Lip and cheek stains are a makeup must-have
By: Carla Snuggs

I love lip stains and cheek stains all year around! They’re a lightweight way to get a rosy, dewy, youthful look. They’re long-lasting and smudge-proof even in crappy weather, which is a bonus. Also, lip and cheek stains are especially versatile because they are real multi-taskers: they can be used on both lips and cheeks. Plus, they come in so many different shades from red, peach and pink to enhance the natural tones of your lips and cheeks. They are truly makeup essentials.

Creative Director for e.l.f. cosmetics, Achelle Dunaway, showed Posh Beauty Blog how to make the most of lip and cheek stains, including how and when to apply them. Here is Achelle’s how-to:

Lip Stain

How to apply: For best results use a Lip Exfoliator first for true color saturation. For a long lasting effect, line lips with a lip pencil and blend in as your base color. Next, apply a lip stain marker (my favorite type of lip stain) directly to lips. Build coverage as desired and allow to fully dry and saturate lips. Finish by applying a lip balm if necessary to moisturize lips as some Lip Stains can dry the lips.

Why it is great: Lip Stain Markers are fantastic because they provide beautiful precision color that lasts for hours. The pen-like tip lets you draw on color easily for a streak & smudge-free professional look.

When to use it: Anytime you want a just bitten look or a bold rich color that will last through the hours.

Works best on skin types/these occasions: Works best on all skin types and especially for cocktails or eating occasions where other lip colors would have smudged and budged a Lip Stain will last and last.

Cheek Stain

How to apply: Prep your skin by washing your face with an exfoliating cleanser. Blot dry and apply a moisturizer all over the face and neck. Then apply a foundation if necessary and blend in. I love a liquid stain as I find it easier to use, like that of the e.l.f. HD Blush. To use, press down gently on the pump to release a very small amount of color. Apply with finger or a stipple brush to the apple of the cheeks in a tapping motion and blend in. Reapply to build coverage. Set in with a powder if you want more of a matte effect. Make sure to wash hands after to avoiding staining of fingertips. If you feel like you over applied just blend a little foundation over your cheeks to neutralize the color.

Why it is great: The rich and creamy texture of a cheek stain sculpts and highlights the cheekbones for a rosy glow effect that is great for everyday use. The highly pigmented color creates a long-lasting result for all day wear.

When to use it: When you want to create a natural flush of color that will last for hours.

Works best on skin types/these occasions: Works best on all skin types (especially dry) and for all occasions.

So now that you know how to work your lip and cheek stains, here are of our favorite lip and cheek stains:

1) jane iredale Forever Pink Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain ($25.00, janeiredale.com)      

2) Stila Cherry Stain Lip and Cheek Stain ($24.00, Sephora.com)

3) IT Vitality Lip Blush Hydrating Gloss Stain ($24.00, Itcosmetics.com)

4) e.l.f. Studio Lip Stain ($3.00, eyeslipface.com)

5) Tarte Cheek Stain ($30.00, Tartecosmetics.com)

What do you love about lip and cheek stain? Leave us your thoughts about below!