Sunday, March 23, 2014

stain-off: benefit vs the balm


Not all stains are created equally. Yes, the reality is that some are better than others. In general, I love the idea of cheek and lip stains. Why? It's always nice to have makeup that has a little staying power! When you've got a long day ahead of you, the last thing you want to is worry about touching up your face.

Over the last little while, I've tried out a couple of new cheek and lip stains. One is bene-tint by Benefit and the other is stainiac by The Balm. I already own a ton of products from Benefit and they have quickly become one of my favourite makeup brands. On the other hand, I've heard amazing things about The Balm - but their products aren't easily found in my country. So, this was my first time trying anything from them.

Since these two products are pretty similar, I thought it was time to do a stain-off. Which product will be victorious? Let's find out!


As you can see, both of these products have similar claims. It's all about subtle colour that lasts all day and all night. However, The Balm also claims to dry slower, giving you time to work with the product before it sets - super handy! While both stains are similar in terms of texture and staying power, there are a few key differences: the colour and the application. In terms of colour, The Balm is more of a ruby shade while Benefit offers a soft, feminine pink. As for the application, it's a sponge tip for The Balm and a brush for Benefit.

Here is a swatch to compare the two shades side by side:


And the winner is.........The Balm's stainiac! As much as I adore Benefit (and the brush applicator), this lip and cheek stain just came out on top. The colour was a little bolder, richer, easier to work with, and had just as much staying power. Plus, it a lot more affordable. Now, let's see this bad boy in action. Here is my most recent makeup look using stainiac:



Have you tried either of these stains? Which do you prefer?

xo Shannon

28 comments:

  1. i havent try them but i would try the balm it has more color!

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  2. I haven't tried them, I heard about the one from benefit :) At the moment I have one from wow cosmetics that is really a bright pink and last long time, a minus is that is dries your lips

    http://o-fata-simpla.blogspot.ro/

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  3. love!
    x
    daniella
    simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com

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  4. I would try the Benefit, it's more subtle and matte.

    Check out my blog:
    http://bellapummarola.blogspot.it/

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  5. I would like to try the balm benefit!!!!!
    Have a lovely week doll!

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  6. no I have never tried <3 lovely eyes Dear <3

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  7. I love the balm from benefit!! it is amazing!!!

    I would like you to visit my blog and if you want follow each other !! :)
    Visit me: http://top4addictions.com/
    Bloglovin : https://www.bloglovin.com/top4addictions
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    Love
    Milee

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  8. Its so interesting to see the comparison! :) love it!

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  9. wow! good choice, I am currently using stain for my cheek and lip too! :) and yes i agree with you, they are more stand out. :)

    Jewel Clicks

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  10. I have the one from The Balm as well, and I really like it!

    thegirlsnextdooruk.blogspot.co.uk

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  11. Wonderfull make up! Love <3
    Thank you for visiting my blog! Do you want to see my last post?
    Inside Me

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  12. nice product dear ^_^

    kisses!!

    lipstickrouge.blogspot.it

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  13. Very pretty! Loving your makeup!

    Keep in touch on BLOGLOVIN

    Love,
    FASHIONHYPNOTISED

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  14. Hello dear,
    How are you? I hope everything is ok. Sorry for not writing lately but I have been quite busy with my dissertation.
    As part of it I prepared a questionnaire for shopping clothes online. It would be great if you had five minutes to answer it.
    Thank you very much
    Chadlen

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1K-EvQc-l-qnO0brbOS_0oSeInmKeG1KchX7SbnYQGdU/viewform

    ReplyDelete
  15. great darling!!!

    Alicia & SofĂ­a
    http://asstyleanddesign.blogspot.com

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  16. both looks great, but my fave is the second one...
    www.petitgraphie.blogspot.com

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  17. Great comparison! I still love Benetint though, I love that it's smudge-proof. :) The colour looks amazing on you. <3

    Take care always, love Christine ~ xo
    www.chriissydollxo.com
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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  18. i have not tried any of these .. but love both :) xx
    www.ambifashion.com

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  19. Such a gorgeous, delicious colour! and your make-up is as always absolutely flawless

    Xx

    Alexandra

    www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

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  20. great final effect!
    www.mrsnoone.it
    kiss

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  21. We don't have these products in Ukraine, but I really like how it looks on you.
    the white ocean

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  22. You're so lovely! your blog is so cute!
    I'll waiting you to my blog:
    Diariodiunacido.com
    Andy.

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  23. Cannot agree with you more, stainiac all the way!

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  24. Want to try them! Lucy www.tpinkcarpet.com

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  25. I think I would prefer the benefit stain! Great review of both!

    Amanda | feast.fashion.faves

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