Do you believe in happy accidents? Or even an unexpected innovation? I love a good origin story that starts off as a humble product but ends up being the greatest invention that humankind has ever witnessed. Take the bubble wrap, for instance. Did you know it was invented to be textured wallpaper, but soon people started using it as a protective film while transporting goods across the globe? Or even the everyday staple – chewing gum that was first invented as a rubber substitute for tyres? It’s crazy to think that wraps could have wallpaper and gum could have been wheel rubber stacks.
But such a bizarre case is with Benefit Cosmetics’ most viral product, their Benetint. Their best-selling tint was not initially made for lips or the cheeks, but for something else altogether. Jean and Jane Ford, a pair of farm girls turned model twins from Indiana, were fed up with the non-inclusive beauty ecosystem and wanted to change the space with products and formulations that work for them on and off stage. But one day, an unexpected request made them unlock a formulation that would later take the world by storm. This is the story of how Benetint was born.
Back in the 1970s, Benefit created a rose-tinted stain for dancers and performers who needed something long-lasting. The first version was rose petals boiled overnight to recreate a highly pigmented reduction packed in a nail polish bottle. Just a few dabs and it would create a natural flush that didn’t budge. Soon, it became the go-to stain for makeup artists across the globe. Models wore it for that effortless backstage flush. Brides used it to stay picture-perfect. Editors called it their secret weapon. Here’s why Benetint became a cult must-have without even trying.
Why Benetint Remains A Classic Formula
Decades later, the formula’s nearly untouched. Why change what works? A couple of drops. A diffused tap. Instant glow. It’s iconic, and still undefeated in the natural tint game.
Long Wearing & Buildable Finish
Although just a few dots are enough for a naturally flushed look but for more drama and pizzazz, the formula lets you effortlessly build for a sheer, flawless, and versatile finish. The best part, the finish moulds itself to your skintone and undertone and makes every skin type look subtly flushed. It even works with pigmented lips and lids, no matter how uneven or dark they are; the colour evens out your skin tone and even makes your skin appear brighter overall.
Transfer-Proof & Smudge-Proof
The Benetints are known for their stay; this pigment will not leave your skin unless you want it gone using an oil cleanser. Countless coffee sips, numerous bites, and endless water sips later, you will find the pigment still holding onto your skin without the dryness or cracks. The perfect no-makeup makeup for clean-core girlies.
Multipurpose & Versatile
Before hybrid beauty was a thing, Benetint did it first with their multipurpose tint that was lip and cheek friendly. It stains the cheeks without the grease and stains the lips without drying them out. It’s a versatile, inclusive, and all-rounder beauty product that’s here to save your look from sweat, dust, and food. The best part? Don’t like the OG rosy shade? They have a beautiful raspberry and cherry shade that’s bound to look more natural on warm undertones.
Parting Thoughts
Before multipurpose beauty was a buzzword, Benetint was making cheeks and lips look alive - on and off stage. Although their best-selling tint was made backstage for (exotic) performers under hot spotlights, today they have become the go-to tint for beauty enthusiasts and makeup artists alike.
FAQs
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How many drops of the Benetint should I use?
If you want a light and natural finish, use only one or two drops on the cheeks and lips alike. For a more dramatic finish, you can build the product with a few more dabs. Don’t forget to immediately warm and blend, as the pigment can instantly stain your skin for a long time.
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Does Benetint look good on dark skin tone?
Benetints are versatile and buildable and thus look good on all skin tones, even on people with darker skin and warm undertones. If you want a richer and deeper colour, opt for their raspberry tint or the cherry tint.
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Is Benetint worth the price?
Yes, even though Benetint is slightly on the pricer end, it offers value for money, since you need very little product for the colour pigment it offers. Moreover, the high-quality ingredients are formulated keeping the wearer in mind, and thus the finish justifies the price.
