Can lipstick be used as a blush: experts warn of side effects

There are many beauty life hacks online, but not all of them are effective and useful. For example, to create an attractive and radiant makeup, some makeup artists advise using a regular lipstick instead of blush: they say that it saves more money and provides better color saturation.

Of course, there are multi-purpose products, but not all lipsticks can serve as blush or eye shadow. Experts also believe that you should avoid using lipstick as a blush, as this life hack has a bad effect on the skin.

What is in lipstick?

Lip products usually contain a combination of waxes, oils, pigments, and emollients. Common ingredients include beeswax and carnauba wax, various oils (such as castor oil), colorants, fragrances, and moisturizers such as shea butter or lanolin.

Andrea Rachel Castelino, a dermatologist at DermaZeal, emphasized that lip products may also contain preservatives such as parabens, and if the product is designed to visually enhance the lips, it will also contain menthol or capsaicin.

Don't blindly follow trends. Dr. Castelino says that because lip products are more pigmented and contain fragrances, they are not recommended for use on the eyelids.

"The eyelids are made up of the thinnest skin in the body, and therefore the most sensitive. In addition, lipstick ingredients such as eosin dyes, menthol, or various acids can cause eyelid dermatitis," the dermatologist added.

Always give preference to products specifically designed for the target area to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Side effects

Dermatologists warn that using lip products on other parts of the face can lead to various side effects, including

• irritation - flavors or certain dyes can irritate more sensitive areas, such as the eyes or cheeks;
• Allergic reactions - misuse of lipstick with aggressive ingredients can cause redness, itching, or swelling;
• breakouts - some lip products contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and lead to acne;
• dryness - lip products often contain moisturizers that are suitable for the lips, but they may not provide sufficient hydration to other areas of the face, potentially causing dryness.

The intensity of the reaction also depends on the ingredients present in the lipstick and individual sensitivity to them. This is why some lipsticks can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people and not others.

Dermatologists usually advise caution when following beauty trends on social media, especially if they involve unconventional use of products. Here are some warnings:

1. Pay attention to ingredient compatibility. Lipsticks may contain ingredients that will cause irritation or allergies if they come into contact with other products on the skin.
2. People with sensitive skin should be especially careful. Before applying the products, it is recommended to conduct a patch test to check for adverse reactions.
3. People with certain skin conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis, should use gentle cosmetics with natural ingredients.
4. Hygiene issues: misuse of products can introduce bacteria, leading to infections or acne.

What to do instead

Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cosmetics if you want to use one product for multiple purposes. It is also advisable to avoid experimenting with products on the eyelids.

Instead of using lip products on other parts of your face, you should choose reusable products that are specially formulated and tested for use on multiple areas. This can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.