Lipstick is a game-changer in any makeup routine, adding instant color and vibrancy to your appearance. However, there’s more to lipstick than just a simple swipe across your lips. With a few clever hacks, you can transform your makeup look and introduce exciting variations that keep your style fresh and dynamic. Here are five lipstick hacks to help you do just that:

A. Create a Custom Shade

One of the easiest ways to add variation to your makeup look is by mixing two or more lipstick shades to create a custom color. This allows you to experiment with different tones and find a shade that complements your outfit, mood, or the occasion. For instance, blending a nude with a bold red can give you a unique, soft coral hue.

Customizing your own lipstick shade is a fun and creative way to achieve a unique color that perfectly suits your style and occasion. Here's how you can create a custom shade:

1. Choose Your Base Colors

Start by selecting two or more lipsticks that you want to mix. Consider the final shade you’re aiming for—whether it’s a soft, everyday nude, a vibrant pink, or a deep, dramatic burgundy. You might choose a bold red as your base and add a bit of brown to deepen it, or mix a bright pink with a nude for a softer, pastel tone.

2. Prepare a Mixing Surface

Use a clean, flat surface, such as a makeup palette or the back of your hand, to mix the colors. If you're using your hand, make sure it's clean to avoid any contamination.

3. Apply the Lipsticks

Apply a small amount of each chosen lipstick onto your mixing surface. You can either use the bullet of the lipstick directly or scrape off a tiny amount with a spatula or the back of a makeup brush. Start with equal amounts of each color, and then adjust based on the shade you want to achieve.

4. Blend the Colors

Use a lip brush, spatula, or your fingertip to blend the lipsticks together. Mix thoroughly until you get an even, consistent color. Test the shade by applying a small amount on your wrist or the back of your hand. If the color isn’t exactly what you want, add more of one of the lipsticks to tweak it. For example, if the shade is too dark, add a bit more of the lighter color, and vice versa.

5. Apply the Custom Shade

Once you’re happy with the custom shade, apply it to your lips using a lip brush for precise application. The brush allows you to evenly distribute the color and achieve a polished finish. You can also build up the color intensity by adding layers until you reach your desired look.

6. Store for Future Use (Optional)

If you’ve created a shade that you love and want to use again, mix a larger amount and store it in a small, airtight container. This way, you can easily reapply the custom color whenever you like.

Tips for Success

  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix unconventional colors together—sometimes the best shades come from unexpected combinations.
  • Start Small: Begin with small amounts of each lipstick to avoid wasting product while you experiment.
  • Consider Undertones: Pay attention to the undertones of the lipsticks you’re mixing. For instance, mixing a warm-toned and a cool-toned lipstick might give you a more neutral shade.


B. Use Concealer for Precise Application

For a clean and polished look, outline your lips with a concealer after applying your lipstick. This not only defines your lips but also prevents the color from bleeding. Additionally, if you want to slightly alter the shape of your lips, you can use the concealer to create the illusion of a fuller or thinner pout.

Achieving perfectly defined lips can elevate your entire makeup look, and concealer is a powerful tool to help you do just that. Here's how to use concealer for a flawless and precise lipstick application:

1. Prep Your Lips

Before applying lipstick, ensure your lips are smooth and hydrated. Exfoliate with a gentle lip scrub to remove any dead skin, and follow up with a lip balm. Allow the balm to absorb for a few minutes, then blot away any excess with a tissue.

2. Apply Your Lipstick

Start by applying your chosen lipstick as usual. You can use the lipstick bullet directly or apply it with a lip brush for more control. Carefully follow your natural lip line, filling in your lips completely.

3. Outline with Concealer

Once your lipstick is applied, it’s time to define the edges with concealer. Choose a concealer that matches your skin tone or is slightly lighter. Using a small, flat brush or a precision concealer brush, pick up a tiny amount of concealer.

4. Sharpen the Edges

Carefully outline the edges of your lips with the concealer. Begin at the cupid's bow and work your way down to the corners of your mouth, then outline the bottom lip. This step helps to clean up any uneven lines or smudges from the lipstick application, giving your lips a sharp, defined look.

5. Blend the Concealer

After outlining, gently blend the concealer into your skin using a clean brush, a makeup sponge, or your fingertip. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the lip line and the surrounding skin, without any visible harsh lines. Be careful not to disturb the lipstick while blending.

6. Set with Powder (Optional)

To ensure the concealer stays in place and your lip line remains sharp throughout the day, you can lightly dust translucent powder over the edges of your lips using a small brush. This will also help prevent the lipstick from feathering or bleeding outside the lines.

