Beautiful Stains

      Lip and cheek stains are quickly becoming a staple beauty item in makeup bags everywhere...and for good reason. This versatile, easy to use beauty product makes getting that perfect flushed cheek or natural berry stained pout super simple. Stains come in varying forms including gels, liquids, sticks and even crayons. The formulas for stains have improved a great deal since they first debuted and are much less drying than when they initially hit the market. You can also find them in a wide range of prices and colors that are sure to suit your budget and style.
     The beauty of a duo stain is that it's killing two birds with one stone so to speak - so it saves space in that overflowing purse you lug around. Plus, it's ideal for quickly achieving a totally natural glow without brushes. My current favorite is Sephora's Lush Flush in Red Wine which is an excellent dupe for Benefit's Benetint. Plus, it's half the price!!! If you don't mind spending a little more on such a multifaceted makeup addition then try Stila's Raspberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain or Benefit's Posietint, which is probably the most popular stain out there right now. And there's Josie Maran's Magic Marker Stain in Jive would transition wonderfully from winter and on into spring and summer. In drugstores you won't find very many stains that are designed for both lips AND cheeks, however, check out Revlon's Just Bitten Collection and Mayebelline's Color Sensational Lipstain's. They are two cosmetics companies that have created great lip stains that last and won't dry out your pucker. When choosing a stain keep in mind that the color you see in the container will not be the same one you'll get once you put it on, so don't be afraid to go for the bright berries and cherry reds!

How to Use Lip & Cheek Stains

1.) You'll need to start with a clean face and lips that have been moisturized. Stains will cling to dry, flaky skin on the face and lips and we don't want that!

2.) Once your moisturizer has set in apply your color. When applying a stain the key is to move quickly. Tap the stain onto cheeks and lips either directly or onto fingertips first then tap and blend in gently. Build up the color until you get the desired color pay off.

 Of course, if you already have a favorite lipstick, some tissue and some lip balm you can accomplish the post-Popsicle lip and the just-ran-a-mile flush without a trip to the cosmetics counter...and I'll tell you how. A clean face and lips with moisturizer is still a must so don't skip that step.

For Cheeks: Dab your lipstick of choice (coral, berry, you name it) onto your ring finger. Then tapping and blending, apply to the apples of the cheeks.

For Lips: Apply a light layer of lip stick to your lips, then blot firmly with a tissue. Top with a lip balm to lock in moisture and you're done.

Tip: Stains also make great bases for powder blushes and lip sticks and glosses, so don't be afraid to top with your favorite coral blush or your go-to mauve lip stick. As the day wears on your blushes and lip colors will stay better longer.