By Ayanda Ntuli
Courtesy of Sunnies Face
There have always been two kinds of people identified when it comes to makeup: those who have mastered it and those who are not sure where to begin. However, there’s an often overlooked group in between these two extremes. They too are curious about makeup but feel overwhelmed by the endless products marketed as “must-haves” to achieve a complete look.
Imagine achieving a full face of makeup using lipstick alone? In today’s era of minimalist beauty and time-saving hacks, multi-purpose products have become the ultimate way to simplify your routine while staying on trend. This article explores how to do just that.
In 2021, makeup artists embraced the "one lipstick challenge", a trend that perfectly captured the rise of minimalist beauty and the growing popularity of multi-purpose products. As influencers showcased the hack, it quickly gained traction, with countless people trying it out and realising it was not just a viral trend, it was practical, too. However, the original challenge primarily used red lipstick, which sparks the question about inclusivity. While red works for some, darker skin tones may benefit more from a brown shade to achieve a balanced look. For a more inclusive approach, using two shades, red and brown, can create a full face of makeup that suits all skin tones, ensuring everyone can take advantage of this minimalist beauty trend.
Lipstick, at its core, is an incredibly versatile product. It comes in a variety of textures and shades, and can be applied to different parts of the face, making it the ultimate beauty multitasker. Often referred to as monochrome makeup, this technique allows you to achieve a cohesive look with minimal effort.
(left) Courtesy of Sunnies Face (right) @taontm, Courtesy of TikTok
The following five steps will help you achieve a full face of makeup using two shades of lipstick:
Prep Your Skin: Before applying any product, make sure your skin is prepped. This can include moisturising or using a primer, depending on your preference. For an extra touch, some opt to use a third lipstick shade that matches their skin tone to conceal spots or dark areas, giving the skin a more even, airbrushed look—though this step is optional.
Contour: A brown lipstick works beautifully as a contour. Its creamy texture often gives a dewy finish, blending seamlessly into the skin to create a natural, sculpted effect. Apply it to areas like your cheekbones, jawline, nose and forehead for that perfectly chiselled look. Adding dimension to your face.
Blush: It is no secret that lipstick has long been a reliable substitute for blush, producing the same dewy effect as today’s coveted cream blush formulas. For a soft, feminine glow, apply a small amount of red lipstick to the high points of your cheekbones, blending it with your fingers or a beauty blender. This dabbing technique creates a subtle, flushed finish, giving you that classic rosy-cheeked look that is so often sought after.
Eyeshadow: You don’t need an eyeshadow palette when lipstick can do the job. For a minimalist look, a touch of red lipstick on lighter skin tones adds warmth, while brown creates a soft, smoky effect on darker skin tones. Both shades stay true to the "no makeup" makeup look while adding dimension. Avoid matte or sticky lipsticks; a satin finish works best for smooth, comfortable wear. Apply lightly on the lids and smudge a bit under the eyes for subtle definition. This look is versatile for both day and night and can be adjusted for a soft or bold finish.
Lips: The final touch to complete your look is, of course, the lips and it’s the easiest step. Whether you choose red or brown depends on the overall vibe you're going for. Red gives a bold, classic finish, while brown offers a more understated, natural look. Simply swipe your chosen shade across your lips to tie everything together and bring balance to your face.
If you haven’t tried using lipstick for a full face of makeup yet, it’s definitely worth a shot. It is quick, versatile, and effortlessly simple. Lipstick might just be the most underrated beauty product and it could be all you need, whether you’re traveling or embracing minimalism in your everyday routine.
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