Can You Use Lipstick as Eyeshadow?

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Adding your favorite lip color instantly lifts your mood; a quick swipe creates a new you! We have noticed makeup artists using lipstick for various purposes over the last few years. Lipstick can do it all, from contouring with brown lipstick to blushing with a pink one.

Can you use lipstick as eyeshadow?

Lipstick has lots of “hack” uses, including as a substitute for blush. It may not have crossed your mind to use it as an eyeshadow, but it is possible!

Is it safe and does it look good? It can certainly look good, but you don’t want to do it too often, and you need to make sure you’re using natural, eye-safe lipsticks.

We’ll go over all that below!


Contents

Does Lipstick Work as Eyeshadow?

If you want to try this trick, it’s best to use liquid lipstick. The texture allows it to be added smoothly.

The problem is that liquid lipstick dries fast, so it can be difficult to use it for blending. Also, since lipstick needs to be waterproof, it tends to stay in place for a longer period of time.

Using it as an eyeshadow also means the color won’t fade even when you are out and about. 

If you want to try this trick, it’s best to use liquid lipstick. The texture allows it to be added smoothly.

Lipstick allows for a large range of palette colors, from neutral tones like browns to bold, bold colors like reds, blues, and pinks.

You can create different looks from professional to wild party animal.


How to Apply Lipstick to the Eyelids

Applying lipstick to your eyes is pretty simple and straightforward. 

Step 1

Choose a lipstick color that you like. The creamy textured ones work a little better and are easier to apply. It will be difficult to apply a matte finish lipstick as it will dry quickly.

You can test what types you prefer and work better with your skin, such as matte or liquid.

Step 2

You need to apply a primer to your eyelids. This will ensure that any oil from the eyelids won’t wreck the makeup. A primer that offers a matte finish is the better option.

Step 3

Once you have done the primer with clean hands, you need to add some lipstick to your eye with your fingertips. Dab this onto your eyelids, then blend it with an eyeshadow brush.

Step 4

Start with small amounts and add more as you go. The more you add, the bolder the look. Add the same lipstick to your lips if you like the monochrome look.

Have a play-around. Mix and blend colors. Add more, add less and see what looks and designs you can create. Simply use a make-up wipe to remove the lipstick from your eyes.


Is Lipstick Safe to Use on Eyelids?

Whenever you buy lipstick, you’re purchasing a product designed for your lips. You may be tempted to think it’s harmless. After all, if it’s safe around your mouth, shouldn’t it be okay on your eyes?

However, applying lipstick to your eye area poses risks because many red pigments used in lipstick can cause irritation or an allergic reaction to your eyes, as they are not approved for use around the eye area. 

Many red pigments used in lipstick can cause irritation or an allergic reaction to your eyes, as they are not approved for use around the eye area. 

You should avoid mixing cosmetics for your eyes with those for your mouth, as well as keep an eye out for harmful ingredients.

In the unlikely event of a serious reaction, seek medical attention.

All lipsticks are not created equal with regard to being worn as eyeshadow. Some of these products can even be harmful – as these products may contain carmine. This is a dye that may cause allergies and stain your skin. 

To keep your eyes safe, you should choose formulas labeled “eye-safe,” like Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick ~ Androgyny , which have a beautiful color palette. This lipstick is deemed safe for the eyes and better for your body than other types.

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick ~ Androgyny
  • Jeffrey Star velour lipstick
  • Brand New Velour Liquid Lipstick
  • Androgyny - SOLD OUT COLOR
  • Matte Color with Long Staying Power
  • 100% Vegan Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free &...

Choosing a Safer Lipstick for the Delicate Eye Area

Suppose you really insist on wearing lipstick as an eyeshadow. In that case, there are some things you can do to ensure the safety of your eyes. 

First, always apply a new lipstick to your eyes to be sure there are no lingering bacteria on the lipstick.

Secondly, knowing the safe, natural ingredients to look for on the packaging makes it safer for your eyes.

Natural plant oils are coconut oil, sesame seed, cocoa butter, and avocado. These oils will help the skin to retain water.

Cinnamon can be a good one to use that is safe for the eye area in small quantities and can work to diminish the fine lines in the skin.

Vitamin E is a natural preservative that can help to heal skin with its powerful antioxidants. Vitamin E is included in many eye and face creams.


Risks When Using Lipstick for Eyeshadow

Unfortunately, our mouths are a breeding ground for a lot of bacteria. Don’t use other people’s lipsticks as contagious bacteria like cold sores can be transferred from the lipstick to your eye, leading from acne to infections within the eye such as styes and the staph infection.

The same thing is true when using lipstick as blush.

Such beauty products like lipstick need to be stored correctly. If left in warm, moist places, they can harbor mold and bacteria. The eyes are delicate, so applying lipstick with mold or bacteria on it can cause serious eye infections.

In addition to heavy metals and lead, lipstick also contains harmful dyes and pigments, and higher levels of alcohol (to make them last longer).

Also found fats (but no whale sperm!), waxes, emollients, and oils to prevent them from drying out.

The eyes are surrounded by very delicate skin, so ingredients at high levels can irritate them badly and cause scarring.

The eyes are surrounded by very delicate skin, so ingredients at high levels can irritate them badly and cause scarring.


Conclusion

You can certainly wear lipstick as an eyeshadow, and it happens to work very well. But, unfortunately, it is not very healthy nor recommended to do so. If you have a special occasion, then do it every now and again, and choose the right lipstick.

It may be ok, but not for an everyday routine. 

Always spot test the lipstick on your skin in a sensitive area first before applying it to your eyes. Remember, just because it works for your lips with no problems doesn’t mean it will be allergen and problem-free for your eyes.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).