Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain

Years ago, I was in love with a product known as Benefit Benetint. It came in a little glass bottle, had a brush tipped wand, was very liquidy and if you weren't careful and splashed the liquid around while applying, could end up with splotches of pink around your bathroom sink. I used Benetint religiously for many years because I loved how it left a natural glow on my cheeks...but then, possibly out of boredom, I replaced it in favor of powder blushes.

Fast forward to this weekend when I was browsing around in Sephora and a product for spring caught my eye - Stila Pomegranate Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. The stain is the sister to Stila's Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain which came out in spring/summer 2008.



The Pomegranate Stain is as amazing as Benetint without the downsides. Rather than a glass bottle, it comes in a little pen, making it infinitely easier to travel with. To let product out, one turns the dial at the end of the pen and to apply, just press the brush tip to the cheeks and lips.

The best part is the texture of the product - its a gel rather than a liquid so its easier to control and doesn't make a mess in the bathroom. Plus, whereas Benetint would sometimes streak if you didn't rub it into cheeks quickly, the gel texture is much more forgiving. The stain also has a nice pomegranate-y scent.

While this product is touted as a "spring" release, I'm ecstatic its out already because it adds a subtle glow to pallid, winter worn skin.