We put Virgin x Wonderskin’s Headliner lip stain to the test to see how the same shade suits three different routines and preferences…
There’s something about finding a lip colour you love that makes getting ready feel a bit more fun. Whether you prefer a bold lip or want something that offers just a hint of colour, the way you wear it can feel personal. And finding one that works with any outfit, fits around your day and that doesn’t need constant mirror checks or a touch-up is, without a doubt, the holy grail.
Enter: Headliner, Virgin’s iconic red reimagined as a limited-edition shade of Wonderskin’s Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stain. Offering a softer take on a classic red, it’s inspired by Virgin’s signature colour and has a subtle pink undertone that can be worn as a hint of colour or as something much more bold, depending on your own personal preference.
But how do three women with three different styles and routines make it their own? From a beauty writer who rarely wears lip colour (let alone a red stain), to a Pilates instructor who’s on the go from the early morning and an editor who prefers a more minimal make-up look, we asked each to wear Headliner throughout their day. Here’s how they made it their own – and how it held up along the way…
The reformer Pilates instructor
Vaneeta Sabharwal is a reformer Pilates instructor at Virgin Active
My alarm goes off at 4.45am, so by the time my first reformer class at starts at 6.45am, I’ve already been up for two hours. Coffee helps, but so does feeling put-together. I’m a former Mrs India and I worked as senior cabin crew, so looking presentable has become second nature.
I usually teach four to six classes a day, which means a lot of talking, demonstrating and moving, with food and (more) coffee squeezed in when I get a chance. I love wearing a lip colour, but don’t want to spend the breaks I do get checking or reapplying it.
Headliner was easy to apply before heading to the studio. The shade brightened my face without feeling overdone for an early morning class, and a few clients even complimented it. It made me feel instantly more confident and put-together – like a more glamorous version of myself. I love how comfortable it felt, too. It’s not heavy or drying, but the thing that impressed me most was how little I thought about it after the initial application. Through classes, coffee and meals it still looked good, and I didn’t need to touch it up.
Once I finish teaching, the lip colour is still intact and it lasts through my own workout and while I film some Instagram content, too. After that, it’s back home for dinner and, ideally, an early night. With another 4.45am alarm waiting, that’s my idea of luxury.
The beauty writer
Lucy Partington is a freelance beauty editor and content creator
I spend a lot of time trying products as part of my job, but I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a lipstick person. I love the idea of it, but I’m not good at applying it. I hate the upkeep and between deadlines, meetings and events, I just need my make-up to be easy.
Headliner feels like my way of wearing red, though. It’s a muted, non-scary shade and the wipe-off guide colour makes application easier – you can either use it to line your lips or fill them in completely, which is my preference.
I apply it first thing with the rest of my make-up and then get on with my day: a horribly warm commute, coffee, emails, PR meetings and an afternoon of writing. There’s something so liberating about being able to wear a red lip without constantly checking it looks OK. I love how weightless it feels. There’s no flaking or smudging – and realising it won’t transfer onto my teeth (or chin after eating) feels like a real game changer.
By the time I finish the day with a spontaneous drink with a friend, I’m impressed by how well it’s lasted. Adding a clear balm gives me some extra moisture and a finish suitable for the pub. Plus, it looks like I’ve made more effort than I actually have, and that’s the ideal scenario if you ask me.
The editor
Miranda Larbi is editor of Well by Stylist
Between getting my baby ready for nursery, prepping lunch and cycling into the office, there’s not much time in the morning for faffing around. My mid-week make-up is all about looking fresh – but most of all, it has to be easy. A slick of mascara here, some nourishing moisturiser there and that’s basically it. But there are times when I want to feel a bit more put-together. Having breakfast events or a meeting the moment I get into the office means there’s no time for touch-ups.
Bright, bold lipstick really isn’t my style, but a really subtle lip stain that lasts right from the 45-minute bike ride through to the post-work wine bar is. When I first applied Headliner, I was nervous. Despite the red packaging, it applies as a blue, transparent liquid on my lips. But after reading the instructions, I gave my lips a gentle wipe after about a minute and was left with a really subtle red shade. It felt like a way to wear red that suited me, without changing the fresh, natural make-up that I feel most comfortable in. And walking through the office later that day, I picked up all kinds of compliments from colleagues not used to seeing me wear lip colour which were all gratefully received.
As an editor, I’ve got lots on my mind but I loved the fact that I could completely forget about having lip stain on – normally, I’d worry about lip gloss attracting crumbs or coming off on my son’s cheeks. He’s very much in a period of touching (and pulling) my face, so a lip stain that stays put is the perfect piece of kit!
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