These multitasking lip and cheek stains are a spring makeup must-have

With warm, muggy heat replacing breezy, cool temperatures already, you’ll want to shave off some of the layers from your makeup routine. While makeup artists have always used lipstick as eyeshadow or blush backstage, traditional lipstick bullets can have a sticky consistency that is hard to blend IRL. Enter: lip and cheek stains, which glide on and melt into the skin to provide a subtle flush of colour that’ll feel light and look effortless. Available in pot and stick form, these stains are formulated to create a diffused, dewy glow that feels light-as-air on the skin. Plus, using a beauty twofer doesn’t just have aesthetic benefits—using just one product instead of two is a sustainable choice, as you can can cut down on packaging waste, and you’re more likely to actually finish the product before it expires.

Not sure how to make it work? Tap or swipe the colour onto the lips, and then apply onto cheeks and eyes with clean fingers. If the edges are strong, soften with a damp beauty sponge for best results. Scroll through for the best seamless multitaskers you can add to your repertoire.

Supergoop! Perk Up! Lip & Cheek Treat Broad Spectrum SPF 40

While a product that works double duty is amazing, one that also provides skincare benefits with UV protection is a game changer. For woke-up-like-this lips and cheeks, this goes on sheer, but settles into the skin almost immediately. It is free of parabens, sulphates, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, so you can slap it on and blend all over.

CliniqueFIT Lip + Cheek Flush

This super-sheer colour goes on silky smooth, and doesn’t result in any bleeding or fading once applied. It’s the ideal tube to throw into your gym bag, because of its small on-the-go size. If working out leaves you more red and sweaty then put-together, dab this on for an I-woke-up-like-this flush.

Etude House Dear Darling Tint

If you’re looking for a product that’ll last all night without budging, this one is perfect for you. A Korean lip tint work like a stain—once it is on, it won’t move. The liquid product stains your lips for long-lasting colour while remaining light and comfortable on your lips, so it won’t leave rims around your glass or get on your teeth. It works the same way on the cheeks as well—dab it on and blend in immediately.

Olio E Osso Balm

This won’t qualify as a lipstick or even a gloss—it is feather-light and comes in your-lips-but-better shades. The shape fits that of your lips, making it easy to apply wherever you are (even without a mirror.) Plus, it also mimics the shape of your cheekbone, so if you’re reaching for a bronze or brown shade, it could double as a contour stick.

Dior Lip and Cheek Stain

With the applicator, dab a little onto the cheeks and allow the product to melt in by massaging the skin with your fingers, using circular movements. The same application works for the lips, and as an eyeshadow if you’re trying the monochrome look.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lipcheek

While it might look bright and fluorescent in the bottle, this universal colour reacts to the skin’s pH to adapt to each skin tone and bring out a natural pink flush. The super emollient texture doesn’t settle into fine lines or creases, making it the perfect product for a long day out.

The Body Shop Lip And Cheek Stain

While most stains have an almost water-light consistency, this one is creamier, so it applies like a salve but dries down into a powder texture that works well on both on bare skin or over foundation. Serving as a lighter-handed approach to contouring, a light wash of colour can sculpt the cheekbones while acting as a balm to lips.

Milk Makeup Lip and Cheek Stick

This stick glides easily on the skin and lips, depositing a buildable wash of colour that barely even needs blending in. If you’re out and about and need something that works hands-off, this moisturising formula–with mango butter, peach nectar and avocado oil—might serve you well.

Also read:

The skincare, hair care and makeup products you need for post-gym plans

The beauty industry is trying to be less wasteful. Here’s what it looks like in India

Sustainable, vegan, inclusive: How to shop for beauty brands that support the same causes as you