Best and Worst Lip & Cheek Stains

11 Best and Worst Lip & Cheek Stains

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

There's something so appealing and youthful about flushed cheeks and rosy lips. Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with a perpetual glow and just-bitten-looking lips. The good news is makeup companies have done their 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 reader's makeup bags, others have wound up in their trash bins.

Now, before you go trashing your product, make sure you're using it correctly. We're not gonna lie, these stains can be tricky to use, 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. So test it out before you buy it or buy it at a drugstore that will accept returns after use.

Step 2: Prep your skin
Wash your face with an exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin, which will 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 a powder girl, apply it after your cheek color.

Step 3: Apply stain
Use your fingertips or a makeup sponge 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 circus-ready, rub a small amount of foundation onto your cheeks to dilute the color. And if you need more color payoff, apply more until you get the hue you desire.

And now check out the list of best and worst lip and cheek stains.
By Molly Roemer