Have you ever had a makeup product that you trust and love so much that you feel guilty when you buy another one? That’s Benefit’s Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain for me.
I might try some other blush just to curb my curiosity and see what’s out there from time to time, but I always go back to that pinky color. It feels like an addiction at this point.
It’s the perfect blush for natural makeup days and full glam days. I can even rely on it when it’s summertime and I have a tan and none of my makeup products match my skin tone anymore.
But Benetint still manages to give me those flushed cheeks much like Heidi wandering in the Alps. Bronzers come and go but a good blush like this is forever.
If you have “that” blush, you know what I’m talking about. But if you don’t, and are desperately in need of one, keep reading for my honest review of Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, and let me show you why you’ll love it too.
Formula
Benetint is a lip and cheek tint. Tints are a type of liquid blush that lasts longer than a regular powder blush. It comes in a glass tube with a doe foot applicator. You can easily dot the product on your cheeks and apply it on your lips with the applicator like a lip gloss. Its rosy smell doesn’t bother me.
The non-sticky liquid formula is very runny and dries down quickly. So starting with a small amount and slowly building the color intensity can give you much more control over the placement.
There is one thing I don’t like about my beloved Benetint though. It hurts me to say this, but when you apply it on your cheeks with the applicator, sometimes it tends to splash a bit. It’s a very pigmented liquid. So don’t forget this and remember to slowly take the applicator out of the tube or else you may stain your clothes.
Color
Just to clarify, this is a lip and cheek stain that comes in different colors. Benetint is the name of the shade and the most popular one.
Benetint has a pinky-rosy color. It looks very dark at first, but it settles down to a more natural color. Even though it’s a liquid, there is no shiny finish. I have a fair skin tone and with the first application, it gives me very subtly pink cheeks.
And this is great for everyday makeup look. But the color is easily buildable. So you can turn that subtle pink into a more intense red and get that Heidi is running a marathon look, which is the look I always go for.
As a lip stain, I wouldn’t expect too much. Don’t get me wrong, it looks incredible on your lips and gives you a hint of natural-looking red. So for no-makeup days or for when you want your lips to pop but not so much, Benetint will cover for you. However, I find achieving a more intense color is not as easy for the lips.
How To Apply
As a liquid blush, it can be applied however you like. Here’s how I apply my Benetint.
I usually apply Benetint with a sponge. Since it dries down quickly, I apply 2-3 dots on my right cheek first and wait a few seconds. Then I blend it by dabbing it onto my cheek. Then I do the other side.
A makeup sponge makes it easy to spread and blend the product on your temples and forehead too, This gives you better control over the application area. Also, regardless of how much you apply, I think using a sponge gives you the most natural finish no matter what.
Normally I’m not a fan of using makeup brushes in general. But recently, I’ve tried using a blush brush to apply my Benetint. I’ve realized that the brush is more suitable for creating a more intense color. I prefer doing this when I’m going for a sunburn blush look.
And lastly, I don’t usually apply this with my hands. Because first of all, it stains my fingers. Secondly and more importantly, it absorbs the product a little and gives me a streaky application. My blush doesn’t look as smooth.
As a lip tint, Benetint looks better if you hydrate your lips first. Otherwise, the color emphasizes flaky lips. That’s why I always use a simple, hydrating lip balm first-nothing fancy, If you want a more popping color on your lips, you can apply Benetint, wait for it to dry, and reapply your lip balm. This gives your lips a glossy finish.
Longevity
Let me save you some time and tell you that whether you put it on your cheeks or your lips Benetint stays put. It will not budge. It will not smudge. You won’t find yourself looking in the mirror after work wondering when the hell your blush disappeared,
This is how it looks when I apply a single layer. As you can see it looks seamless. Most of the time, I apply a second layer. It’s very over-blusher-friendly. I think it’s a must-have for anyone looking for a multi-purpose product that’s easy to use. That’s why Benefit’s Benetint has been my favorite lip and cheek stain for a very long time and I won’t be looking for a replacement any time soon.
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