5 Different Ways You Didn't Know You Could Use Your Lipstick

The makeup game isn't rule-bound—you can play around with a multitude of shades and textures, if done the right way. 

We're certain your mascara has doubled-up as an eyebrow pencil, and your bright-hued kohl as an eyeliner; however, were you aware that your lipstick offers makeup tricks aplenty? The gold standard of makeup, if we may say so, a stroke of lipstick on the apples of your cheek or a swipe on your lids can create a striking, multi-dimensional look. 

To learn how to use a lipstick in unique, glamorous ways—that has nothing to do with your lips—celebrity makeup artist, Ashima Kapoor shares some tried-and-tested tricks. 

An Orange-Hued Lipstick as a Concealer

If you have a dark under-eye area, orange often works to cancel the blueness under your eyes. Make use of an orange lipstick to conceal your under-eyes and top it with a concealer—first a shade darker than your skin tone, followed by a shade lighter than your skin tone. This 3-step process will perfectly conceal your under-eyes, in accordance with your complexion. 

A Brown-Hued Lipstick as a Contour

If you don't happen to own a makeup contour (or don't prefer the powdered variety), you can always use your brown lipstick as a cream contour. Mark the contour areas with the lipstick—cheek, nose and jawline, depending on the shape of your face—and blend it with a brush. You can top it with a contour powder for long-lasting results! Pro-Tip: Cream contours last longer, as compared to contour powders. 

A Pink-Hued Lipstick as a Blush 

We trust you've heard this one before. Use your pinks, reds and orange shades as a cream blush on your cheekbones, a can-never-go-wrong-with makeup hack. Dab a few dots on your cheeks and blend it well with the help of a brush or your fingertips. You may also choose to top it up with a powder blush to set it perfectly, and make it last longer. Pro-Tip: While patches of rouge on your cheeks are ideal for a night out, soft, pastel pinks are perfect for a natural, dewy look! 

A Frosty, Metallic Lipstick as a Highlighter

Yes, you can do without a highlighter to get your glow on. A frosty lipstick—in a silver or gold metallic shade—can be applied as a highlighter to your face. Depending on your outfit and your complexion, pick a silvery, golden frosty lipstick and dab it on the centre of your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, the cheekbones, the cupid’s bow, and on the tip of your chin. Voila!

Any Lipstick as a Cream Eyeshadow

Is your eyeshadow palette way too bulky to carry? Don't worry, you can always depend on your favourite lipstick! Dab a lipstick—in the shade of your choice—on the eyelids, and blend the creamy texture. Alternatively, if you're looking to intensify your eye makeup, you can always top your powder eyeshadow with a lipstick to give your eyes more dimension.