You know I just have to try the new Essence products when they are out. One of the products that was new in Europe, but has been out for a while in the US is the What a Tint Lip & Cheek Tint. This is my review.

So it is quite obvious from looking at this that this isn’t an original idea. In fact, I used to own the original this is trying to dupe: Benefit’s Benetint. I never reviewed it, but I can refer you to this very old blog post where you can see mine in one of the very old pictures. So is it the same?

Review: Essence What a tint Lip & Cheek Tint

At only €5 this is a fraction of the Benefit version which retails for €35. It is also quite widely available as it is carried in many drugstores, pretty much anywhere where you can buy Essence, you can find this product.

What does this product have to offer?

So the deal with this is quite simple: it is a seemingly redtoned blush and lip product that stains the skin. It is available in one shade and because of the tinting quality it is very longlasting. Aimed to give a natural flush of color, it is multi-purpose which might appeal to some but I find it works best on the cheeks and less so on the lips.

What does this swatch like?

You can see here that this is quite a wet formula. It doesn’t pull into the lines of my hand though so that is a good sign. The shade turns more pink than red once applied to the skin and it might be difficult to achieve a more natural look as it can be difficult to blend in. You have to work in little sections to create the best result.

What does this look like on the cheeks?

You can see here how the product sits on the cheeks when you only apply a little. In my first impression, I used a little too much and the effect can be quite clownish. On the lips I find this too drying so I have never used it again like that. It does sit nicely on top of makeup though and it doesn’t move my foundation around.

Should you buy Essence What a Tint?

As much as I like Essence as a brand, I just find this product a little bit too cumbersome to work with. It is easier to use than the nail polish style brush my old Benefit one had, but even that now comes with just a doe foot applicator like this one. So it really isn’t that different.

So do you need this in your life? I don’t think you need this, unless you love a cheek tint. I just feel a regular cream, liquid or powder blush is much easier to use, so my preferences lie there. Still, this works, gets the job done and can be a great first layer to create a more intense blush look. So it really depends on what you are looking for.

You can buy the Essence What a Tint here *.

*Link is affiliated.

What do you think of a multi-purpose lip & cheek tint?