Can you use lipstick as blush?: The blush hack you’ll love

Ever found yourself without your favorite blush, but with a perfectly matching lipstick in your bag, left to be wondered “can you use lipstick as blush?” Well, get ready for a beauty secret reveal, a multi-use makeup hack can be a lifesaver and create a gorgeous, cohesive look. Intrigued? So get ready to discover how to achieve a flawless flush with this simple trick.

Can you use lipstick as blush?

Lipstick can be a surprisingly effective blush substitute. Many makeup artists agree that lipstick is a versatile multi-use product, perfect for adding a flush of color to your cheeks in a pinch. However, choosing the right formula and application technique is crucial for a flawless finish.

How to choose the right lipstick formula for blush?

Not all lipsticks perform equally well as blush. Experts recommend prioritizing certain textures over others:

• Texture: Satin or creamy lipsticks are the top choice. Their smooth texture provides a natural-looking glow and blends effortlessly into the skin. The “slip” in these formulas allows for easy diffusion and a seamless finish.  Avoid long-wearing or lip stain formulas. These formulas dry quickly, making blending difficult and resulting in a patchy or uneven appearance or a flat, matte finish, lacking the natural radiance desired in blush. Lip balms or oil-based lip products, while offering a dewy look, tend to have poor staying power and can smudge, melt with heat, or even contribute to breakouts.
• Color: When using lipstick as blush, the exciting part is the freedom to experiment with various shades. Experts encourage embracing this versatility and using any lipstick color you desire. The nature of lipstick formulas allows for a surprising transformation: a vibrant color in the tube can translate to a beautifully sheer wash of color on the cheeks. This makes it a perfect opportunity to try bolder shades you might typically hesitate to wear on your lips. Plus, statement blush is a major beauty trend.

Also Read: How to match blush and lipstick?

What lipstick color should you use?

While personal preference is key, seasonal trends can enhance your makeup look. For fall and the holiday season, warmer tones are particularly flattering. Consider shades like:

• Burnt rose
• Terracotta orange
• Berry tones
• Wine-stained reds
• Crimson

These shades complement the autumnal palette and create a warm, inviting complexion.

Beyond seasonal trends, you can strategically use different lipstick shades to sculpt and define your facial features:

• Cheek Apples: Bright, sheer colors are ideal for the apples of the cheeks, creating a youthful, rosy glow. These shades add a pop of color and bring forward the high points of the face.
• Cheekbones: Cooler or brown-based shades work beautifully for contouring the cheekbones. These colors create depth and definition, enhancing facial structure and adding a touch of sophistication.

How to use lipstick as blush?

Before we dive into the how-to, remember this: there’s no strict right or wrong way to rock lipstick as blush. It’s all about having fun and experimenting! Whether you’re a finger-blending fan or a brush devotee, whether you swipe straight from the bullet or prefer a more delicate approach – do what feels right for you.

Apply the lipstick

Blush usually comes last in your makeup routine, after your foundation and eye makeup are done. Pick your lipstick and get ready to add some color to those cheeks!

• Direct application: “Grab your lipstick and draw two or three small circles on the apples of your cheeks,” suggests a pro makeup artist. “It’s easier to add more color than take it away, so start light and build it up if you need to.”
• Alternative methods: Not keen on applying lipstick directly to your face? No problem! You can use a small stippling brush to pick up product from the lipstick bullet, or dab some onto the back of your hand or a palette.

Blend for a seamless finish

Now for the magic: “use a rounded blush brush and sweep it over your cheeks in circular motions,” advises the artist. “Focus on blending the product over the apples of your cheeks and upwards towards the highest point of your cheekbone, near your ears. The brush shape helps to perfectly contour your face.”

Set it

Want your lipstick-blush to last all day? A setting spray is your secret weapon! A light mist will lock everything in place.

Another Approach: Finger Painting Fun!

Here’s a slightly different way to do it, using your fingers:

• Tools: Any satin or matte lipstick will work beautifully! Shimmery or metallic lipsticks are less common for this technique, but hey, if you love the look, go for it!
• Steps:
  • Swipe your finger across the lipstick to get some product.
  • Rub it between your fingers to warm it up—this helps it blend like a dream.
  • Smile to find the apples of your cheeks, then gently tap the product along the upper part of the apples, blending outwards towards your cheekbones.
  • Repeat on the other side.
  • Check yourself out in the mirror! Want more color? Add another layer.

You can stop there, or because you adore the shade (not just as a last-minute fix), you can add a touch of powder blush on top for extra dimension. So, go ahead and experiment! Find what works best for you and have fun with it.

Final Word

With a little creativity and technique, your favorite lipstick can double as a beautiful blush. Remember to choose a shade that complements your skin tone, blend it well, and experiment with different application methods.

Now, it’s your turn to get creative! Give it a try and let us know how it goes. Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.