Colour Changing
Lip stains
Green to pink, purple to red… these 4 lip products adapt to the pH of your lips, creating a custom shade just for you.
But do these viral lip products actually work? Or is it a gimmick too far? Trust the process, I guess…
My investigation went from a drugstore, wallet-friendly option to this season’s luxe beauty buy…
First up, we’re taking a trip back in time with Barry M. Once a school disco icon, can Barry cut it in the world of Instagram carousels and no-makeup-makeup?
Barry M Colour Changing Lip Paint
The concept: Lip paint that ‘magically’ adapts to the PH level of your lips. This creates a shade that’s completely unique to the wearer / compliments any skin tone.
Shade range: 4 shades (‘Genie’ is green to pink, ‘Unicorn’ is yellow to light pink, ‘Angelic’ is pink to soft, neutral pink and ‘Cupid’ is clear to glittery baby pink).
Complimentary products: Matching lip glosses available
Price: £5.99
The verdict:
The bright green lipstick (Genie) is quite alarming at first, do I really want to look like I’ve just mainlined a matcha latte? No… When you first apply the lipstick, however, it comes out as a clear balm. In fact, it doesn’t seem to be doing anything… stay alert and keep applying. The lip product starts to turn a deep shade of pink over the course of 4 minutes.
I tried the Genie and Unicorn shades — both achieve a very vibrant look. If you prefer a subtle, natural look, this probably isn’t for you.
The staying power of Barry M’s Colour Changing Lip Paint is incredible —you can rub your lips without any smudging or product transfer.
Great value for money
I’m skeptical that the shade is ‘completely unique to the wearer’ or adapted to the lip’s pH. The lipstick shade doesn’t actually look very different on different people. Plus, if you all remove the lipstick on a cotton pad… everyone’s colour is the exactly the same shade.
Bonus points for the nostalgia trip.
Next up, a TikTok cult product… the infamous metallic purple lip stain. Is it worth the hype?
Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque
The concept: Lasts all-day, transfer-proof, waterproof — while keeping lips soft and hydrated.
Shade range: 18 shades (at last count) — these range from burgundy red to bubblegum pink and coral. More notes on shade range in my verdict.
Complimentary products: Lip scrub for prep and a top gloss to give your lips a high-shine (but non-sticky) finish. Also lip rehab serum oil for extra hydration.
Price: £18
How do I apply Wonderskin lip stain?
Start with clean, dry lips. If needed, exfoliate lips first.
Apply the lip stain all across the lips — making sure to spread the pigment evenly. FYI it comes out metallic purple.
If you want soft colour, wait 15 seconds, but for bolder colour wait 45 seconds!
Remove the product using a damp cloth or towel to reveal an all-day lip stain.
The verdict:
It puts the stain, in lip stain.
Does it last all day? Yes, it’s incredible. If you want the longest wear, opt for the deeper shades. They have the greatest staying power.
I also recommend contouring the lips by applying multiple shades — place a lighter shade at the centre and a deeper shade at the lip line.
I tried 4 shades in total (XOXO, Whimsical, Lovely and Hush). Each of these gave a very natural looking lip colour that was flattering to the complexion.
The texture is quite flat/no different to your usual lips, so you may want to apply a balm after to give some dimension.
You need to apply the product as evenly as possible — try not to go back and retouch areas as it will dry at different times and look blotchy when you later remove the product. If you have pale lips, be very careful around the outer corners, lip line, and especially the cupid’s bow.
Most people experience a very tingly and irritating sensation when you first apply the product to the lips. This doesn’t last, but it’s wise to test out the product on a small area of skin before using it on the lips.
You can over line the lips to get a plump, faux-Botox look. However, this requires a very delicate touch. The doe foot applicator is on the large side so it’s hard to get a really precise line, as you would with a pencil lip liner. Apply a light shade lip liner before as a guide.
To remove Wonderskin lip stain, use an oil-based makeup remover that takes off waterproof cosmetics. It really does stain the lips and is extremely hard to get off. Don’t use it for the first time before an important event or job interview.
You can also use the lip stain as blush. Only for the brave, I’d say.
Check out my full review here.
RMS Liplights Cream Lip Gloss - Chameleon
The concept: A multitasker that works as a treatment balm, a gloss, and a subtle, stingless volumizer. The product reacts to your body's natural pH for a personalised vibrant pink pop of lip color.
Complimentary products: Lip pencils
Price: £29
The verdict:
Formulated with plumping peptides and botanical butters, it feels instantly nourishing — with the quality of a thick, sumptuous lip balm.
Because it has the texture of a balm, there’s quite a lot of slippage. In other words, it’s hard to keep it within the lines of your lips and it’s also quite sticky.
The product is green but adapts to a universally flattering berry shade once you start massaging it into the lips. Out of all the products tested here, this achieves the most desirable look.
However… the product tube (‘an artist’s tube made with 100% recycled aluminum so you can squeeze out and use up every last drop before recycling’) is a huge turn off. It’s almost impossible to get any product out, you have to forcefully squeeze the tube and even then only a tiny green blob comes out. The tube has also split down the side (after 3 uses) so the product is oozing out from top and bottom. Not ideal.
Dior Addict Lip Glow - 48-hour hydrating lip balm
The concept: The perfect combination of lip care and makeup. The formula reacts with the pH level of lips to reveal a "custom" colour that instantly enhances their glow.
Shade range: 22 shades (at last count) — these range from orange and blue, to yellow and lilac.
Complementary products: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer for a boost of radiant glow.
Price: £33
The verdict:
This product line tells you whether the shade has cool or warm undertones — this is a major selling point, making it easier to select a shade that will work for you. However, the sheer amount of colour choice means it feels less ‘universal’ than the other products trialed here.
Achieves a very natural look, a simple flush of colour.
Compared to the other products here, this formula is easy to apply on the go. It delivers a boost of hydration and moisturisation akin to a lip oil.
It has a light peppermint scent — the frangrance may be an issue for those with sensitive skin.
