Lipstick is one of the most versatile makeup products in your beauty arsenal. Beyond its classic role, it can double as blush and eyeshadow, saving you money and streamlining your routine.
Here’s how to master this multi-use hack while ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish.
1. Prep Your Skin
Before applying lipstick to your cheeks or eyelids, ensure your skin is clean and moisturized. Use a lightweight primer or a dab of translucent powder to create a smooth base. This step prevents patchiness and helps the color adhere better.
Pro Tip: Avoid oily formulas if you have acne-prone skin, as they might clog pores. Opt for non-comedogenic lipsticks.
2. Choosing the Right Lipstick Formula
Not all lipsticks work equally well for this purpose. Creamy, satin, or liquid formulas blend seamlessly into the skin, making them ideal for blush and eyeshadow. Matte lipsticks can work too but may require more blending to avoid a heavy look.
Avoid: Overly glossy or sticky formulas, as they might slide off or feel uncomfortable on the cheeks or eyelids.
3. How to Apply Lipstick as Blush
- Dab & Blend: Use your finger or a stippling brush to pick up a small amount of lipstick. Start by dabbing it onto the apples of your cheeks and blend upward toward your temples.
- Build Gradually: It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess. For a natural flush, layer the color lightly.
- Set It: Lock the pigment in place with a light dusting of setting powder or a setting spray.
Color Matching: Warm-toned lipsticks (peach, coral) suit golden undertones, while cool pinks and berries flatter cooler complexions.
4. Transforming Lipstick into Eyeshadow
- Prime Your Lids: Apply an eyeshadow primer to prevent creasing.
- Apply with Precision: Use a flat brush or your fingertip to pat the lipstick onto your lids. Start with a thin layer and build intensity.
- Smoke It Out: Blend the edges with a neutral eyeshadow or a clean brush to soften harsh lines.
- Add Depth: Layer darker lipstick shades into the crease for dimension, or mix with a shimmery eyeshadow for a glam effect.
Caution: Avoid using lipsticks with red or orange pigments if you have sensitive eyes, as these shades may cause irritation.
5. Bonus Tips for Longevity
- Mix with Moisturizer: For a sheer, dewy blush, blend a tiny amount of lipstick with face cream.
- Layer with Powder: After applying lipstick as eyeshadow, set it with a matching powder shadow to boost staying power.
- Sanitize Regularly: Clean your lipstick’s surface with alcohol before using it on other areas to avoid transferring bacteria.
Why This Hack Works
Lipsticks are formulated to stay put for hours, making them a durable alternative to traditional blush and eyeshadow. Plus, repurposing products reduces waste and lets you experiment with cohesive color stories.