Lipsticks as blush: 3 ways to wear it!

If you are spending a lot on lipsticks, why not make the best use out of them? Using lipsticks as blush is an age-old technique. However, if not done properly, it can result in a clownish look.

If used correctly, you can bid goodbye to the problem of co-coordinating your lipstick with the right blush color. Also, with monochromatic look in vogue right now, it’s just the ideal time for you to learn this trick.

I think women with dusky complexion can benefit the most from this technique. Finding blushers for their skin tone is quite a task, especially in our Indian beauty market.

Today, I’ll show you 3 different ways on how to do so:

How to use a liquid lipstick/lip stain as a blush

Liquid lipsticks are all the rage right now. Since they have a texture which goes on from creamy to matte, I find them ideal for oily-combination. You can also use lip cream and lip stains. I learned this trick some 3 months back at Beautezine. This is how you can use liquid lipstick as a blush:

1) Choose a liquid lipstick of your shade preference. Mix it with a primer using a cotton swab. Things to note:

– The more primer you mix, the more you sheer it out.

– The kind of consistency you get after mixing will depend more upon the primer you use. If you find it dry, add some more.

– Not every primer formula will get you the right consistency. When I mixed Colorbar kiss proof lip stain with Miss Claire anti redness primer, it flaked. It worked perfectly with Revlon photo-ready primer.

-You have to work quick otherwise you will be left with streaks on your face.

– If you are a using a lip stain, start with very little quantity and work really fast with it. Build layers as needed.

2) Dot the combination on your cheekbones.

3) Pat gently until it disappears. Things to note:

– Don’t rub too hard or your skill will turn red and flaky.

– To add another layer, perform the first step again. This will ensure that you don’t have to work with a dry mixture.

– If the result looks a bit heavy for your taste, please don’t get hyper. Wait 15-20 minutes for it to settle down and then, decide if you want to lighten the look.

How to use a liquid lipstick as a shimmery blush

When I say ‘shimmery’, the amount of luminosity that will land on your cheekbones will depend upon the highlighter you choose. Here’s what you need to do:

1) Choose a highlighter and liquid lipstick of your choice. It’s best to go with soft shades.

2) Mix both of them. As you can see in the image, the formulas don’t appear to go too well with each other. However, once applied on face, it’s alright.

3) Dab on your cheekbones.

4) Keep patting until you see a diffused look. See if you want to go another layer.

How to use a stick lipstick as a blush

The key here is to go with lipsticks that are neither pure matte nor pure glossy. Proper matte lipsticks will make the blending job tough. Glossy lipsticks will make your skin look greasy and may even result in breakouts. Choose lipsticks without shimmer as not only they look unnatural but also don’t go on smoothly.

Swipe a lipstick in short strokes across your cheekbones and keep patting until it blends. If the color is very bright, it’s best to first swipe it at the back of your hands and then, pack the pigments on your cheeks. For me, fingers work best.

Some things to keep in mind:

– It’s important to begin with a clean and moisturized face. Oily-skinned women can use an oil-free moisturizer as it’s light-weight.

– You can choose to skip foundation and instead, go with a concealer to hide your problem areas.

– It’s best to do a test on your arms before putting on your face. This way you can figure out how the color will translate on your face.

– Don’t forget to set with powder.

– Take it off at the end of the day using a makeup remover.

I like using liquid lipsticks more than stick lipsticks as they tend to last longer. Some stick lipsticks in past have given me a pimple or two on the next day. You might want to keep a check on that too. In summers, I hardly use these combinations as my super oily skin cannot hold the color well in high humidity.

 

Do you also use lipstick as a blush? What colors do you like to work with?