Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain

I don't know why cheek stains are not more popular. They don't require special application skills (maybe some speed, as they set quickly), and the effect they provide can be incredibly natural and not "done". The sheer finish is very youthful and looks like the much-desired "coming in from the cold" look. Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stains are a perfect example of that.

I'll start by saying that I don't use these Vincent Longo stains on my lips. I was willing to try at first, but the initial swatching confirmed that they were too dry for me, so I've confined them to less sensitive areas. The directions for use that appear on Vincent Longo's website also confirm that they should be used on well-moisturized skin, so you know that it's not for the parched and flaky.

Starting with a couple of dabs with doe-foot applicator and blending upwards with my fingers give a sheer wash of blush. I experimented with using even less stain, then adding a smidgen more, which worked well for a natural makeup look. I also mixed a drop with a hydrating primer (Smashbox) and blended over foundation as well as on just-moisturized skin (the latter looked nice but didn't survive the entire day). My conclusion is that the traditional use as a blush is much preferred if you need some longevity. These gel stains are so light that they fade within hours otherwise.

The colors I've got are Sweet Apollonia  (a reddish plum) and My Sunshine (terracotta). I can pull off both of them, and the sheerness makes these shades very adaptable. As you can see, these are pretty colors with a natural finish: no sparkles or shine, so they let skin show through.

Bottom Line: everyone needs a sheer blush here and there.

Vincent Longo Lip & Cheek Gel Stain ($22.50 each) are available at Nordstrom . On the Vincent Longo website they're listed as $24. Don't ask me to explain. The products for this review were sent by PR.