Did you know you can use lipstick in more than one way? Surprisingly enough, you can create endless makeup looks with one lipstick. Most people may think lipstick is strictly for the lips, but it can double as a blush and become a multipurpose product.
So, whether you want to downsize your makeup bag or you want a versatile makeup product, you can use lipstick as a blush. This is also a great tip if you want multifunctional makeup without having to spend money on yet another cosmetic item.
In addition, cream blushes are gaining popularity because it leaves a natural and dewy finish. Cream blushes are much easier to control and blend, so there is less chance of going overboard. Lipstick has a similar creamy texture that works well.
How can you create blush with lipstick? First, you’ll want to choose a lipstick that flatters your skin tone. In addition, opting for a blendable and pigmented lipstick will allow you to control how much product you use on the cheeks to build its intensity.
Using lipstick as a blush will shorten your morning routine, and you’ll create an effortless monotone makeup look. You can customize your desired finish and even learn to chisel your cheeks. So, how else can you use lipstick as a blush?
How Does Lipstick Work As A Blush?
Cream blush and lipstick share a similar texture. For example, they are malleable, blendable, thick, and pigmented. However, a common complaint most people have towards blush is that it’s not long-lasting, and it’s the first product that fades away.
However, using a long-wear lipstick as blush can solve that issue. In addition, some cream blushes lack pigment and intensity, but using lipstick can allow you to build up to your desired level of flush. Lipstick can easily be layered on the cheeks.
Also, a classic bullet lipstick or even a lip crayon can work as a blush.
Choose Your Lipstick Shade
You’ll want to choose a lipstick that flatters your lips and your cheeks. Thankfully, there are multiple blush and lip products that share the same shades. In addition, you’ll want to opt for a blush that complements and flatters your skin tone.
You may also want to opt for a long-wearing lipstick so you can have the same staying power on your cheeks as your blush. In addition, choosing an opaque but buildable formula will allow you to control how much blush you apply to the cheeks.
Also, you can choose a warm, cool, or neutral undertone when picking out the right lipstick. Again, knowing your undertones will help you get the perfect match. For example, if you are fair and warm, opt for a warm pink.
Peach/Orange
Try picking a peach or orange lipstick/blush (we love this lip stain/blush from Jane Iredale) if you don’t know where to start. Peach, orange, or other shades within this color family will be universally flattering. In addition, they give a natural flush to the skin, and they pair well with almost any eyeshadow look.
Peach and orange can be found within most skin tones and give a natural blush. In addition, it can be hard to apply too much, especially a peach shade, which is already light and subtle.
Light Skin Tones
If you have a pale/fair/light complexion, you can opt for multiple colors. We already mentioned how peach lipsticks would give a subtle wash of color to the skin and look beautiful on the cheeks. However, you can also opt for a light pink lipstick like this rosy shade from Covergirl.
A light or baby pink can help bring more pop to your cheeks if you want more color. In addition, a baby pink lipstick, like this light and creamy one from NYX, will also be subtle, but you can build it up and reach your desired level of intensity.
Medium Skin Tones
Medium skin tones can choose lipstick in the mauve, rose, or warm pink color family. Mauves will flatter medium skin tones because they will still add a nice pop of pink to the lips and cheeks without leaving the skin looking ashy or washed out.
In addition, medium skin tones can also opt for a nude-peach or bronze lipstick if you’re looking to create a natural flush. Surprisingly enough, bronzey or warm peach shades are wonderful if you want a product in between a bronzer and blush.
Deep Skin Tones
Opt for a vibrant, rich, or bold lipstick for deep skin tones. For example, choose a rich berry. Berry can also flatter all skin tones, but it looks beautiful on deep skin tones. In addition, it will create a warm, red-purple, and flattering blush.
Another option for deep skin tones is bright red or orange lipstick. You can even opt for a burnt orange if you’re looking for a pop of color but still adding warmth.
Other shades in this color family, like plum or tangerine, will look stunning on lips and cheeks.
Choose Your Finish
While the shade of your lipstick is extremely important, so is the finish. Blushes and lipstick come in different finishes. For example, they can be matte, creamy, or shimmery. So, you’ll want to discover the finish you want for your cheekbones.
In addition, keep in mind if you will have a lipstick that you only use for blush or if you want your lipstick to act as both products. The last thing you want to do is pick up a shimmery lipstick and decide you don’t like the look of a shimmery blush.
What are some popular lipstick finishes?
Matte
You can’t go wrong with matte lipstick. A matte finish is excellent for every day, and it’s long-lasting. However, it can be too drying, depending on your skin type. So, matte lipstick is the best for those with a combination-to-oily skin type.
In addition, matte lipsticks will provide a natural finish. They will keep oil production at bay and leave you with lips and cheeks that look airbrushed. Matte lipstick is a great option if you want to customize your cheeks with a highlighter or lips with a gloss.
Shimmer
A shimmer lipstick is great if you want to make a statement. In addition, if you’re looking to catch the light with your makeup look, a shimmer lipstick will do the trick! You can opt for one with micro shimmer and gold reflects or chunky glitter.
In addition, this is an excellent option for a glamorous night out or a special event.
Satin
Satin or cream lipsticks are the best for those who want a combination of matte and dewy. However, sometimes matte lipsticks can feel too dry or look too flat. Likewise, dewy lipsticks can be too oily and shiny. So, satin lipsticks are the happy medium.
In addition, satin lipsticks have the long-wearing and velvet properties of a matte lipstick, with the moisture and dimension of a dewy lipstick. It will also make a wonderful blush shade, and it’s the finish that can work for most skin types.
