Sometimes, I ignore things without even being aware that I’m ignoring them. Case in point: Lip and Cheek Stains. And were it not for an email from a reader, telling me that though she had always wanted to try a stain – because she was not a big fan of lipstick or lip gloss – she was a bit afraid of using them and she wanted to know how I felt about them and if I could recommend any.
Well, I was embarrassed to respond. Not only had I not used them, I wasn’t even aware of their existence! Was it the name – “Stain” – that kept me away from them? I mean, who wants to be ‘stained’? Not me, I thought! Leave it to my catholic upbringing: stains are bad! But off I went in search of stains and on a mission to discover what they were all about. And now I’m so glad I did. There’s absolutely nothing scary about them – so much so that I’m writing extensive reviews on several and I’m now hard-pressed to pick a favorite!). So, if you are afraid of stains, this is for you!
1. Why should you use stains?
If you prefer a more natural and fresh look, stains might just be the thing for you. These long-lasting products provide sheer color that stays put even through the most arduous activities (I wore some to my Bikram class and after 1.5 hour of sweating, my cheeks still glowed!).
2. Are they good for all kinds of skin?
Yes and no. If your skin is more on the oily side, these are a good option because they won’t clog your pores and contribute to breakout. But on the other hand, if your skin is dry, these can dry it even further, as some formulas contain alcohol. Try a little non-lustrous lip conditioner (such as Vapour Organic Beauty’s Lux Organic Lip Conditioner) before application – this seems to help.
3. Are they easy to use?
It couldn’t be easier! Most formulas come in ‘twist and apply’ packaging or with handy brushes, making application easy and fast. But fast is of importance here. Stains dry quickly, so you want to apply it to one cheek and blend before moving to the other cheek.
4. Should I blend with fingers or sponge?
I do both, depending on the day and on the stain. If it’s a light-colored stain (such as Benefit PosieTint), I don’t mind using my fingers, since the sheer pink is barely noticeable, but if it’s a more seriously colored stains (such as Lorac Sheer Luck), I use a sponge.
5. Are there any tricks for using stains?
Of course – and I’m hoping that you’ll also be able to teach me a few! I like to sometimes apply a darker stain under my foundation for a more natural look. I also like layering if I know that I’ll be out for a long time with no time to refresh.
So stick around and read about some of the products mentioned above and more – ‘cause, after all, who’s afraid of stains? J
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