Key Takeaways

• Cheek stains, also known as blush tints, are a popular form of blush for their high pigment payoff and staying power.

• Apply them directly to the skin for a more intense finish or by using a blush for a buffed-out look. When picking a product, think about what kind of application will fit into your routine the easiest, whether it be a liquid, balm, or gel.

I saw a post on Reddit back in 2017 questioning if blush would ever have its moment to shine. Well, it's safe to say blush has had more than a moment—it’s having an entire renaissance. Right now, blush is no longer considered an optional step in your makeup routine; for many of us beauty fans, it is the routine, cementing its role as the main player and star of our entire makeup application.

With blush trending, a product that has seen a major resurgence is cheek stains. Popular in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, blush tints are known for having sheer, buildable coverage and a natural-looking finish. Quietly disappearing only to return with a vengeance in the last couple of years, cheek stains are loved for creating perfectly flushed cheeks without looking unnatural. Below, we explore the trend, how to use the product, and what to consider when searching for your perfect match.

What Are Cheek Stains?

Blush tints—also known as cheek stains—are usually water-based products that are most often used on the cheeks. Typically formulated to have a liquid, cream, or gel consistency, blush tints can also be multipurpose and safe to use on the lips or eyes. 

With certain beauty looks, like French girl-inspired makeup, informing trending products and tints from Sacheu Beauty, Milk Makeup, and Benefit going viral, blush stains as a product category have seen a meteoric rise in popularity. 

Since these tints are designed to apply a thin, watercolor-esque layer of color with each application, the intent behind their formulation is to “stain” the skin, making it a thin, long-wearing application that is less likely to transfer. That makes blush tints ideal for anyone who loves a soft but pigmented cheek without overwhelming their look or creating flushed skin that’s distracting.

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How To Get The Look

To nail your application, start with freshly moisturized skin or with a layer of your favorite complexion product. Whether barefaced or wearing your go-to foundation, applying your cheek stain to sufficiently hydrated skin will make blending in your blush much easier.

The tools you use to blend the product play a major role in the success of your application. With some cheek stains, applying the blush directly to your skin and using the pads of your fingers to blend it in can create the look you’re satisfied with. In other instances, you might find that you have more control over your blush application by applying the product to the back of your hand and working the product into your cheeks by blending it in with a brush. If getting the stain on your fingers isn’t your vibe, try dabbing the tint onto your skin and using a dense brush to blend the product out.

Often wet and thin in terms of consistency and texture, blush stains don’t have the same playtime as your traditional liquid, cream, or powder blushes, so working quickly is essential. When blending a cheek stain into your skin, make sure to pat the blush and avoid using sweeping or buffing motions to mitigate a patchy or streaky application. 

While these tips set you up for success on your cheeks, part of the allure of blush stains is their multipurpose nature. Whether you dab the tint over your lips, lids, or cheekbones, the same general application rules apply—prep with moisture and act fast when blending out the color.

Picking a Product

When choosing the right cheek stain for you, think about your current beauty routine and lifestyle. Which type of product could be easily integrated into your routine? Also, think about how much time you usually spend on your makeup and if you want that to change.

Next, consider the shade and formula. If you want a watery formula with sheer, buildable coverage, the Benefit Cosmetics Benetint is a popular long-wearing option. For bright, saturated cheeks, the Cooling Water Jelly Tint from Milk Makeup provides a pop of color. If a stain with more playtime sounds like your speed, the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Liquid Blush creates naturally flushed cheeks with a dewy finish. And lastly, for an easy, fool-proof application, the YSL Beauty Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint hydrates skin while creating a 'just-stepped-outside' flush to the cheeks.

Product Picks

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain

Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Blush

YSL Beauty Nu Lip & Cheek Balmy Tint

The Final Takeaway

While blush trends continue to dominate so much of the beauty conversation, stains are perfect for creating cheeks that look natural yet evenly saturated. To increase your chances of an error-proof application, understand the type of product that will work best for you. Get comfortable experimenting with a few different application styles, too—you may be surprised to discover a new method you enjoy the most.