
Ever since I was 12, lip liner has been my go-to beauty essential. My first was a pinky-nude Mary Kay pencil I snagged from my mom’s collection, and it made me feel effortlessly chic. Even now, the perfect lip liner—one that enhances and defines my natural lip shape—still gives me that same confidence boost. I’m a fan of pairing a ‘90s brown shade with a glossy pink overlay. My only gripe? Between my iced latte, lunchtime Diet Coke, and my toddler’s endless affection, I find myself reapplying constantly. That’s why I was thrilled to discover this TikTok-famous peel-off lip liner stain, boasting 2.5 billion views.
With 18 years in the beauty industry, I hardly ever purchase beauty products myself—brands send them to me for reviews. But one day, while scrolling, I stumbled upon an influencer peeling off her lip liner. Intrigued, I decided to splurge $15 on a set of three Sacheu's lip liners, available in nine shades.
Prepare yourself before opening the tube—the sponge applicator is loaded with an intensely dark, nearly black stain. Yes, applying it feels strange at first (I felt it too!), but use it to precisely outline your lips. For a plumper look, slightly overline them. I prefer connecting the Cupid’s bow to add instant volume. If you make a mistake, a quick swipe with a cotton swab will fix it. Then, wait. The brand suggests 10 to 15 minutes, but you can leave it longer for a deeper stain or peel it sooner for a softer effect. The trick is to let it dry completely before peeling. I usually finish the rest of my makeup during this time. Once dry, stretch your lips to create an edge at the corners. Now comes the fun part! Use your fingers to gently peel off the dried liner (see my photo below). It’s oddly satisfying—possibly the most gratifying beauty step ever.
The result is a stunning lip liner stain (my favorite is HEY-zel 04, a warm golden brown) that stays put for nearly two days! I like to soften the edges with my fingers and add a pink gloss on top. You can also fill in your lips for an all-over stain, but I adore the long-lasting definition it provides as a liner. Plus, unlike most long-wear lip products, this one isn’t drying. No flaking, cracking, or chapped lips here—just smooth, hydrated color.

While the peeling process is entertaining, the real magic lies in the stain’s staying power. It survives coffee, lunch, and even kisses without budging! At night, after washing my face, I love that my lips still look subtly polished. It strikes the perfect balance between traditional lip liner that fades quickly and permanent lip liner that lasts years—I’m not ready for that level of commitment. Sure, the application requires a bit of patience (waiting and peeling), but the outcome is absolutely worth it. You’re left with beautifully defined, rosy lips that stay vibrant for days.
