Why it's great: Readers look to this "delicately pigmented" lip balm when they want a "natural makeup look." "I feel it helps protect my lips, and it doesn't bleed or feather [and] it isn't sticky or greasy," says one reviewer. Another reader adds, "This is one of the best lip moisturizers I have ever tried! I get dry, cracked lips that peel and this product helped so much."
Why it's great: Not sure if a stain is worth the splurge? Don't let the higher price of this product turn you away. One reader explains, "This stuff will last a long time, because all you need is a little to get that perfect ... flush!" "These stains are beautiful, easy to apply and great for an added boost under a powder blush or on their own for a natural look," says one devotee. Another fan writes, "I would recommend this to everyone as a 'must-have' in your makeup collection."
Why it's great: "This is the lip stain to grab," raves one reader. Reviewers say this tint's nifty applicator sets it apart from other products in the same category. "It's like a felt-tip marker, and it goes on easily and without hassle." "There's no mess," echoes another user. "The finish is silky-smooth, and it doesn't come off when you apply balm or gloss over it."
Why it's great: "It is the most versatile tool for highlighting," says one reader of this product, which multitasks as blush, highlighter, lip color and eye shadow. "It gives you sheer yet buildable color that is long-lasting," says another fan." "[It's] great for days when you're pinched for time but want a flush of sheer color to liven up your face," another fan writes.
Most stains are total day-ruiners. Marinara sauce on your white jeans, wine on your new dress ... and then you become that awkward "stain girl" at the party who is frantically asking everyone if they have a Tide To Go pen in their purse. Nobody ever does.
But in the beauty world, stains are actually a good thing. A great cheek stain can brighten up even the most sallow complexion. And cheek and lip stains are the perfect way to achieve that effortless, "I'm not really wearing any makeup (but I am actually wearing makeup)" look.
And sure, it would be nice if we were all walking around with gorgeous, just-bitten lips and flushed cheeks on a daily basis, but that's just not the real world. We can only eat so many strawberry popsicles before those pretty stained lips inevitably fade. We need a little help to get that gorgeous flush.
So we've rounded up the best reader-approved cheek and lip stains so you don't have to waste your money on the stuff that just doesn't work. These stains have the best staying power, look the most natural, and help give you that perfect rosy glow every single time.
Click ahead to see the 8 top-rated picks out there.
