What is TikTok’s “lipstick pink” trend? And why is it so popular?
TikTok makeup artist FeliciaMarie, whose lipstick blush video has been viewed over 204,500 times, says that the trick involves using bright, red lipstick to contour. Apply your lipstick to your forehead, cheekbones and down the middle of your nose. Next, use a brush to blend it into your skin. Although it may look like the TikTokers are suffering from severe sunburns, the next steps are crucial for achieving the final result.
Once the lipstick is blended well, the first step is meant to be repeated using a bronze contouring stick (blended into the skin just like the lipstick) and followed by concealer. You will need to apply the lipstick under the eyes, on the cheekbones, in the middle of the nose, on the forehead, and on the chin. It’s then time to apply your foundation layer, and blend it out using a sponge or fluffy brush.
What’s the point of this? Although I don’t know the answer, it does make for a convincing flush that blends better with skin. It’s not like a layer of foundation on top, which can look doll-like, serious, or flat if you use powder. It’s getting traction among many TikTok stars and it’s certainly worth a try.
What is the TikTok “lipstick blush” technique? And does it work?
I started with bare skin except for a touch of a very light moisturizer (Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer), as there were many layers of makeup to follow and my skin gets clogged easily. The HIGHR Collective Lipstick in Chiltern was my choice for its rich, candy-red pigmentation and creamy texture. It is made with lots of plant-based oils that nourish the skin. It also stays on the lips. It was strange to use the tube to paint my face, and even more bizarre when it was incorporated into my skin. The Clede Beaute High Coverage Foundation Brush was my choice. It is one of the most high-quality blending brushes available. Although the bristles were soft and sturdy, they blended lipstick well. However, I must admit that it was not easy to use.
You can see that I also emerged with a lobster-esque skin tone. My cheekbones were well defined by the lipstick so I skipped contouring and went straight to using Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion concealer. Although I looked terrifying, almost like a ventriloquist, once I put everything together with my trusted Gucci Beauty fluide De Beaute Fini Naturel Foundation and did my eye makeup, it was easy to see the appeal.
The natural flushing on my cheeks looked completely natural and believable. I couldn’t deny that it gave me a lit-from-within glow. My forehead and nose looked a bit too sunburnt, so I wish I had avoided them. The multiple steps can be tedious so it wouldn’t be part of my everyday beauty routine. Perhaps next time, I will apply a little lipstick to my foundation for a sun-dappled look.
As TikToker Felicia said, the lipstick improved my skin texture, including my pores and acne scars. It’s not meant to be worn anywhere other than lips. If I was to attempt this trend again, I would suggest cream blush or liquid blush. They blend with the skin much better. You can also use a little to avoid the mass amounts of lipstick that everyone is using.
The new Hourglass Vanish Blush Stick is my favorite. It glides on like a cream, but feels more like powder when blended into skin. It gives a natural flush. It is also very pigmented and easy-to-mix. You can create a bold blush effect with a tiny amount, or something subtler depending on how much.
