Haus Labs' Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer Is Finally Back

Byrdie editors Bella Cacciatore and Ali Webb wearing Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer — Byrdie

Key Takeaways

As of April 22, the Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer—which initially launched in 2023—is back on shelves with fresh packaging.
The shiny, long-wear formula is the same, but the product comes in a refreshed shade range, including brand-new sheer options.

Calling all Little Monsters (and lovers of a bold lip): The Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer is finally back. The innovative, Lady Gaga-approved formula—which has a glossy finish with minimal transfer—developed a cult following during its initial 2023 launch, and it's finally back after disappearing from shelves for a while. Making its return in an iconic curation of bold shades plus a range of new sheer options, the product is for anyone who is sick of having to choose between a long-lasting matte formula and a glossier finish that requires frequent reapplication.

Fans of the brand know that Gaga means business, as any pop-star-approved formula sets the bar high for a camera-ready look with major staying power. But what makes this relaunch stand out from the product's past life—and does it deliver on its promises? Learn all about the rebirth of Haus Labs' Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer ahead, complete with insights from the brand's global artistry director (and Gaga's longtime makeup artist), Sarah Tanno, as well as other members of the Haus Labs team.

The Iconic Formula

Reformulation may be a trend as of late, but that's not what's new about the Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer. Instead, the relaunch is all about a packaging redesign and shade expansion. "It keeps the exact same formula everyone already loves, now paired with beautiful new packaging and a fresh range of gorgeous shades," Tanno says. "It's the same long-wear, transfer-proof shine everyone fell in love with." The following key ingredients achieve the glossy, long-lasting finish while ensuring an elegant formula:

Marine algae extract: No need to use a plumping product here. This extract enhances natural volume while smoothing and nourishing your lips.
Shine boost: This creates the glossy finish that makes this lacquer so beloved, as well as helping with the staying power.
Flexible film-forming polymers: If you love the look of a liquid lipstick but find it feels heavy or uncomfortable, the polymers in Atomic Shake may be the difference you need, as they help create a breathable, weightless feel without sacrificing on performance.
Filling spheres: These further enhance the formula's impressive yet effortless wear by providing elastic comfort.

$28 at Hauslabs.com

The Relaunch

Nothing has changed about the formula, so why the relaunch? "Atomic Shake built a strong following, and we wanted to reintroduce it with a more refined, elevated packaging experience and a more versatile shade range," says Haus Labs' chief marketing officer, Angela Simpson. "The formula remains the same high-performance, long-wear lacquer people love, but we’ve added sheer neutral tones to complement the bold shades. It allows us to serve both ends of the spectrum—from expressive, high-impact looks to more everyday wear—while staying true to the product’s DNA."

Fans of the OG version will remember the cylindrical tube, and the new version is in a modern rectangular shape. "Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer has returned with the same iconic high-shine, long-wear formula in a new package with a new precision tip applicator," says the brand's chief product officer, Gloria Ryu. The redesigned applicator allows for more control, so you can more easily distribute the high-powered formula exactly where you want it.

The New Shades

The lip lacquer comes in eight shades: five bold (Mahogany, Maroon, Ruby, Berry, and Dusty Rose) and three sheer (Sheer Sienna, Sheer Blush, and Sheer Petal). This is a slight expansion on the original six, with much of the bolder range (like Ruby and Dusty Rose) being reminiscent of previous shades, while the sheer category is new. "Each color feels like its own personality, whether you’re going for something effortless and everyday or more elevated for special occasions and nights out," Tanno says. "During development, we tested the shades on hundreds of different skin tones to make sure they feel wearable and inclusive."

Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer in shades Dusty Rose and Sheer Blush — Ali Webb

If you love the formula but found it to be too bold for your everyday preferences, the sheer range may be your answer. "The new sheer shades bring a softer expression of color to Atomic Shake," Tanno says. "They create a more effortless, wearable veil of tone while still delivering that signature long-wear shine and vibrancy." Here, "sheer" doesn't mean the product looks or feels like a tinted gloss: Instead, it's more like wearing a lighter lipstick, but without the need for frequent reapplication.

"I love them for moments when you want something lighter but still polished and intentional," Tanno says of when to consider a sheer shade over a bolder one. "They have the same staying power as the more opaque shades, with transfer-proof wear and up to eight hours of extreme shine."

Application Tips

The Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer is a game-changing product, but it's important to apply it correctly to get the budge-proof color and shine the brand promises. Luckily, it's not that complicated: "To start, shake the product vigorously for five seconds," Tanno explains. "Then, apply in one thin swipe to the lips. It’s essential to not press the lips together and allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds to ensure for long-wearing film to form."

While you don't have to apply multiple layers, the product is buildable if you're looking for a bolder look. "If more opacity is desired, make sure to build quickly, in the same direction before the formula dries," Tanno advises.

Our Reviews

Ali Webb, associate style editor

Byrdie editor Ali Webb wearing the Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer in sheer blush — Ali Webb

"I didn't get to try the Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer the first time around, but as a longtime Little Monster and fan of several other Haus Labs products, I was excited to see how this cult fave held up. Here, I'm wearing sheer blush, which I didn't find to be as 'sheer' as the name suggests but still love as a more muted, everyday take on this high-power product. This lip lacquer is somewhere in between a liquid lipstick and a stain, with minimal product transfer once dried and high color payoff that wears comfortably. I'd turn to the sheer shades on long workdays when I want a lip look I don't have to reapply every couple of hours, and the bolder hues for a statement on a night out."

Star Donaldson, social media director

Byrdie editor Star Donaldson wearing Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer in sheer petal — Star Donaldson

"I quickly learned that this Atomic Lip Shake Lacquer is not kidding about the “shake” part—you really have to shake it to get the product moving, and it makes a difference. I went in with Dusty Rose first, but it ended up being way too dark for me. These formulas seriously pack pigment. Once I switched to Sheer Petal, it clicked and felt light and wearable, with a shiny finish. It dries pretty fast, without feeling sticky, and really holds up throughout the day."

Bella Cacciatore, senior news editor

Byrdie editor Bella Cacciatore wears Haus Labs Atomic Shake Lip Lacquer in ruby red — Bella Cacciatore

"There is really nothing chicer than ultra-glossy, red lips. It's so sexy and subversive yet classic at the same time—like a Robert Palmer video or Helmut Newton photo. However, it's not the easiest look to wear, as it requires at least three products and a lot of patience. However, leave it to Gaga to bottle it all into one easy product. These lipsticks are SO pigmented and have a latex-like shine that really doesn't move. While they aren't as comfortable to wear as my go-to glossy balm, they are definitely less soul-sucking than a traditional liquid lipstick, and stay put for hours. I'm def adding the red one to my going-out rotation."