actual plush part of my lips. The result looked uneven and I felt like the color I had put on my lip line was a lot darker (which was not my desired look).

The texture of this lip stain didn’t stand out much to me. It simply dried down like a regular marker would — that being said, the lack of stickiness impressed me.

Meredith Holser

Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain, after

The real test, of course, was seeing if it could withstand things like eating and drinking. I wore the Covergirl lip stain to my family’s Christmas dinner, which was chockfull of snacks, apps, main courses, and cocktails.

Unfortunately, the lip stain barely held on through the first round of appetizers. The color had faded mostly from the plush part of my lips, though a few spots around my lip line had completely disappeared. I tried to minimize use of my napkin for the sake of the lip stain test, but there were a few moments I had to reach for it. Every time, I noticed that some of the lip stain had come off along with bits of food and drink. I definitely had to reapply it after dinner.

After a big bout of eating and drinking with it on, I have to rate the Covergirl lip stain a 2/5. While I absolutely loved the color and initial results, it did not keep its promise of being transfer-proof.

Meredith Holser

e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain

I was beyond excited to try this lip stain from e.l.f. I had seen several demo videos on social media and loved how smooth the product looked, plus how it stayed on for influencers that put it to the test. A single tube is only $6, too, so the affordability aspect definitely had me hooked.

This pick comes in the unique form of a lip gloss and isn’t meant to dry down at all. While most other lip stains promise a full wash of color, this one is meant to leave a “sheer” and “healthy sheen” on the lips — which, honestly, feels more “me” than anything else, since I love me a natural look!

Meredith Holser

e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain, before

Upon first application, I loved how satin-y the formula felt on my lips. The applicator tip was familiar to use and made putting it on precisely super easy. I decided to let the gloss sit on my lips for 5 minutes or so before blotting it a bit with some tissue (as many creators I saw online did).

While the glossy aspect was blotted away, the color stain wasn’t — amen! The shade Cinnamon Dreamz left an impressively flattering mauve-brown color on my lips. One thing I didn’t like about the first wear was I noticed the product sunk into dry patches on my lips (caused by my anxious habit of picking them — but that’s all just user error).

Meredith Holser

e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain, after

I wore the e.l.f. lip stain to a friends’ dinner party to test out if it was really long-wearing. After a couple rounds of cocktails and a big feast, there was still a good amount of color on my lips. What stood out to me the most is that the color that stayed was still as even as if I had just freshly applied it — just sans glossy finish.

I was thoroughly surprised by e.l.f.’s glossy lip stain. The color, formula, and performance all lived up to the hype for me! All things considered, I have to grant it a 4/5.

Meredith Holser

Palladio Lip Stain

This lip stain by Palladio acted much like the one from Covergirl, thanks to its easy-to-use marker format. I tried the shade Mocha Cream and instantly fell in love with how it looked on my lips.

What I didn’t like, however, was how dry my lips felt after applying it. I knew that to keep the color on, I’d have to put up with drier-than-usual lips (the brand says the product works best alone), but it was a major bother to me in the sensory department.

Meredith Holser

Palladio Lip Stain, before

Much like the Covergirl lip stain, this formula from Palladio seemed to sink into the cracks on my lips and resulted in an uneven wash of color over time.

When it came to wearing this lip stain, I must say I was quite impressed with how long-lasting it was. I applied it right before sipping on my morning coffee on a WFH day, and I did not notice any transferring of the product onto my mug at all. I even tried to blot the lip stain on my hand, but nothing came off – which is so great.

Meredith Holser

Palladio Lip Stain, after

After several hours of wear (including a mildly sweaty morning walk), the Palladio lip stain was noticeably faded, but not as much as the other marker lip stain had. At this point, I'm thinking there's no real way to avoid fading, though maybe I just haven’t found my holy grail yet.

I was definitely surprised by the long-wearing potential of the Palladio lip stain. I loved the shade on my lips, though I wished it had applied and settled into my skin more evenly. I was also bothered by how dry my lips got when wearing it, so much so that I was distracted from my day. For this ,I rate the Palladio lip stain a 3/5.

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