Makeup

8 Best Lip and Cheek Stains -- and the 3 Worst

See which makeup finds from Benefit, Tarte, CoverGirl and more have our readers glowing and rosy, and which are big disappointments

October 18, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 76 COMMENTS

No. 2: Tarte Cheek Stain, $30 TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: "GPA: Genius Product Alert," claims one reviewer. She continues to explain why the cheek stain is a "can't-miss" product. "Tarte takes the guesswork out of finding a truly natural, flushed-from-within blush. I own this in Flush, Tipsy and Blushing Bride, and love them all. Glides on easily over any foundation, blends in like a dream and provides a dewier look than powder blushers -- great for all ages. Classic and fresh." Another woman says it's "the perfect blush for a natural-looking flush. Gives a dewy, snow-bunny look. So easy to use. Tipsy is my fave -- perfect peach for fair skin. The mini sets are cute too, with some fun seasonal shades to try out." And if the price has got you flushed, many reviewers claim that this product "lasts forever," making it worth the investment.

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 1: Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain, $22.50

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products mentioned

Laura Mercier Lip Stain

5.9

CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain

5.4

Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

7.9

Benefit Posietint

7.9

the Balm Stainiac Tinted Gel Blush

7.8

Benefit Benetint

7.7

Liptini Lip Liqueur Lip & Cheek Stain

7.8

mark KissInk Lip Tintmarkers

7.7

Tarte Natural Cheek Stain

8.7

Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain

8.5

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Now i know not to get revlon just bitten or covergirl outlast! i actually was planning on buying the covergirl one. good thing i didnt. Does anyone know if the new sally hansen colorfast lip balm works??

by summerloveu Friday, May 10, 2013 at 05:27PM Report as inappropriate

Totally agree with the Revlon stain being the worst! Glad I'm not alone!

by kelsey_tunnell Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 08:32AM Report as inappropriate

i wanna try lip stains.

by mlyvng Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 12:09PM Report as inappropriate

Several popular products mentioned and described well; what was missing was Tarte's spectacular "LipSurgence" tint which truly hydrates as welll as colors.

by GigiSD Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 08:59PM Report as inappropriate

I was wondering what cheek stain/ lip stain was good, thanks for the article

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 01:04AM Report as inappropriate

looking for a good lip stain

by LittleBunny Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 06:04PM Report as inappropriate

i actually really love the revlon just bitten stains and the covergirl outlast. i think that for those theres a system for making them look lovely. you have polish your lips (i love doing a diy lip scrub just sugar and extra virgin olive oil) and then balm your lips allow that to sink in and then apply the product for even lovely coverage

by rayshaviolet Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:36AM Report as inappropriate

Oh, and I'm scratching my head over the Laura Mercier review. True, it's not really a stain, but it's lovely, and it doesn't cause me any pain. Not sure what those comments were about.

by llatier Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 03:57PM Report as inappropriate

After using Benetint for about a month, I had chronic dry lips. It took forever for the dryness to go away. I won't use it again. I use Body Shop's stain. I have one in my desk at work, my purse, gym bag and in my bathroom. Can't live without it. Sad it wasn't rated here, but I'm excited to try some of the others. I love stains over lipstick.

by llatier Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 03:51PM Report as inappropriate

Nice info

by EricaF123 Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 07:25AM Report as inappropriate

I am loving the Tarte natural lip stain in L*st Just enough color so I can wear red everyday without looking over done.

by BlackFleur145 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 09:34AM Report as inappropriate

Very informative! Thank you!!! I was going to buy the Revlon just Bitten, but definitely wont be purchasing now!!

by morgan_ledford Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 10:40AM Report as inappropriate

hate the revlon one

by aishak55 Friday, December 21, 2012 at 06:41PM Report as inappropriate

The Revlon Just Bitten collection does stink, ended up throwing mine away.

by Lamexicana1 Friday, November 30, 2012 at 05:32PM Report as inappropriate

Instead of the Revlon Just Bitten lipstains, I bought the new ones that they came out with and I loved them! I totally forgot what they're called though :/ I think it has the word kissable in it?

by laaauren Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 08:03PM Report as inappropriate

The Covergirl lip stains do not last long. Totally agree

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at 12:45PM Report as inappropriate

The Josie Maran one's are great!!!

by Chris213 Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 07:41PM Report as inappropriate

Tarte Cheek stains are awesome. They don't tastes great on the lips though.

by Taylerbootz Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 01:59PM Report as inappropriate

This was fun to read--though I tried Benetint and didn't love it. I needed several layers to get any color to show up and it didn't last well at all.

