Lip Markers 101: Why They’re Trending, What Makes Them Essential & the Best Prices as Low as $8

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Lip markers are making waves in the beauty world, and it’s easy to see why. With their ability to deliver precise, long-lasting color that stays put throughout the day, they’re quickly becoming a staple in my makeup routine.

Their lightweight, smudge-proof formula ensures that my pout remains flawless from morning to night, making them a must-have for anyone seeking both convenience and performance.

In this guide, I’ll dive into why lip markers are currently trending and explore what makes them a must-have addition to my beauty arsenal. I’ll also highlight some of the best options available, with prices starting as low as $8, so you can find a top-performing product that fits your budget.

Top brands like Covergirl, Kiko Milano, Ariana Grande’s r.e.m. beauty, Etude, Stila, and Palladio offer a range of options that cater to every need, from subtle washes of color to bold, defined looks.

Whether you’re a beauty novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you understand the benefits of lip markers and how to get the best value for your money.

The Best Lip Markers

Get ready to fall in love with a lip stain that’s setting trends—delivering bold, long-lasting color with a feather-light feel and a precision applicator for that effortlessly plump pout.

Shades: 6

My Favorite: Nude

Customer Ratings: 4,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Shoppers Say: "GET IT. Whenever I wear this I am ALWAYS asked what I’m wearing. It lasts all night without needing to be reapplied and is the perfect look for something natural or more drastic."

Get ready for a lip color that stays put through every twist and turn—this long-wearing lip stain keeps your pout looking fresh and fabulous all day.

Shades: 19

My Favorite: Iconic Ruby

Shoppers Say: "I applied this lip stain yesterday morning and 24 hours later, it is still on my lips! Good color, too."

You can use this is a liner and/or a lip stain. You have plenty of options.

Achieve buildable, vibrant color with this lip marker, delivering flawless, semi-matte lips that stay radiant and smudge-proof all day.

Shades: 6

My Favorite: 03 Apple Candy

Shoppers Say: "Easy to apply & feels like nothing. I like that the Etude marker tint was easy to apply. It is just like using a thick marker pen. It had a berry like fragrance that faded once it was on my lips. I really like how lightweight the marker tint feels. It feels like I am not wearing anything on my lips."

Elevate your makeup with this lip marker from Ariana Grande’s brand, offering bold, long-lasting color that brings a touch of celebrity flair to your daily routine.

Shades: 4

My Favorite: Full Out

Shoppers Say: "Favorite lip product of all time. I have now purchased 5 of these lip stain markers in booked n busy because i never want to be without it. I will purchase 500 more and be heart broken if it is ever discontinued. This is the perfect low-maintenance product for color that feels like nothing at all. "

Achieve effortlessly stunning lips that last all day with this lip marker, offering rich, stay-put color with a simple swipe that keeps you looking fabulous from morning to night.

Shades: 7

My Favorite: Apple Red

Customer Ratings: 1,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews

Shoppers Say: "It’s the best lip stain I ever tried! I’ve been using this lip stain for years. It stays for the whole day, doesn’t dry my lips and feels like I don’t have any lipstick on (in terms of texture not color)."

Make your lips the main attraction with this lip stain, offering striking, long-lasting color that glides on like a dream and stays flawless all day.

Shades: 15

My Favorite:

Shoppers Say: "Great lipstick alternative. The coverage is great and I don’t think it dries out my lips. It doesn’t leave marks on glasses when drinking. I much prefer this to lipstick."

What are lip markers?

Lip markers are a type of lip product designed to deliver precise, long-lasting color with a marker-like applicator. Unlike traditional lipsticks or glosses, lip markers offer a lightweight, smudge-proof finish that typically dries to a semi-matte or matte texture. Their buildable formula allows for customizable intensity, making them perfect for achieving anything from a natural tint to a bold, defined look. Ideal for all-day wear, lip markers are popular for their ease of application and ability to stay put without frequent touch-ups.

How do lip markers compare to traditional lipsticks?

