Okay, so if you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that perfect, effortless lip tint that actually stays put. And when it's under $10? Even better! That's why I absolutely had to spill the tea on the e.l.f. STAIN UP MARKER. I’ve seen it trending everywhere, and as a lover of all things affordable beauty, I picked up a few shades, especially the gorgeous browns, to really put them to the test. First off, let’s talk about the concept: a lip stain in a marker format. It’s super user-friendly, feeling just like drawing on your lips with a felt-tip pen. The idea is to give you a sheer wash of color that tints your lips, making them look naturally flushed or subtly defined, without the heavy feel of a lipstick. For just $5, my expectations were managed, but spoiler alert: this little gem truly delivers! When it comes to swatches, I found that applying the e.l.f. STAIN UP MARKER to my arm first gave me a great idea of the true color payoff. The browns, in particular, are stunning – they range from a soft, rosy brown to a deeper, more vampy tone, depending on the shade you pick and how much you build it up. On the lips, the color is buildable. One layer gives a transparent, 'my lips but better' look, while two or three layers can achieve a more intense, yet still very natural-looking, brown stain. What I love is how seamlessly it blends into your natural lip color, creating a customized shade. It’s not opaque like a liquid lipstick, but rather a beautiful tint that enhances your natural pout. The application is surprisingly precise thanks to the marker tip. You can easily outline your lips before filling them in, which is fantastic for achieving a neat look without needing a separate lip liner. After applying, it dries fairly quickly and then – magic! – it truly stains your lips. I’ve noticed minimal transfer, which is a huge plus, especially when you’re drinking coffee or eating. This is definitely not a product you need to constantly reapply throughout the day. I typically get several hours of wear before I even think about touching it up, and even then, the stain is still visibly there, just a bit softer. Is it drying? I’d say it’s not particularly hydrating, but it’s not overly drying either. If you have extremely dry lips, I’d recommend prepping with a light lip balm beforehand or layering a clear gloss on top once the stain has set. This not only adds a bit of moisture but also gives a lovely plump, juicy effect. For just $5, the e.l.f. STAIN UP MARKER is an absolute steal if you’re looking for a long-lasting, natural-looking lip product. It’s perfect for everyday wear, giving you that effortlessly chic vibe. If you’re into the stained lip trend and want to experiment with different brown shades without breaking the bank, you seriously need to give this a try. Definitely a beauty cabinet essential in my book!