Benefit Lip Stain Benetint Dupe: This Was Quite A Surprise

You’ve probably heard of the famous Benetint Lip Stain by Benefit. It’s a cult favorite for its long-lasting, natural-looking color, but let’s be honest: it’s not exactly budget-friendly.

So, I’ve embarked on a mission to find the best Benetint dupe that won’t break the bank. Can we score an amazing dupe for Benetint without breaking the bank?

In this review, I’m putting MACCQUEEN Jelly Plumping Water Tint to the test against Benefit Benetint. We’ll compare their formula, pigmentation, longevity, and it’s value.

Let’s see if MACCQUEEN Jelly Plumping Water Tint can truly stand in as a budget-friendly twin for Benefit’s beloved Benetint!

Benefit Lip Stain Benetint Dupe Review

About The Original: Benefit Lip Stain In Benetint

I’ve come across a multitude of lip stains, and I have to admit, they’re not my favorite type of product. The Benefit Benetint Lip Stain has been one of the first lip stains I’ve tried, and it’s one of the few I can appreciate.

Originally formulated in the 1970s as a nipple tint for exotic dancers, Benetint has since evolved into a staple for everyday makeup routines. Its popularity isn’t baseless, either. The product’s water-based formula ensures a natural yet vibrant finish that stays put throughout the day.

Unlike traditional lipsticks or glosses, Benetint provides a sheer wash of color that enhances your natural lip color. It’s incredibly versatile and can also be used on the cheeks for a fresh flush of color.

Its rose-tinted hue complements a wide range of skin tones, making it a favorite among beauty lovers around the globe.

About The Dupe: MACQUEEN Jelly Plumping Water Tint In #01 Deep Red

MACQUEEN Jelly Plumping Water Tint in #01 Deep Red is quickly gaining traction as an affordable alternative to the renowned Benetint lip stain.

This tint, bold and daring, creates luscious lips with a water-like gel texture. Its lightweight nature and quick-drying formula make it a standout choice for those seeking a non-sticky and long-lasting lip color.

There’s more than meets the eye with MACQUEEN’s lip tint. It’s infused with rhizome extract and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients not only soothe lips but also moisturize them. This product even has a plumping effect, thanks to the inclusion of volufiline.

With colors ranging from Deep Red to Coral Pink (there are 5 shades in total), MACQUEEN Jelly Plumping Water Tint provides options for every skin tone. Whether you’re a fan of the classic red lip with #01 Deep Red or prefer a more playful tone like #05 Coral Pink, there’s a hue for you.

Benefit Benetint VS MACQUEEN Deep Red Lip Stain

If you know me – I’m a nude lipstick lover – you may understand that after swatching both lip stains, I was quite… concerned, lol. The MACQUEEN Lip Stain looks more like a fully pigmented liquid lipstick at this point, while Benefit’s Benetint bleeds a lot within a few seconds of application.

My first impression, based on the swatches, wasn’t really positive. I mean, they barely look the same, and both formulas were not what I was expecting. But before you’re tuning out now, stay with me just a little longer because this review may take a surprising turn in a bit!

Let’s dive deeper into the comparison between these two popular lip stains. We’ll examine their pigmentation, formula, application, longevity, and value.

Pigmentation

When it comes to pigmentation, MACQUEEN clearly outshines Benefit. No matter how many layers of Benetint you apply, it can’t match the saturated color payoff of MACQUEEN.

However, as both of them are marketed as “lip tint,” it’s Benefit that wins. Applying Benetint to the lips gives a rosy tint, exactly what I personally expect of a product like this. Applying MACQUEEN gives a liquid lipstick full coverage – not what I expected at all.

I may need to check out another shade of the MACQUEEN Water Tints to see if I can find a shade that matches Benetint more closely – as Deep Red has more of an orange-red undertone, and Benetint has a rosy red undertone. But pigment-wise, these two products will never be alike.

Depending on your preferences and what you’re looking for, you have to decide which of them wins in this section. MACQUEEN wins when it comes to full pigment; Benefit wins when it comes to a tint.

Formula

The two tints have surprisingly different consistencies, even though they’re both supposed to be water-like. At least, that’s what I assumed based on their names and descriptions.

Benefit’s formula is runnier and thinner, while MACQUEEN’s is a bit thicker and sits somewhere between being a water-like formula and more of a gel-to-cream formula.

The latter is still somewhat of a watery formula but isn’t particularly runny or as thin as Benefit. MACQUEEN is also stickier than Benetint, but it won’t bleed (which Benetint is more prone to) or drip/run.

Application

MACQUEEN’s tint is way more vivid and can achieve a bold red-orange tone in just one coat. Benefit, on the other hand, is subtler and resembles the natural tone of the lips.

Their applicator is similar and works nicely. However, with the payoff of MACQUEEN, you can see every little mishap you may make – which then stains and is hard to remove. I feel like it also slightly accentuates my lip lines, making my lips look drier.

Benefit is easy to apply, and due to its more natural, subtle rosy tint, it’s way more mistake-proof. Plus, it looks more naturally blended, as if you have nothing on your lips.

Longevity

While both lip stains boast exceptional lasting power, MACQUEEN takes the lead. Benefit tends to fade more throughout the day, but only after ~7-8 hours of wear.

Although MACQUEEN does fade a bit, its red-orange tone remains vivid and noticeable at the end of the day.

Value

MACQUEEN proves to be a powerhouse lip stain. It’s challenging to remove fully, even with an oil-based cleansing balm. If you’re looking for a lip stain that packs a punch and won’t disappear halfway through your day, the $7.90 MACQUEEN Jelly Water Tint could be the answer.

On the flip side, we have Benefit Benetint that retails for a steep $33, but it does provide more of a subtle tint, a “your lips but better” look while being non-drying, non-sticky, and comfortable.

Final Thoughts On MACQUEEN Water Tint As A Benefit Benetint Dupe

Is MACQUEEN a Benetint dupe? Not really. I hoped for a closer match. However, it is a way more affordable lip stain option that stays on all day and looks vibrant and vivid. If that fits your taste more, you’ll love MACQUEEN!

If you’re more like me and love a good, natural-looking lip – you want to opt for Benefit Benetint. This truly gives that tint-like color payoff while also having the lip stain longevity.

It might not be my cup of tea, but that’s fine – we can’t love all products on the market, right?! And again, I’m not the biggest lip stain fan in the first place.

Overall, I do think the MACQUEEN delivers a high-quality product for such a low price point. A lot of people will love a product like this in their collection!

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