Benefit Cosmetics Posietint Blush

Some GWP items take you so far out of your comfort zone you might need a passport. Occasionally it can be a very good thing. I would have never bought Benefit's Posietint lip and cheek stain if it were up to me. I don't think I've even gave it a second look. It's a liquid tint and it's petal pink- two things I have no interest in wearing. I never liked the original Benetint, an aggressive wine-colored liquid blush/stain. I've found its application too messy and the shade very off for my cheeks. As for using it for lips, stains and tints are too dry for me. I don't even like the one by Serge Lutens, so that should tell you something.

Posietint is much lighter, of course, making the color more forging and easier to apply and blend without ending up with weird streaks on your face. Still, I was skeptical about this very cool toned pink, especially when first touching it to the skin (see first swatch). However, once smoothed and blended it looks quite fresh and nice. It melds into my foundation and looks like a natural blush. While I'm not too fond of using fingers to apply makeup, I find it really works in this case. The whole thing is quick and easy and the result is surprisingly flattering.

I never tested it on my lips and have no intention to try. I know my limits.

Posietint doesn't have the best staying power, unless you make sure to encore it in place with a good foundation (I find it holds better onto full-coverage products than to tinted moisturizers) and a dusting of a good finishing powder, but that's always recommended. I only wear a light and sheer coat- building up the color brings out the blue-based pink too much and that's not a good thing on a light olive skin. Those who have a better relationship with pink could probably amp it up a little.

Bottom Line: Cute and way better than expected.

Benefit Cosmetics Posietint Blush ($28) is available from Sephora, in store and online.

Photos by me.