by tallredamanda Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 03:48PM Report as inappropriate

I've tried the Benetint, Vincent Longo and TheBalm stains. None of them worked well for me , using them on my lips. The best of the ones I've tried is TheBalm's. The liquid and gel stains just don't stick and get patchy super quick, even when applying after a thorough exfoliation.

by HeathRene Friday, August 24, 2012 at 03:38PM Report as inappropriate

I wish I read this before I bought Covergirl's lip stain. It would have save me some money. I'll definitely try one of the top 8 for sure.

by MHolland6 Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

I'm glad that they put in some of the worst too. Helps me know what not to get. :)

by Taylerbootz Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 01:37PM Report as inappropriate

I'm really pleased with tints. My favorite product along with mascara!

by selma Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

I love Benetint.

by Chicharringuis Friday, June 22, 2012 at 01:55PM Report as inappropriate

I was surprised that a lot of the best stains still had review numbers in the 7's. Still, I'm eager to try the stain from Mark.

by VV001 Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 09:45PM Report as inappropriate

Helpful hint, ALWAYS try the lip colors on your lips, not your hands. For some reason (and maybe it's just me), the difference in how the color looks from hand to lips is sometimes extreme. With regard to cheek stain, I have had the best luck with Clinique's product and it has been around for a longgggg time. Long before anyone else even offered such products.

by Cheryl5752 Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 12:25PM Report as inappropriate

The cover girl product is horrible. I threw all mine away. What a wate of money. I had high hopes for the Revlon product but it was awful as well.

by jola64 Friday, April 20, 2012 at 01:10PM Report as inappropriate

Have tried many of the stains for the cheeks and lips and have not found one to my liking because it does not have that creamy dewy look which is so fresh looking especially for the lips but then to each his own. I like a creamy look so that's why we have choices.

by BlondeBabe Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 10:34AM Report as inappropriate

I love posietint!

by starla1971 Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 12:25AM Report as inappropriate

good to know love benifit!

by AngelRayn73 Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 07:24PM Report as inappropriate

I like Benefit's posie tint. It is a soft pretty pink.

by beautybody Friday, March 23, 2012 at 09:35PM Report as inappropriate

$24 for a lipstain.. blot your lipstick and there you go

by eatinglipstick Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 01:31PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not a huge fan of the Benefit stains.

by volta Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 11:17PM Report as inappropriate

Looks like I have a few products to try. Thanks for putting all the info together for me!

by RobynLe Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 06:42PM Report as inappropriate

Benetint, hands down. Great multi use product

by queeniemeanie Friday, February 10, 2012 at 02:04PM Report as inappropriate

I find Pixi's lipstain to be the absolute best. The colour is intense and long lasting and lips feel hydrated. I've tried so many before and nothing compares. Revlon's and maxfactor's are just disgraceful, biting my lips every 5 seconds provided better colour and staying power!

by U.Beauty Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 05:13AM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by cielona_boco Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 09:09PM Report as inappropriate

The Covergirl Outlast Lipstains are the worst!

by Secretblush13 Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 04:24PM Report as inappropriate

Benefits make good lip tints! I love their Cha Cha Tint the most!

by celinedejesus Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 01:27PM Report as inappropriate

I love stains! My favs are benefits.

by DesertGirl84 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 09:55PM Report as inappropriate

oohhh thanks for the tipss

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 02:25PM Report as inappropriate

I used the covergirl outlast and it worked for me.

by AliyaNatasha50 Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 10:32AM Report as inappropriate

i feel like I'm using a sharpie, not makeup when I use stains :D I guess stains are good in some situations, but definitely aren't for everyday use.

by venenumletalis Monday, November 7, 2011 at 02:32PM Report as inappropriate

i dont usually used this.. but for beauty purposes.. ill try to check this out!

by Mssaralee18 Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 05:31AM Report as inappropriate

I thought it was just me with the lip stains from covergirl. They don't last on and they are gone before I used them...

by Only1KimmieD Monday, October 10, 2011 at 08:14AM Report as inappropriate

I HATE COVERGIRL's STAIN. it really is the worst one I've ever tried.

by eatinglipstick Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 05:42PM Report as inappropriate

I'm still wary of using stains...

by vfalkow Friday, September 9, 2011 at 05:34PM Report as inappropriate

I'm so into stains but haven't tries out any yet,I'm hoping this month I'll purchase one because I have a feeling that stain is the best thing for me

by selma Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 12:43PM Report as inappropriate

I'm too scared to even try anything like a stain, glad I didn't waste my money on some of these!

