Using liquid blush as lipstick is a popular beauty hack that allows you to achieve a natural, cohesive makeup look with minimal products. One of the main advantages of using a liquid blush formula on your lips is its lightweight, buildable coverage. Unlike traditional lipsticks, which can sometimes feel heavy or drying, many liquid blushes, such as Rare Beauty's, offer a natural, seamless finish that can be layered for more intensity.
Why Use Liquid Blush for Lips?
Beyond the convenience of a multi-purpose product, liquid blush offers unique benefits when applied to the lips:
- Natural Finish: It often blends seamlessly with your natural lip color, creating a "my lips but better" look.
- Customizable Intensity: You can easily go from a sheer tint to a more vibrant color by layering the product.
- Comfortable Wear: Due to its lightweight nature, it feels much less heavy than many traditional lipsticks.
- Cohesive Look: Using the same product on your cheeks and lips creates a harmonious and polished appearance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Liquid Blush as Lipstick
Achieving a flawless lip look with liquid blush is simple. Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Prepare Your Lips
Just like with any lipstick application, preparing your lips is crucial for a smooth and even finish.
- Exfoliate: Gently scrub your lips to remove any dry, flaky skin. You can use a dedicated lip scrub or a soft toothbrush.
- Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of lip balm or a hydrating lip primer. Let it absorb for a few minutes before applying the blush. This ensures the blush glides on smoothly and prevents drying.
2. Apply a Small Amount of Blush
Liquid blushes are highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
- Dotting Method: Dot 1-2 small dots of liquid blush directly onto the center of your bottom lip. Alternatively, you can apply a tiny dot to your fingertip or the back of your hand first.
- Less is More: Always start with a tiny amount. You can always add more if you want greater intensity.
3. Blend for an Even Tint
The key to a natural finish is blending.
- Fingertip: Use a clean fingertip to gently pat and blend the blush across your lips, working from the center outwards. This warms the product and helps it melt into your lips seamlessly.
- Lip Brush: For more precision, especially around the lip line, use a small, clean lip brush to spread and blend the color.
- Applicator (if applicable): Some liquid blushes come with a doe-foot applicator, which can be used directly to apply and blend, much like a lip gloss.
4. Build Up for Desired Intensity
Once the first layer is blended, assess the color.
- Layering: If you desire more color payoff, apply another small dot or two and blend again. Continue this process until you achieve your desired intensity. Remember, the Rare Beauty liquid blush offers buildable coverage, allowing for versatile looks.
5. Refine and Set (Optional)
To enhance the look and longevity:
- Define Lip Line: For a sharper look, use a lip liner that matches the blush shade or your natural lip color to outline your lips after applying the blush.
- Blot: Gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product, which helps with longevity and prevents transfer.
- Set: For extended wear, lightly dust a translucent setting powder over your lips. You can also apply a clear lip gloss over the top for a shiny finish.
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the Right Shade: Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and desired lip look. Rose, peach, and berry tones often work beautifully as lip colors.
- Matte vs. Dewy Finishes: Consider the blush's finish. A matte liquid blush will give a velvety lip look, while a dewy one will provide a subtle sheen.
- Cleanliness: Always ensure your hands or applicators are clean to prevent contamination.
- Hydration is Key: Keep your lips well-hydrated, as liquid formulas can sometimes emphasize dry patches if not properly prepped.
Liquid Blush as Lipstick vs. Traditional Lipstick
| Feature | Liquid Blush as Lipstick | Traditional Lipstick |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Lightweight, natural | Can feel heavy, especially matte formulas |
| Coverage | Buildable, sheer to medium intensity | Wide range, from sheer to full opacity |
| Finish | Natural, seamless, can be matte or dewy | Diverse finishes (matte, satin, cream, glossy) |
| Versatility | Multi-use (cheeks, lips, sometimes eyes) | Primarily for lips |
| Drying Tendency | Less likely to feel drying if lips are prepped | Some matte formulas can be drying |
| Application Control | Requires careful blending due to liquid consistency | Direct application, often more precise initial stroke |
By following these guidelines, you can effectively transform your liquid blush into a versatile lip product, achieving a beautiful and comfortable lip tint.
