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10 Lip and Cheek Stains That You Won't Have to Reapply

All hail the naturally flushed look.

By Lori Keong

Aug 8, 2017

Imaxtree

The beauty of a multi-tasking lip and cheek stain is that when it's good, people won't notice it's makeup. The color boost fades into a natural, summer-y flush that says you've been outside in the heat (but doesn't require actual sweating and discomfort). And the best part? Even if you do try these long-lasting stains on a humid, sweaty day, this is one beauty look that only gets better when it's melty.

Dry, Chapped Lips, Be Gone

Sure, it's a bit of a splurge for a lip and cheek treatment, but when it's got some plumping action for a bee-stung effect and hydrating hyaluronic acid for added staying power, it's well worth the investment.

Tata Harper Volumizing Cheek and Lip Tint, $36

BUY IT: sephora.com.

Travel Friendly Pens

Simply twist up this gel crayon to apply a hint of color on the go—it's ideal for traveling and date-night touchups. Plus, it's crafted with softening hints of jojoba oil and shea butter so you're guaranteed to avoid any flaky lip situations.

Wander Beauty Carryon Lip and Cheek Gel, $22

BUY IT: sephora.com.

The Versatile All-Natural

This cult-favorite mineral lip stain from natural beauty brand RMS comes in a range of shades—from a soft pink to a deep burgundy hue—to suit many skin tones.

RMS Cheek to Lip Stain, $36

BUY IT: sephora.com.

<p>For easily blendable color that doesn't dry too quickly or leave skin feeling cakey, look to this cheek stain made with fruit extracts that has a tiny hint of shimmer. </p><p><strong>Tarte Cheek Stain, $30; <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod6340099" target="_blank">ulta.com</a>.</strong></p>

Wear on Nights Out

For easily blendable color that doesn't dry too quickly or leave skin feeling cakey, look to this cheek stain made with fruit extracts and a tiny hint of shimmer.

Tarte Cheek Stain, $30

BUY IT: ulta.com.

<p>Don't knock it for the price point—this drugstore buy does the work of a balm and a long lasting stain with a cooling sensation to boot. Pro tip for the best use: apply lip liner before applying to lips to keep your color in place. </p><p><strong>Wet 'n Wild Mega Slicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color, $3; <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/wet-n-wild-megaslicks-balm-stain-moisturizing-lip-color/ID=prod6206082-product" target="_blank">walgreens.com</a>.</strong></p>

Affordable Excellence

Don't knock it for the price point—this drugstore buy does the work of a balm and a long lasting stain with a cooling sensation to boot. Pro tip for the best use: apply lip liner first to keep your color in place.

Wet 'n Wild Mega Slicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color, $3

BUY IT: walgreens.com.

<p>What looks like a nail polish bottle contains one of the most celebrated lip stains out there. A little goes a long way: apply color to lips and cheeks using the little brush and blend to achieve a subtle flush that highlights your natural color.</p><p><strong>Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, $30</strong><strong>; <a href="http://www.sephora.com/benetint-cheek-lip-stain-P1272?om_mmc=aff-linkshare-redirect-QFGLnEolOWg&c3ch=Linkshare&c3nid=QFGLnEolOWg&affid=QFGLnEolOWg-Duiehq57lHRAHyiM1WkOLg&ranEAID=QFGLnEolOWg&ranMID=2417&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-Duiehq57lHRAHyiM1WkOLg&ranLinkID=15-1&browserdefault=true">sephora.com</a>. </strong><strong></strong></p>

Ye Olde Classic

What looks like a nail polish bottle contains one of the most celebrated lip stains out there. And a little goes a long way: apply color to lips and cheeks using the little brush and blend to achieve a subtle flush that highlights your natural color.

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, $30

BUY IT: sephora.com.

<p>Even the best lip stains can have a drying quality, but the It Cosmetics formula comes specifically formulated with moisturizing and anti-aging properties that won't settle in wrinkles or look patchy on dry skin. </p><p><strong>It Cosmetics Vitality Flush Stain Stick Lip & Cheek Reviver, $24; <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5770269">ulta.com</a>.</strong> </p>

Best for Mature or Dry Skin

Even the best lip stains can go on dry, but the It Cosmetics formula is specifically formulated to hydrate skin without creating dry patches. It's also super natural on skin, warming up to a subtle rosy glow when you apply it (even if it looks pale in the tube).

It Cosmetics Vitality Flush Stain Stick Lip & Cheek Reviver, $24

BUY IT: ulta.com.

<p>The creamy compact makes it easy to dip in a finger and control the coverage by hand, which makes it a winner for quick touch-ups and even blush application.</p><p><strong>Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, $22; <a href="https://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/product/2342/20488/Makeup/Lips/Lip-Color/Pot-Rouge-for-Lips-Cheeks/SS12">bobbibrownosmetics.com</a>. </strong><strong></strong></p>

An Expert Product Even Beauty Novices Can Use

The creamy compact makes it easy to dip in a finger and control the coverage by hand, which makes it a winner for quick touch-ups and even blush application.

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, $22

BUY IT: bobbibrownosmetics.com.

<p>The Saint Laurent formula falls somewhere between a gloss and a stain, but applies like a creamy lipstick. People swear by it's longlasting wear, which makes it ideal for special occasions when you want an added touch of glamour without the regular touch-ups.</p><p><strong>Yves Saint Laurent Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain, $36; <a href="http://www.sephora.com/rouge-pur-couturevernis-a-levres-glossy-stain-P304003?skuId=1466903&om_mmc=ppc-GG&mkwid=sx7AD6hQX&pcrid=50233217079&pdv=c&site=_search&country_switch=&lang=en&gclid=CjwKEAjw6_q5BRCOp-Hj-IfHwncSJABMtDaiMfsypRPrjI76xphbMdDjy_sAVQCN1zBF2CSR6IrNMRoCbL_w_wcB">sephora.com</a></strong><strong>. </strong></p>

The Best Hybrid Gloss/Stick/Stain

The Saint Laurent formula falls somewhere between a gloss and a stain, but applies like a creamy lipstick. People swear by its long lasting wear, which makes it ideal for special occasions when you want an added touch of glamour without the regular touch-ups.

Yves Saint Laurent Vernis a Levres Glossy Stain, $36

BUY IT: sephora.com.

<p>Powered by fruit and vegetable pigments, this all-natural lip and cheek stain is the next best thing to actually sampling juicy berries in an orchard and having the stained lips to prove it. </p><p><strong>100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Stain, $25; <a href="http://www.100percentpure.com/products/fruit-pigmented-lip-cheek-stain-cherry" target="_blank">100percentpure.com</a>. </strong></p>

All Natural Hues

Powered by fruit and vegetable pigments, this all-natural lip and cheek stain is the next best thing to actually sampling juicy berries in an orchard and having the stained lips to prove it.

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Stain, $25

BUY IT: 100percentpure.com.