I’m the kind of person who can’t leave the house without a lip product in my bag, going through phases where I switch between lipsticks, balms, glosses – you name it. But the real reason why I always carry one is simple: I’m forever in need of touch-ups. One quick coffee and my lipstick is gone.
Now, I knew the answer to all my issues was a lip stain. However, the problem was I couldn’t find one that didn’t a) dry out my lips, and b) cling to said dry patches and look streaky. That was until I tried Kulfi’s Lassi Lips Staining Lip Oil – and it completely changed the game for me.
In case you hadn’t already heard, Kulfi is the latest brand to join Space NK’s lineup, and it’s been a long time coming. Since its launch back in 2021, Kulfi has achieved cult status across the US and Canada, and I’d been watching from the UK, sorrowfully scrolling through TikTok, wishing I could join in on the fun.
Luckily, I was able to try some of the products before the official UK launch – and the lip stain has now earned a permanent spot in my everyday beauty routine.
What’s particularly clever about this stain is the hybrid formula, as explained in a masterclass led by makeup artist Sam Chapman: ‘The stain goes on like a gloss and it fades into a matte tint’. This gives you an initial shot of high-shine goodness, and eliminates the need for retouches (unless, of course, you want a fresh slick of the gloss!)
I found myself surprised by the texture of the product when I first tested it. Since I knew it started with a glossy payoff, I expected it to be thick and sticky; however, it’s surprisingly thin – almost watery. Don’t be fooled, though, as the pigment is definitely there.
Unlike most lip stains, it left my lips feeling moisturised, thanks to a cocktail of mango seed oil, coconut oil and vitamin E. Instead of feeling the urge to reach for a lip balm, I found the formula was comfortable and breathable enough to wear throughout the day without any fuss.
It’s safe to say it’s transfer-proof, too. Once the gloss had worn off, I decided to test whether the colour would budge – taking a nervous breath before swiping my hand across my lips. Luckily, it stayed perfectly intact, with no trace on my hand. Even when sipping water, my usual telltale lipstick mark was nowhere to be seen on the bottle.
The shade I tried was Rose, a versatile pink nude. I found I could apply a thin layer for that ‘my lips but better’ look, or I could build it up for a slightly deeper hue. It comes in nine gorgeous shades, ranging from pretty neutrals, such as Caramel, all the way to Fig, a deep plum.
Personally? I’m already eyeing up a few more shades to add to my basket…
