Blush is an underrated makeup product that can make a world of difference to your appearance. It may be the last and easiest item to put on your cheeks, but it can give your skin a natural flush and enhance your features. According to Claire Talks Beauty, blush, whether in cream or powder form, is designed to add a shimmering, ruddy look to the apples of your cheeks and breathe life into your complexion. Without it, a foundation-covered face dusted with setting powder might appear flat and lifeless.
It can be overwhelming to have a lot of makeup items taking up space in your toiletry bag. A good way to free up some space is to use one makeup item for more than one area on your face. For example, you can use a matte finish lipstick as a substitute for blush cream and powder. Beauty consultant Hannah Murray recommends using lipstick as a blusher because it looks fresh and gives instant glam. Lipstick can also double as a lip definer while giving your cheeks a wash of pink. It’s a great beauty shortcut that can help you declutter your vanity bag.
Here’s how to use your favorite lipstick as blush, the final touch that gives your makeup a monochromatic polish.
Choose lipsticks that match your skin tone
There are two ways to approach this makeup hack. You can find a brand new lipstick that matches your skin tone or pick out any shade from your current lipstick collection. According to Bright Side, light pink, coral, peach, nude, and dusty red colors work well on those with light skin. Meanwhile, those with medium skin tones will look great wearing rose, berry, cherry red, and mauve hues. Tan skin tones can’t go wrong with statement-making colors like coral, deep pink, or bright red. Dark skin tones will flourish with brown and purple shades like plum, caramel, wine, and blue-based reds. Once you decide on the color, match your lipstick with your cheeks. If you want a cheek full of delicate-looking pink, try peach lipstick. For a look that calls attention, go for coral or ombre lipsticks with more vibrant hues.
Makeup artist Amy Nadine, as cited by The Beauty Department, suggests that satin or matte finish lipsticks are ideal for oily skin as they provide long-lasting coverage. Since they have a strong staying power, they don’t easily slip or smear off your face. Lip stains, tints, and balms are also excellent choices as they can be used as an illuminator for your cheekbones. However, shimmery or metallic lipsticks can be difficult to apply on the cheeks and may not be a good choice.
How to wear lipstick as blush safely
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If you want to use lipstick as a blush, you can either swipe it across your cheeks or collect some onto your finger and then apply it. In case the lipstick color is too strong, you can mix it with Vaseline, concealer, or foundation. To make it blend better, use your fingers to dot it on your cheeks, and then gently pat it to soften the hue. For a longer-lasting finish, mix the lipstick with a primer and blend it out with a beauty blender. Once you’re done, seal the look with a sheer powder.
As multifunctional as lipstick is, remember that using it on your face can cause acne, Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin tells Skincare. To prevent breakouts, Dr. Levin recommends steering clear of lipsticks with heavy cream bases, highly pigmented formulas, and occlusive ingredients. Another way to curtail acne-causing bacteria is to spray hand sanitizer on top of your lipstick or trim its top layer before using it on your cheeks.
Matching the color of your blush to your lipstick might be a challenge, but it’s worth it. Not only does multitasking your lipstick give your makeup a monochromatic touch, but it also helps streamline your beauty routine and lighten the bulk of your pouch. An important thing to remember is to choose a lightweight, not-too-matte consistency that’s easy to blend out and safe for your skin.
