Buzzapp Master 
Last summer, I finally gave in and purchased the viral Wonderskin lip stain to see if it was as good as everyone on social media claimed – needless to say, it was, and it quickly became a staple in my everyday lip routine.
Over the winter months, I decided to explore Wonderskin’s extensive colour range to see if they were all as impressive as the first shade I’d tried – and the red hue I chose was perfect for the festive season.
Since then, I’ve been on a mission to find a lip stain that matches Wonderskin’s performance—and I think I’ve found one.
I recently tested Tropic Skincare’s £14 lip stain in Bitten Red, curious to see if it could compete with Wonderskin’s red shade that I loved—and the results genuinely took me by surprise.
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Tropic’s Lip Stain comes in four shades
(Image: Tropic)
This Tropic lip stain promises long-lasting wear with a simple application process and vibrant colour payoff. It aims to provide an effortless pop of colour that enhances any look, while guaranteeing a completely smudge-proof formula, making this lip stain a no-brainer for those seeking low-maintenance makeup with standout results.
The lip stain is marketed as ultra-moisturising. It’s fortified with strengthening antioxidants that protect your lips while ensuring comfortable, all-day wear that doesn’t peel, crack, or transfer, reports the Mirror.
Whether you’re heading to work, going on a date, or stepping out for the day and don’t want to carry your lipstick around, this lip stain delivers impressive colour intensity and precise application, without any additional fuss.
Unlike Wonderskin, where you have to apply the slightly odd purple coat first, which needs to set for a bit before being peeled or wiped off, this Tropic lip stain goes on in an incredibly thin, almost water-like layer that feels completely weightless, and that’s all there is to it.
You can build up the colour if you fancy a darker or more pigmented look (which I did), or you can leave it at one coat for a subtle flush of more understated and natural colour. Plus, it dries down completely, so you can add your favourite lip glosses and balms on top without disturbing the colour.
One product I’ve discovered that’s perfect for enhancing the colour of your chosen lip stain is Clinique’s Black Honey Almost Lipstick, which adds an extra pop to the underlying colour for a slightly darker, bolder finish.
A great pick for buildable pigment that doesn’t take forever to set and enhance, this lip stain is cheaper than Wonderskin with a budget-friendly price tag of £14, while Wonderskin usually sells for £18.
The only downside I’ve found with Tropic’s offering is that they have a smaller selection of shades to choose from, which I don’t mind, as there’s only one or two that would suit my makeup looks, but for those looking for various or specific options, you might be out of luck.
That said, Tropic have released limited-edition springtime shades to browse right now, offering an elevated creamy formula that will see you through the rest of spring and into summer.
If you’re a fan of the iconic Wonderskin, you can grab your new favourite in various shades for £18 here.
However, if you’re looking to save some pennies, I’ve discovered a fantastic alternative – the Nyx Professional Make Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain. It usually retails for £10.99, but it’s currently on offer at Lookfantastic.
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