Dewy
Dewy lipsticks or a shiny lip balm also make a fabulous blush. This is the perfect finish if you want to achieve a glass-skin look. In addition, dewy lipsticks are lovely for dry skin types that need an extra layer of moisture on the cheeks.
Dewy lipsticks will give you a light wash of color and impeccable shine. However, it can be too shiny for some skin types, so a little goes a long way. In addition, dewy lipsticks are great to create a no-makeup makeup look for the lips and cheeks.
How To Apply Lipstick As A Blush
There are numerous ways you can apply lipstick to your cheeks. In addition, there are no rules in makeup, and one technique may work for you but not for everyone else. The best part is remembering to have fun and fall in love with the process.
Swipe It On
The easiest way to apply lipstick as a blush is by swiping it onto the cheeks. Just like you would apply the lipstick to your lips, do it for your cheeks. In addition you can start with one swipe and then blend. From there you can add more if you need.
This is also the easiest technique if you’re on the go or in a hurry. In addition, you can blend out your lipstick with your fingers, a brush, a sponge, or anything you have on hand. In addition, the simple swipe and go method is excellent for beginners!
Blend & Apply With Your Fingers
Your fingers are a tool you’ll never lose and always have on hand. In addition, using your fingers to apply makeup will help give you a seamless blend while using lipstick as a blush. All you need to do is apply lipstick to your finger or cheeks.
Your fingers will instantly warm up the lipstick and help it penetrate the skin effortlessly. In addition, it will create a natural flushed finish. Your fingers will also soak up the lipstick, so this method is excellent to achieve a blurred or airbrush look.
Use A Blush Brush
The most traditional way to apply lipstick or blush is with a brush. However, you can use any brush or a brush specifically made to apply blush. In addition, there are two ways you can apply lipstick to your cheeks with a brush.
The first is to swipe on the lipstick to your cheeks and blend it out with the brush. The second is to swipe the lipstick directly onto the bristles of your blush and then apply it to the cheeks. Both ways will help you achieve your desired finish.
Diffuse With A Sponge
If you are worried about looking like a clown or sunburned, a sponge will be the best applicator for you! Beauty blenders and sponges are meant to be used damp, and they will soak up any extra product with ease.
In addition, you can use the same application method as the brush. For example, you can either apply the lipstick to your cheeks or on the sponge. Then, blend until you reach a seamless finish.
Experiment With Blush Placement
Finally, experiment with your blush placement. It’s surprising how much the order of your blush can change your entire face shape and mood. In addition, you don’t need any extra tools or products.
You can add your lipstick to the apples of your cheeks for a classic flush. Also, you can add it to the tops of your cheekbones and towards your temples for a chiseled and editorial look.
Can You Do A Full Face With Lipstick?
Believe it or not but you can actually do a full face (minus brows, lashes, and foundation, of course) with one shade of lipstick! We found a great tutorial from Chessie Domrongchai on YouTube. Take a look below!
How Much Lipstick Should You Use?
Less is more! When you start, always apply a light layer of lipstick to your cheeks before deciding if you need more. The great thing about lipstick is that it can be as intense or subtle as you want it to be, and the same goes for your cheeks.
Build Your Intensity
We’ve mentioned earlier that you’ll want to build up your intensity. So first, start with one layer, and then gradually, you can add more. You’ll achieve a flawless result if you add product, then blend, and repeat until you’re happy.
In addition, there is a thing called over-blending, so you’ll want to use a light hand when you’re adding a layer to your cheeks. Over-blending will cause your cheeks to lose shape or look muddy.
What To Do If You’ve Applied Too Much Lipstick/Blush
What happens if you go overboard with blush, or you’re heavy-handed?
Well, thankfully, there are multiple ways to fix intense cheeks. This is the beauty of cream products; they can be easily applied and reduced without ruining the rest of your makeup.
The following tips will tone down saturated cheeks and ensure you don’t look cakey by the end of your makeup routine. In addition, the only tools you need are a damp beauty sponge or your foundation brush.
Soak Up With A Sponge
We mentioned earlier that a damp beauty sponge is designed to blend liquids/creams and soak up extra product. So, if you’ve applied too much lipstick as blush, make sure you have your beauty sponge handy.
Simply dab your beauty sponge over your cheeks so it can soak up the extra pigments. In addition, with light, gentle, and concise dabs, you’ll be able to tone down your cheeks in no time. The best part is that it won’t ruin the rest of your face.
Blend With Your Foundation Brush
Your used foundation brush will be your secret weapon! The excess foundation leftover on your brush can diffuse an intense blush. In addition, you’ll be able to blend and diffuse your cheeks without adding any more product.
First, you’ll slowly want to pat over your blush with your foundation brush. Do it gently, and avoid rubbing or swiping. You can also use the dabbing motion to eliminate the excess color on your cheeks and still have it blend seamlessly into the rest of your makeup.
Final Thoughts
Overall, you can easily create a flattering blush with lipstick. Cream blush and lipstick are blendable and pigmented. In addition, you can easily create a monotone makeup look or downsize your makeup bag.
Lipstick is a versatile product that doesn’t have to be strictly for the lips. In addition, you can opt for a peachy or orange shade that is universally flattering to start. You can choose a wide variety of lipstick shades and finishes for the perfect blush.
There are numerous ways to apply your lipstick as a blush. For example, you can use your fingers, a brush, or even a sponge. Also, don’t worry if you go overboard. A sponge or your foundation brush can eliminate pigment without leaving you cakey.
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