Additional Tips

  • Correcting Mistakes: If you accidentally overdraw your lips or make any mistakes while applying lipstick, the concealer can act as an eraser to correct the shape and create a cleaner finish.
  • Fuller Lips Illusion: For those looking to make their lips appear fuller, use the concealer slightly outside your natural lip line before applying lipstick. This technique subtly enhances the size of your lips.
  • Highlighting: To add extra dimension, you can use a slightly lighter concealer shade on the cupid's bow and the center of the bottom lip, which will make your lips pop and catch the light beautifully.

By incorporating concealer into your lipstick routine, you can achieve a professional, precise look that lasts all day, making your lips the focal point of your makeup.


C. Turn Your Lipstick Matte

If you have a favorite glossy lipstick but want a matte finish, there’s no need to buy a new product. Simply apply the lipstick as usual, then place a tissue over your lips and dust a translucent powder over the tissue. This will absorb the shine and give your lips a sophisticated matte look.

Matte lipstick has a sophisticated, long-lasting appeal, but you don't always need to buy a new matte lipstick to achieve the look. You can easily transform any glossy or satin-finish lipstick into a matte finish with a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply Your Lipstick

Start by applying your favorite lipstick as you normally would. You can use the lipstick bullet directly or a lip brush for more precision. Make sure the application is even and covers your entire lips.

2. Blot Excess Shine

To remove excess shine and prepare your lips for the matte effect, gently blot your lips with a tissue. Simply press the tissue against your lips to absorb any extra product and reduce the glossy finish. This step also helps to set the color and prevent it from transferring.

3. Place a Tissue Over Your Lips

Take a single layer of tissue and place it over your lips. This layer should be thin enough to let powder pass through but thick enough to protect your lipstick from direct contact with the powder.

4. Dust Translucent Powder

Using a fluffy makeup brush, pick up a small amount of translucent setting powder. Lightly dust the powder over the tissue-covered lips. The translucent powder will pass through the tissue and set the lipstick, absorbing any remaining shine and giving your lips a matte finish.

5. Remove the Tissue and Touch Up

Carefully remove the tissue. Your lips should now have a smooth, matte appearance. If necessary, touch up any areas where the lipstick might have faded during the process. You can also repeat the powder application if you want an even more matte effect.

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Powder: Use a finely milled translucent powder that won’t leave a white cast on your lips. Avoid using too much powder to prevent your lips from looking dry or cakey.
  • Layer for Intensity: If you want a more intense matte look, you can apply a second coat of lipstick and repeat the blotting and powdering process.
  • Hydrate Your Lips: Matte finishes can sometimes emphasize dryness, so make sure your lips are well-moisturized before applying lipstick. However, avoid using too much balm immediately before applying the lipstick, as it can make the matte effect less effective.

Alternative Method: Mattifying Lip Topper

If you prefer not to use powder, you can also achieve a matte finish by applying a mattifying lip topper. These products are designed to transform any lipstick into a matte version without altering the color.

By following these simple steps, you can easily turn any lipstick in your collection into a chic, matte version, giving you the versatility to switch up your look without needing to buy new products.


D. Lipstick as Blush

In a pinch, your lipstick can double as a blush to bring a cohesive color story to your face. Dab a small amount of lipstick onto the apples of your cheeks and blend it out with your fingers or a makeup sponge. This hack is especially handy when you’re on the go and don’t want to carry multiple products.

Sometimes, you might find yourself without a blush on hand, or you might want a cohesive look with matching lip and cheek colors. In these cases, using lipstick as blush is a great option. It’s a quick and easy way to add a flush of color to your cheeks while ensuring your makeup look is harmonious. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Lipstick

Pick a lipstick shade that complements your skin tone and works well as a blush. Generally, creamy or satin-finish lipsticks are best suited for this purpose because they blend easily and have a natural finish. Shades of pink, peach, or coral often work well for most skin tones.

2. Apply to the Cheeks

There are a couple of ways to apply lipstick as blush:

  • Direct Application: Lightly dab the lipstick directly onto the apples of your cheeks. This method works best if the lipstick is creamy and easy to blend. Apply in small dots or short strokes.

  • Finger Application: If you prefer more control, apply the lipstick to your fingertip first, then dab it onto your cheeks. This allows you to build up the color gradually and avoid applying too much product at once.

3. Blend It Out

Using your fingers, a makeup sponge, or a blush brush, gently blend the lipstick into your skin. Start from the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards towards your temples. Make sure the color is evenly distributed and there are no harsh lines. The key is to blend well to achieve a natural, flushed look.

