The first rule of makeup application? There are none. Experimenting with makeup and finding new ways to use it is half the fun, and the fact that it’s easy on the purse and you get more out of your favourite products is a bonus. Lip balm for cheeks, highlighter for a collar bone pop and brow gel to tame flyaway hairs, there’s nothing I won’t try. As a result of my experimenting, I’ve found some new uses for makeup icons I already own and they’re too good not to share…
1. Lipstick As A Cream Blush
Cult Status: Lipstick icon
For: Lips
Secret multipurpose use: Cheeks and eyes
I saw makeup artist, Nikki Makeup use DIOR Stellar Addict Halo Shine as a cream blush, and the finish was gorgeously glowy, and from that moment, I had to try it for myself! Applying your lipstick as a blush is nothing new, however, there’s still something to be said for this old fashioned technique; the results are easy to achieve, you get the most out of your icon and the effect is as if it was always intended to be used as a blush.
What makes DIOR Addict Stellar Halo Shine Lip Balm truly something special for a blush application is its melting texture and high shine finish. The balmy consistency blends into the skin seamlessly and doesn’t sit on top of your makeup, leaving a much softer finish than your cream lipsticks. The glazed, high shine effect, translates into a soft pink dewy blush when applied to the apples of your cheeks, which glistens beautifully in natural light. Double-up on the lips, to complement your cheeks for a mesmerising glow and if you really want to push the boat out, why not the eyes too? After all, glossy lids are in.
Tip: For a contoured effect, use a nude brown shade of lipstick.
2. Face Highlighter As Body Makeup
Cult Status: Luminising Icon
For: Face contouring
Secret multipurpose use: Eyeshadow and body makeup
Once you start swiping with Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Shimmer Stick it’s hard to stop. My swiping addiction has led to an exciting discovery; unsurprisingly, there’s no part of your body which wouldn’t look good with this translucent bronzed glow! Cheekbones, bridge of your nose, cupids bow, eyelids, collar bones, legs or arms, this highlight stick knows no bounds. Applied anywhere, the creamy formula blends seamlessly, delivering a subtle highlight everywhere it goes. A stick format highlighter makes it easy to apply precisely all-over, or for my favourite multipurpose use, the eyes – I like to use a makeup brush for more precise application.
This Yves Saint Laurent highlighter is part of the Touche Eclat collection, so there’s no question of its icon status. The line rose to fame with the release of their Illuminating Pen for brightening skin effect. You can expect all the perks you’ll recognise from the range; the radiance-boosting and soft-focus illuminating qualities, with the addition of covetable bronze finish. Use it in as many places as you like – this formula is made to be experimented with, and is one staple that you won’t regret adding to your makeup kit. Happy swiping!
3. Brow Setter As Hair Gel
Cult Status: Brow icon
For: Brows
Multipurpose use: Flyaway hairs and eyelashes
Name a bigger makeup icon when it comes to brows than Benefit. When I think ‘good brows’ I think of Benefit brow products, always. One multipurpose makeup staple in my collection is the Benefit 24-Hr Brow Setter. Brows are its speciality, but what you don’t know is that it’s a born multi-tasker and can do so much more. Tame flyaway hairs for a sleek bun, up-do or as a clear mascara to give your lashes a little lift. Benefit means business with this product, so when they say 24-hour setter, you’d better believe that’s what it’s going to do! The clear gel applies easily with the built-in comb applicator and dries hard (without flaking), and I promise, it won’t move. You can even recreate a temporary laminated brow from home if you can’t get to your brow lady or you just want to test the look before you go permanent! Trust me; this is a staple. You’ll always catch a glint of this metallic silver tube knocking around in my bag.
Over to you!
Get creative with your favourite makeup products and tweet us @Escentual your favourite multipurpose makeup.
