Why it's great: "I cannot live without this in my bag!" says one reviewer of her dual-action Vincent Longo stain. Other users are in love with the product's top-notch application. "It lasts and lasts, and you can reapply if needed. Works perfectly on cheeks, too," says one reader. "If I could have only one product forever, this [would be] the one!"
Why it's great: According to reviewers, this cheek stain is a "can't-miss" product. It "glides on easily over any foundation, blends in like a dream and provides a dewier look than powder blushers," one user raves. If the price makes you flush, consider this product an investment: Many reviewers say it "lasts forever."
Why it's great: This moisturizing lip balm is "completely wearable and flattering for women of all complexions," one reader insists. Another says, "It provides a nice pop of color and soothes my superchapped lips almost instantly." Most reviewers agree that the product "melts into lips" and is "superhydrating." All in all: "Fabulous."
Why it's great: "This is the lip stain to grab," says one satisfied reader of her Pixi product. Other users concur. Most say the stain goes on "silky smooth," and once applied there's "no bleeding or fading." The pen applicator makes application "easy" and "precise." Another user says, "It's a nice splurge for your beauty stash." Bottom line? This product is a "lip stain winner."
Why it's great: "What a wonderfully unique product," says one reader, reflecting the general view of this perfectly rated product. "These stains remain glossy on your lips, last all day and feel completely weightless." Readers gush that the stain's formula is "very pigmented, yet very glossy," and keeps lips moisturized all day long. "[This stain] makes my lips look pouty, plump, alluring and kissably wet," raves another reader. Overall, users agree: This beautiful stain is like "your lips, but better."
There's a certain je ne sais quoi to the natural glow of flushed cheeks and rosy lips. Of course, not all of us are blessed with a perpetual glow and just-bitten pout. But the good news is that the makeup industry has done its best to give us what nature should have through the ingenious invention of lip and cheek stains. That said, while some of these products have forever earned a place in our readers' makeup bags, others have wound up in the trash.
Now, before you go tossing your product, you want to make sure you're using it correctly. We won't lie, these stains can be tricky -- especially when it comes to cheeks. So here are some tips for getting the best results:
Step 1: Choose the right stain
Pick a shade that complements your skin tone. Keep in mind that cheek stains look darker in the bottle than on your skin. Test before you buy, or purchase at a drugstore that will accept returns after use.
Step 2: Prep your skin
Wash your face with an exfoliating cleanser. This will slough off dead skin and help even out your skin tone. Then, apply a light moisturizer all over your face and neck. If you use liquid foundation, blend it into your skin before cheek stain application. If you're more of a powder girl, apply after your cheek color.
Step 3: Apply stain
Use your fingertips or a beauty blender and smile as you blend the color onto the apples of your cheeks. If you're using a liquid stain, make sure to blend quickly (and wash hands right after unless you're using a sponge). If you end up looking clownish, rub a dab of foundation onto your cheeks to dilute the color. If you need more color payoff, layer on the product until you reach your desired hue.
