e.l.f. Lip Stain, Hot Tamale, 0.08 oz

I wanted so badly to like this! Elf products are normally very high quality for their price but this was quite a miss. After about two weeks it began to smell terrible. I tried to smell it to give a description but it made me gag too much to attempt it. The color is lovely when tested on a hand but on your lips is thin and does not allow for even application. It makes your lips look patchy and dry. It also comes off very easily. The applicator is very nice and has a good shape.

The actual amount of product in the container is pathetic. I only got maybe 3 uses out of this before I could barely even see the color come out. The formula dries your lips out, but on the bright side the pigmentation is good. It's called a lip stain, but the formula does not leave an actual stain on your lips. After eating even a few potato chips, the color wears off.

I have super pale, sort of pinkish gray lips. I bought the Berry Blush and brush it over the center of my lips and then use my finger to lightly blend it to the outer corners. It helps give them a lovely, healthy pink look, without looking or feeling like I'm wearing something on my lips. I plan to buy a couple more tubes so I can always have one in my purse and one on my counter.

I've tried several lip stains. I've been using another brand that they've discontinued my color. I've replaced it with Nude Nectar which is a little darker than my natural lip color. I can apply it lightly for a day look or add more for a deeper color. I always use a clear lip balm on top I don't like the matte (dry) effect; but there are balms will remove lip stain(s). I do reapply later in the day but I've found I can freshen up the color with some more balm, still a lot better than any lipstick and less messy. As for the tip drying out, may I suggest shaking the stain like a marker, shake the pen downwards (with the cap on) when it's dry you can shake the stain inside down to the tip, but keep in mind that will give you more saturated color, so it may be darker than your used to. But it does solve the problem.

I was surprised with how well it works. I had some doubts but was wrong. I don't have to worry when I'm eating or drinking because it won't come off. Then when it's time to wash it off at the end of the day, it comes off easily. Only thing that keeps it from 5 stars is that it does dry out my lips so I have to apply some chapstick after, but that takes two seconds so it's no big deal. It's definitely affordable and gives me the color I want so I don't mind the extra chapstick step