June 2009's New Beauty Products

Permanent Smile

The first time we used a lip stain (which tints your mouth and doesn't easily wipe off), we applied it as freely as we would a lipstick. And we were stuck with bright magenta lips all day. Candid (and bossy) colleagues suggested we refrain from trying again. But then we received this first-of-its-kind kit from TheBalm (TheStains in Petunia Pink & Raspberry Red, $28; TheBalm.com); it comes with two solid pots of color, a lip brush, a water vial, and a small well for mixing. Because we could control the pigment-to-water ratio, we created a sheer raspberry tint—and this time celebrated its staying power.