It recently occurred to me as I was putting on my mask for the store that the one superficial casualty of this pandemic that I’m mourning the most is the simple pleasure of lipstick.

Remember when we would talk to real, live people in the real, live world, without covering half our faces with masks? Truly, you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.

Apart from the simple pleasure it gives me to see a stranger’s smile as I go about my day, I also miss being able to get that “pulled together” look with minimal effort. It’s one of those little touches that can make a world of a difference.

Since lipsticks are too much of a hassle these days, what with the constant transfer onto your mask, why don’t you give a lip stain a try?

I’m loving wearing this one by Glossier, but I’ve linked a few other options below as well, at all price points, that will give you that same gorgeous smile (when you de-mask, of course), without all the mess.

Lip Stains that Stay Put