Lip markers differ from traditional lipsticks in several key ways. While lipsticks typically offer a creamy or glossy finish, lip markers provide a lightweight, semi-matte or matte look that lasts longer without smudging or fading. The marker-like applicator allows for precise application, making it easier to define and shape your lips.

Additionally, lip markers are often more buildable, letting you customize the intensity of your color, from a subtle tint to a bold statement. Unlike traditional lipsticks, lip markers are designed for all-day wear with minimal touch-ups, making them a convenient choice for those on the go.

Are lip markers long lasting?

Yes, lip markers are known for their long-lasting wear. Unlike traditional lipsticks, which may require frequent touch-ups, lip markers offer a smudge-proof, transfer-resistant finish that stays put for hours. Their unique formula dries quickly and adheres to the lips, providing vibrant color that lasts all day. Whether you're looking for a subtle tint or a bold pop of color, lip markers deliver durability and staying power, making them a go-to choice for long-lasting lip color.

Why are lip markers trending on TikTok?

Lip markers are trending on TikTok due to their ability to deliver long-lasting, precise color with a lightweight, natural finish. Beauty influencers are raving about how easy it is to create bold, defined lips without the hassle of frequent touch-ups. The buildable coverage and smudge-proof formula make lip markers perfect for all-day wear, which resonates with users seeking low-maintenance beauty products.

Their versatility in creating everything from subtle tints to vibrant looks has also contributed to their viral popularity, making them a must-have in any makeup routine.

What are the benefits of using lip markers?

Lip markers offer several benefits that make them a standout choice for lip color. They provide long-lasting, smudge-proof wear, ensuring your lips stay vibrant throughout the day without the need for frequent touch-ups. The marker-style applicator allows for precise application, making it easy to define and shape your lips. Lip markers also deliver buildable color, allowing you to achieve anything from a subtle tint to a bold, full-coverage look.

With their lightweight, often matte finish, lip markers offer a comfortable and natural feel, making them ideal for all-day wear. Their convenience, durability, and versatility are key reasons why lip markers are becoming a must-have in beauty routines.

What are the top brands for lip markers?

When it comes to top lip marker brands, several stand out for their quality and performance. Covergirl offers affordable, long-lasting lip markers that deliver bold color and precise application. Palladio, Covergirl, r.e.m. beauty, Kiko Milano, Stila, and Etude are brands that are leading the way in the lip marker trend, making them must-haves for any beauty enthusiast.

• Covergirl offers affordable, long-lasting lip markers that deliver bold color and precise application.
• Palladio is known for its highly pigmented, waterproof lip stains that provide intense color payoff.
• Ariana Grande's r.e.m. beauty brings a touch of celebrity flair with vibrant, stay-put lip markers perfect for a pop star pout.
• Stila is a go-to for high-performance lip stains that glide on smoothly and last all day.
• Etude features a range of fun, youthful lip markers with buildable color options.
• Kiko Milano is celebrated for its chic, smudge-proof lip markers that offer a lightweight feel and rich color. 

Where can I find affordable lip markers?

You can find affordable lip markers at popular retailers like Amazon and Ulta. Both sites offer budget-friendly options under $11 from top brands such as Palladio, Etude, Covergirl, and Kiko Milano. These options provide a range of vibrant colors and long-lasting formulas without breaking the bank, making them great choices for anyone looking to enhance their beauty routine at a lower cost.

How do I apply lip marker?

Applying a lip marker is easy and straightforward. With its precise applicator and long-lasting formula, a lip marker provides a flawless, smudge-proof pout that stays put all day. Start by ensuring your lips are clean and dry. Gently outline your lips with the marker's precision tip, following the natural lip line for a defined shape.

For a more intense color, build up layers as desired, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. To achieve a softer look, lightly blend the color with your fingertip or a lip brush.

If you prefer extra shine, finish by adding a clear gloss or hydrating lip oil. 

If you're looking for more great products, check out these 24-hour flash deals from Sephora.