Benefit Lip Tint: Benetint vs Plushtint Compared

Benefit did not begin as a lip brand. Twins Jean and Jane Ford moved to San Francisco in 1976 and opened a tiny makeup shop called the Face Place, and the first thing they sold was a rose-colored stain custom-made for one customer. That stain became Benetint, and the shop later became Benefit Cosmetics. I like knowing that, because it explains why a benefit lip tint still feels like a small-shop idea: a small bottle, a doe-foot applicator and a wash of color.

The Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain is described as waterproof, smudge-proof and transfer-resistant once it sets, with a non-drying formula. One layer gives a sheer, natural tint and more layers build it up. The original Benetint is rose-tinted, Raspberry leans berry, and Dark Cherry is a dark-cherry tint. Playtint is a pink lemonade shade, and ChaChatint is mango, which is the one I would pick if you want something warmer.

The Benetint Pocket Pal is the same stain on one end and a clear gloss on the other, with squalane and glycerin in the formula. It comes in Original Rose, Dark Cherry and Raspberry. Glide the color on first, then add the gloss for glazy lips. Benefit says to open it vertically with the Benetint side down, so keep it upright in your bag.

A quick test: dot a bit of any Benetint on the back of your hand, let it set for a minute, then rub it with a damp finger. If it holds, it will hold on your lips too.

What Benetint does on lips. Benefit calls it a long-wearing, waterproof stain with a non-drying formula. Once it sets it is smudge-proof and transfer-resistant, so it stays through a coffee and a mask. The doe-foot applicator gives control, and one layer is a hint of tint while more layers build a juicy pop of color. It will not give a lip balm's slip, so wear a balm underneath if your lips are dry.

 

How Benetint and Plushtint differ. Benetint is a sheer, buildable liquid tint that dries down like a stain. Plushtint is a moisturizing matte lip tint in shades such as 26 Quilty Pleasure, 06 Pillow Play, 12 Purrr and 16 Fuzzy Slippers. Choose Benetint for a natural flush that fades gently, and Plushtint when you want a velvety edge with more definition.

 

The Benetint shade line. The Benetint range runs from the original rose through Raspberry and Dark Cherry, then Playtint (pink lemonade), ChaChatint (mango), Gogotint (bright cherry), Lovetint (fiery red) and Floratint (desert rose). The rose, cherry and berry shades are the easiest to wear on both lips and cheeks. Test one on your lips first, since a stain settles differently on every pair.

 

Splashtint and Plushtint shades. Splashtint, the dewy tint, includes 03 Fresh Squeezed (grapefruit pink), 05 Honeymooner Glow Tint (warm rose), 17 Heat Wave (pomegranate red), 21 Summer Fling (mauve rose) and 23 Coco Cabana (rosy mocha). Plushtint, the matte one, goes from 02 Cream Puff (almond pink) to 10 French Toast (mauve brown).

Benefit has two newer tints, and they finish in opposite ways. Splashtint is the dewy one, a moisturizing lip tint with a juicy finish and a spoon-shaped applicator that helps you outline the lips. Benefit says it gives 8 hours of moisture. The shades read like a fruit stand. 07 Tutti Frutti Glow Tint is a fuchsia pink, 03 Fresh Squeezed is grapefruit pink, 17 Heat Wave is a pomegranate red, and 21 Summer Fling is a mauve rose that I would wear to the office.

Plushtint is the matte one. It is a moisturizing matte lip tint with a soft-blur, velvety finish, and Benefit says it is smudge-proof and will not feather or bleed. 06 Pillow Play is a pink blossom, 02 Cream Puff is an almond pink, 26 Quilty Pleasure is a rosewood, and 10 French Toast is a mauve brown for anyone who likes a quieter lip.

Here is a pairing I like. Draw the outline with Plushtint in 26 Quilty Pleasure, then press a little Splashtint in 21 Summer Fling into the center. You get a soft matte edge and a bit of shine right where lips are fullest. Both are layered to build intensity, so go slowly.

What I would skip: dragging a matte Plushtint over lips that are peeling. Smooth them first, or reach for the dewy Splashtint instead.

Plenty of other brands make a tint that works on cheeks and lips, and the textures vary a lot. The Cheek & Lip Long-Lasting Gel Tint in 01 Pink Splash is a bright cool pink with a large teardrop applicator, and it builds from a light veil to a bold tint. Kaja Jelly Charm in 05 Peach Fizz is a nudy pink stain and blush that comes with a keychain, so it lives on your bag. fel beauty Kissylips in Smoochy is a beige nude tinted balm with a high-shine finish, and LIXR Lixstick in Damson is a peachy pink creamy stick.

For something jelly-like, Makeup by Mario Jelly Jar in Pink Chai is a warm pink beige balm for lips and cheeks. Clinique Pop Cheek + Lip Oil in Black Honey is a tinted oil, and Clinique suggests layering it over the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow in Rosy Glow is a warm rosy pink stick with hyaluronic acid. Victoria Beckham Beauty Bitten Lip Tint in Poupette is the one I know least, so I will only tell you it is a lip tint in that shade.

To wear one on both, dot it on your cheeks first, blend with your fingertips, then use what is left on the applicator for your lips. The colors match without any planning.

What I would skip: a stain-style gel on very dry lips without a balm underneath. Let the balm settle for a minute first.

Start with the finish. For a soft wash of color that fades gently, Benetint or a Pocket Pal is the easiest place to begin. For shine, Splashtint. For a velvety edge that stays put, Plushtint. If you want one product for your whole face, the tints from other brands in the last grid are made for cheeks and lips together.

Then pick the shade by its note, not its name. Grapefruit pink, mango and almond pink are the softer picks, and the rosewood and mauve brown shades are the ones I reach for when I want a deeper lip in fall. Wear one layer to begin, look in daylight, and add more only if you want it. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Benefit Blush, From the Original Benetint to Juice Stick and Dior Lip Balm.