How to Get the Perfect Popsicle Stained Lip

When you were a little kid running around all summer long with a popsicle in one hand and stained lips front and center, you probably never thought your carefree demeanor would one day become a trendy beauty look. Nevertheless, popsicle lip stains are a thing, and we’re big fans of the somewhat messy look. And nope, it doesn’t have to be summer to try this gorgeous makeup trend—you can rock it year-round. While you can totally snack on a popsicle to impart color onto your pout, we’re here to show you how to get the look with makeup. Ready to create a deliciously pretty popsicle lip stain? Keep scrolling for the step-by-step process and follow our tutorial to don this of-the-moment beauty trend.

STEP 1: EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS WITH A SCRUB

By now, you should know that it's wise to start any statement lip look with a smooth base. That means you should exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub before trying your hand at popsicle stained lips. Don’t have a lip scrub on hand? No problem—use one of our L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar face scrubs, instead! Try the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, which is formulated with coconut oil and will leave your pout soft and smooth. To use, gently massage the scrub over your lips, then rinse off.

STEP 2: MOISTURIZE WITH A lip BALM

You wouldn’t cleanse and exfoliate your face without following up with moisturizer, would you? Nope, we didn’t think so! So, be sure to give your lips the same love by applying a nourishing lip conditioner or balm before moving on to the following step in our popsicle stained lip tutorial.

STEP 3: PRIME YOUR LIPS WITH CONCEALER

Next, prime your lips. Primer can help create an even canvas for your lipstick application and also help keep your popsicle color from smudging or smearing. You don’t need to have a special lip primer on hand, though. Instead, you can also use a lip liner in a pinch. To do so, line your lips as per usual, then use the same lip pencil to fill in your lips completely.

STEP 4: DAB COLOR IN THE CENTER OF YOUR LIPS

Depending on the lip stain look you’re trying to achieve, it’s time to pick your color. We’re fans of bright pink and classic red for this look as they mimic two of our favorite popsicle flavors: strawberry and cherry!

To really nail this lip stain look, stick with a lipstick that has a matte finish, like the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lipstick in Berry Matte Pink or L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Matte Mandate. Another option is a matte liquid lip stain, like the L'Oréal Paris Rouge Signature, Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick in I Represent or I Achieve. Either way, apply the lipstick to the center of your lips and remember: This look isn’t meant to be perfect, so don’t worry about getting your application just right.

STEP 5: DIFFUSE THE COLOR

Here’s where the whole post-popsicle look really comes together. Use a lip brush to lightly diffuse the color in the center of your lips outward toward the edges. You don’t want a fully-blended look, just a faint fade that closely resembles a stain.

STEP 6: ADD A COAT OF CLEAR GLOSS

As a final step, you’ll want to seal your stained lip look in place with a light coating of clear lip gloss. Using a clear gloss will also help soften and diffuse the color even more, giving off that perfectly popsicle-stained look.

STEP 7: MAKE FINISHING TOUCHES

It’s time to pucker up! Your popsicle stained lip look is officially complete! Keep the rest of your face makeup subdued so that your lips are truly the star of the show. Just apply a light layer of foundation and a swipe of mascara and you’re good to go.

Onto the next: Want even more trendy makeup ideas for your lips? Check out our tutorial, How to Do an Ombré Lip, for your next lip look.