4. Set with Powder (Optional)

If you have oily skin or want to ensure that the color lasts all day, you can lightly set the lipstick blush with a translucent powder. Use a fluffy brush to dust a small amount of powder over your cheeks, which will help to lock in the color and reduce shine.

5. Match Lips and Cheeks

One of the benefits of using lipstick as blush is that it allows you to match your lip and cheek colors perfectly. After applying the blush, use the same lipstick on your lips for a cohesive, monochromatic look.

Tips for Using Lipstick as Blush

  • Less is More: Start with a small amount of lipstick and build up the color as needed. It’s easier to add more product than to tone it down if you’ve applied too much.
  • Experiment with Shades: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lipstick shades as blush. You might discover a new favorite that you wouldn’t have thought to try otherwise.
  • Hydration: Ensure your skin is well-moisturized before applying lipstick as blush to help the product blend seamlessly and avoid patchiness.

Using lipstick as blush is a versatile, on-the-go solution that can add a natural flush of color to your cheeks, helping to unify your makeup look with minimal products.


5. Create Ombre Lips

Ombre lips are a stunning way to add depth and dimension to your makeup. Start by applying a darker shade on the outer corners of your lips and a lighter shade in the center. Blend the colors where they meet to create a gradient effect. This technique not only makes your lips look fuller but also adds an artistic flair to your overall look.

Ombre lips are a stunning way to add depth, dimension, and a touch of artistry to your makeup look. This technique involves blending two or more colors to create a gradient effect on your lips, typically transitioning from darker at the edges to lighter in the center. Here’s how you can achieve the perfect ombre lips:

1. Prep Your Lips

Start by ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated. Exfoliate with a gentle lip scrub to remove any dead skin, and apply a moisturizing lip balm. Blot any excess balm with a tissue to create a smooth canvas for your lipstick.

2. Apply a Lip Primer or Concealer (Optional)

To make the colors pop and ensure they last longer, apply a lip primer or a small amount of concealer over your lips. This step also helps to neutralize your natural lip color, making it easier to create a strong contrast between the shades.

3. Choose Your Colors

Select two or more lipsticks that work well together. Typically, a darker shade is used on the outer edges, and a lighter shade or a contrasting color is applied in the center. For a classic ombre look, you might choose a deep red or burgundy for the outer edges and a lighter pink or nude for the center.

4. Outline Your Lips with the Darker Shade

Begin by applying the darker lipstick shade to the outer edges of your lips. Carefully outline your lips, focusing on the corners and the outer part of your upper and lower lips. You can use a lip brush for more precision or apply the lipstick directly from the bullet. Make sure the outline is well-defined but not too thick.

5. Apply the Lighter Shade to the Center

Next, apply the lighter lipstick shade to the center of your lips. Start from the middle of your lower lip and blend it outward toward the darker edges. Repeat the same process on your upper lip. The lighter color should overlap slightly with the darker shade to create a seamless gradient.

6. Blend the Colors

To create the ombre effect, blend the two shades where they meet. You can use a clean lip brush, your fingertip, or gently press your lips together to blur the transition between the colors. The goal is to create a soft, gradual gradient without any harsh lines.

7. Refine the Edges

If needed, use a concealer or a lip liner in a shade close to your skin tone to clean up any mistakes and sharpen the edges of your lips. This step will help your ombre lips look neat and polished.

8. Add a Finishing Touch (Optional)

For extra dimension, you can dab a bit of gloss or a lighter, shimmery shade in the very center of your lips. This will make your lips appear fuller and give a subtle shine to the ombre effect.

Tips for Perfect Ombre Lips

  • Contrast: For a more dramatic look, choose shades with a high contrast. For a subtle ombre, select colors that are closer in tone.
  • Blending: The key to a successful ombre lip is blending. Take your time to ensure the transition between colors is smooth.
  • Layering: If the colors aren’t intense enough, layer the lipsticks to build up the pigmentation. You can also add a third shade for a more complex gradient.

Ombre lips are a versatile makeup look that can be adapted to any occasion, from bold and edgy to soft and romantic. With practice, you’ll be able to create a beautifully blended ombre effect that adds depth and creativity to your makeup routine.


With these five lipstick hacks, you can easily introduce variation into your makeup routine and keep your look fresh and exciting. Whether you’re creating a custom shade or experimenting with an ombre effect, these tips will help you stand out and express your unique style. So, go ahead and play with your lipstick collection—you might just discover a new favorite look!