by Bon_Bon Monday, August 15, 2011 at 02:24AM Report as inappropriate

I love NYC 16 hour lip stain! It lasts so long. I was disappointed that I didn't see it here

by Rosyglow23 Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

Benetint is good, BUT I have to prep well, or it looks horrid!

by MissPurple Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 03:18PM Report as inappropriate

I love benetint. The covergirl lipstains really are awful.

by aguifra14 Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 12:32PM Report as inappropriate

I cannot stand Benetint.

by volta Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 10:58AM Report as inappropriate

well writen.

by aly7 Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 10:11AM Report as inappropriate

thinking about trying a lip stain

by riley_beach Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 08:11PM Report as inappropriate

Good article, I love stains.

by MissPurple Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 03:47PM Report as inappropriate

My favorite is Color Sensational by Maybelline in Cranberry Crush. It works great at giving a nice stain, it smells great, and the taste isnt too overwhelming. I think for a drugstore lipstain its not too shabby.

by gaej19 Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 08:21AM Report as inappropriate

im contented with my dior lip gloss. not a big fan on lipsticks

by elsie_fun Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 10:21PM Report as inappropriate

Its nice to have my weariness about the drugstore lipstains confirmed. Might as well use markers from the toy dept.

by krycekov Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 07:39PM Report as inappropriate

I'm not a fan of stains and after reading this I'm still scared. Think I'll stick with the regular stuff.

by BellezzaBeauty Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

Thank God I bought a Revlon Lip stain recently and haven't yet used it. Going to return it now.

by ebbsandtides Friday, May 27, 2011 at 06:57AM Report as inappropriate

i like this cheek stain it last all day stays in place.

by sandyc Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 04:07PM Report as inappropriate

I love Tarte and posie tint benetint isis not quite as good as the posie version for my fair skin

by elena62 Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 05:25PM Report as inappropriate

I should try a lip stain.. sounds nice

by modinosaur Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 06:59PM Report as inappropriate

I almost bought the Revlon, but decided to put it back. I am so glad I did! Also, the Tarte stain is lovely.

by sarahsuperstar Friday, May 13, 2011 at 08:14PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer Posietint to Benetint. Tarte is nice but a little sticky.

by LipglossandSpandex Monday, April 18, 2011 at 09:26PM Report as inappropriate

I've never been a fan of lipstains. I don't think I look good with them.

by SubCulture Friday, March 11, 2011 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

looks like most drugstore lipstains SUCK

by doesntmatter Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 12:33PM Report as inappropriate

Good article. I personally love Urban Decay's Lip Stain, in Jealous, and have loved it a long time. It is a great nude color and works really good on it's own, or under other lipsticks or glosses.

by Agrimony Friday, February 25, 2011 at 03:12PM Report as inappropriate

never tried any of these before.

by Bon_Bon Monday, February 21, 2011 at 03:58PM Report as inappropriate

I personally dont care for lip or cheek stains but I have tried the mark Kissink and it really does last ALL DAY!

by makeupbyjanalyn Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 03:20AM Report as inappropriate

Woo-hoo mark's kissink made top 3 of the best! I love being a mark rep!

by kayla_d_moore Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 01:19PM Report as inappropriate

The lip & cheek stain I really love is called "You Glow Girl." I buy it on eBay for only $9.95 a bottle, and you get twice as much as you do of the Benetint. It comes in red & coral, looks really natural, and stays on all day! I've been using it for a couple of years now and wouldn't use anything else!

by vicki_dumond Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 01:17AM Report as inappropriate

i've always wanted to try tarte cheek stain and/or benetint! if only someone would give it to me for christmas...

by kenya Sunday, December 26, 2010 at 10:59PM Report as inappropriate

Lip stains are always tricky, even from the aspect of a makeup artist. But for the easiest application and best wear on this list, Tarte is the winner by far and away. Tipsy is gorgeous and their Leg Stain is very sexy! Not on this list are the fab BECCA Beach Tints. In a beautiful range of colors named after fruits, and scented to match, you will have a hard time choosing which to buy! I personally can't get enough of Grapefruit (sheer peachy-pink) and the newest shade for fall, Fig (pale dusty pink). BECCA Cosmetics won an Allure award for this product, so it's worth checking out! (full disclosure - I am on their national artistry team.)

by makeupbyrachael Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 03:24PM Report as inappropriate

With the Just bitten from revlon...that was before they changed it. At first it was a rollerball lip stain, which obviously didnt work well. Revlon has since changed it to a felt tip lip stain, which seems to work better than the reviews seen on there now.

by MnMgal24 Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 06:11AM Report as inappropriate

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