When Huda Beauty launched its new line of lip stains, social media exploded with excitement. Influencers praised the pigment, staying power, and sleek packaging. It seemed like the perfect product: a long-lasting, smudge-proof stain that promised hours of color with just one swipe.
But after the first wave of hype, disappointment started pouring in. Many users now claim that the Huda Beauty Lip Stain dries out after just one or two uses. Others describe patchy application, uneven color, and a tip that stops dispensing product almost immediately.
So, what happened to what was supposed to be the next cult favorite?
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The First Impression: Promising Formula, Beautiful Shades
The lip stains debuted in several shades, from soft rose to deep berry, designed to flatter every skin tone. The texture at first application feels lightweight, almost watery, and dries down to a soft matte finish.
The first swipe often looks perfect, smooth, bold, and transfer-proof once it sets. For many, the first wear delivers exactly what’s advertised: hours of wear with minimal touch-ups.
That initial experience made buyers believe they’d finally found a high-end lip stain that outperformed cheaper options. Unfortunately, for a growing number of users, that excitement didn’t last long.
The Drying Out Problem: One Use and It’s Gone
A common complaint is that after the first application, the product seems to dry out completely overnight. Even when stored upside down, users say the tip delivers almost no color the next morning.
“I left it stored downwards so the ink would fall to the tip overnight,” one buyer wrote. “Woke up to put it on and could only get one swipe before it ran out. It dried so fast I couldn’t even blend it.”
Others echoed the same frustration. Even with careful storage, airtight sealing, and gentle use, the product seems to lose its flow quickly, leaving only streaks of pigment behind.
Some users even wondered whether they received defective batches or if there’s a larger manufacturing issue. A few people who store their lip stains in purses or makeup bags say theirs still work fine, which adds to the confusion.
Is It a Packaging Problem or a Formula Issue?
The packaging design could be part of the issue. The slim, marker-style applicator relies on consistent ink flow to deliver pigment to the tip. If the internal reservoir dries or clogs, even a small amount of air can cause the product to stop dispensing.
Another theory is that the formula itself, which sets quickly may dry out too fast once exposed to air. Because lip stains are thinner than glosses or creams, they can evaporate faster, especially if the cap isn’t tightly sealed after use.
Some buyers have suggested that the product consistency is too dry to remain stable over time, which would explain the inconsistency between batches.
How It Compares to Other Lip Stains
To understand whether the Huda Beauty Lip Stain is truly underperforming, users have compared it to other popular lip tints and stains:
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Bpure Lip Stain (Dollar Tree) – Surprisingly, many say this $1.25 dupe performs better. It offers similar color payoff, easier blending, and longer wear time without drying out.
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Sephora Collection Lip Stain – Praised for its strong pigment and affordable price, many reviewers now prefer this option over Huda’s.
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Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stain – Offers a dewy, long-lasting tint that stays comfortable for hours.
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Fenty Lip Stain and Lip Mask – Known for rich color and moisture, with a glossy finish that wears down evenly.
The comparison shows a clear trend: while Huda Beauty’s product looks premium, it struggles to compete with more reliable and often cheaper alternatives.
The Good: What Works About Huda Beauty’s Lip Stains
Despite the backlash, not everyone hates them. Some users report no issues at all, saying their lip stains still apply smoothly and last all day. They appreciate the lightweight texture and quick dry-down time that prevents smudging.
A few even praise the color payoff and say the shades look stunning in natural light. Those who manage to keep the product from drying out love how it stains without feeling heavy or sticky.
“I’ve been using mine every day, tossing it in my purse, and it’s still working perfectly,” one fan shared. “No issues with application or drying.”
This divide in experience suggests that product consistency may vary between batches, or that storage methods might affect longevity more than expected.
The Bad: Patchiness, Uneven Texture, and Fast Drying
Most negative reviews point to the same issues:
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Patchy application – The stain dries before users can blend it, leaving uneven color.
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Poor flow – After the first or second use, the applicator dries up.
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Short lifespan – Many report that the product becomes useless within days.
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Difficult to work with – Because it sets fast, there’s no room for mistakes during application.
These frustrations are especially disappointing for buyers who paid a premium expecting high-end performance. The product’s short lifespan makes it feel wasteful and even those who loved the first application often end up regretting the purchase.
What the Community Thinks
On beauty forums and TikTok, the general consensus seems to be that the hype doesn’t match the performance.
Some users joke that you could “finish” the lip stain after one use. Others call it the most disappointing product launch from Huda Beauty in years. A few say it might work better as a short-term tint for photoshoots or special occasions, but not as an everyday product.
Interestingly, some people still defend it, suggesting that inconsistent storage or loose caps could be the culprit. Yet even those defenders admit the formula dries faster than expected.
Better Alternatives to Try
If you love the concept of a bold, transfer-proof lip stain but want something more reliable, here are some better-reviewed alternatives:
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Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain – Strong pigment, easy blending, and comfortable wear.
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Rare Beauty Lip Oil Stain – Offers both hydration and color, with a natural finish.
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Fenty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain – Adds long-lasting tint with a glossy sheen.
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Bpure Lip Stain (Dollar Tree) – A surprising budget favorite that performs well for its price.
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Etude House Dear Darling Tint – A classic Korean lip stain known for its lasting power.
These products not only last longer but also apply more evenly and resist drying out between uses.
Worth the Hype or a Pass?
The Huda Beauty Lip Stain had all the ingredients of a hit product, sleek packaging, trendy marketing, and beautiful shades but failed in long-term performance for many users.
If you’re lucky enough to get a batch that doesn’t dry out, it can deliver bold, lasting color. But for most buyers, the experience falls short. The formula dries too quickly, becomes patchy, and often loses flow after one or two uses.
Considering its price, the inconsistency is hard to overlook. Unless the brand reformulates or improves the packaging, there are better lip stains available for less money and more reliable results.
For now, it seems safe to say the hype outweighs the performance. The new Huda Beauty Lip Stains may look pretty on the shelf, but they don’t deliver the lasting power or quality users expect from a brand of this caliber.
