Why We’re (Still) Obsessed with Benefit’s Benetint

Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint has garnered a cult following and rightfully so. Once you try the liquid cheek-and-lip stain, it’s nearly impossible to go back. The sheer, buildable shades replicate your natural flush while enhancing lips with lasting wear. Here’s how it all started.

The History

Way back in 1976, Benetint (then called Rose Tint) was the first product Benefit founders Jane and Jean Ford made. Legend has it that an exotic dancer named Rosie was the Fords’ first customer, and she wanted something to make her nipples more red and conspicuous for performances. This is what they came up with, and a cult product and much sought-after brand was born.

Steamed rose petals apparently were part of the scarlet-colored concoction, which was soon discovered to give cheeks and lips a long-lasting pop of color, too. The stuff really caught on when Kevyn Aucoin stocked up on it and carried it in his kit, circa 1986. Benetint still stands as a best-seller and favorite of celebs, makeup artists, and the Beautylish community.

The Variations

The formula was too good to end at just one color. Benefit has since expanded the line of tints to include five in total today. The shades that followed are just as flattering, so picking just one can be near impossible. Here’s a breakdown to help you select a shade for any mood.

Benetint: Fresh, natural

The OG, one and only “rose” hue is essentially a sheer red. The ideal balance of sheerness and color will give you the ultimate post-popsicle flush, perfect for an effortless, natural look.

Cha Cha Tint: Fiery, energized

When you’re feeling fiery, opt for this mango-hued shade. But don’t let the neon brightness in the bottle scare you—it’s more toned down once applied, while still giving you a nice pop.

Posietint: Fun, flirty

Feeling flirty? Here’s a shade to match. This perfect pink will give you a nice, healthy-looking pink glow. Plus, you can layer this buildable shade for your desired intensity.

Gogotint: Sleek, sophisticated

This cherry hue is your go-to for a sleek, sophisticated look. Instantly get a burst of vibrant color.

Lovetint: Daring, fearless

This bold red is the newest addition to the Benetint family. There’s nothing more daring and fearless than this striking, passionate red.

The Look

If you want to try any of the five in their most natural state, Benefit’s suggested application works well: For fuller-looking lips, start by outlining lips and filling them in and layer for your desired intensity. For ombre lips, dab on the inner part of your lips and blend outward with fingertips. If your lips feel dry, try layering balm underneath for hydration.

As blush, brush a few strokes on the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingertip (work fast, because it sets up quickly). For a little more color, repeat! That’s it. It even looks natural and has staying power on oily skin.

With brand new packaging, the cheek & lip stain bottles are slimmer, making them easier to stash in your bag, and, now at $18, they’re more affordable than ever before! Plus, it has a new doe foot applicator that glides on lips and follows the natural curve of the cheek. It’s like Benefit read our minds and gave us everything we didn’t even know we needed.