We love multipurpose beauty products here at Milk, which is why we created our best-selling Lip + Cheek, which is simultaneously our best cream blush stick and lip color in the game. (I know, mind blown.)
In addition to radiant color payoff, ease is the name of the game when it comes to Lip + Cheek. "I can throw them in my makeup kit, personal makeup bag, or keep them in my glovebox," says Sara Wren, Milk Makeup Director of Artistry.
Since its initial launch (and by popular demand), we’ve added three new shades to our existing Lip + Cheek color range: Smirk, Enigma, and Muse. "These shades are really universal for all skin tones and great additions to the Lip + Cheek fam," says Sara.
So, what exactly is Lip + Cheek? Ahead, we break down the basics of these convenient multi-sticks, including how to use them in your makeup looks, what shades to consider, and more.
What Is Lip + Cheek?
First things first, it’s an incredible cream blusher. While powder or cream-to-powder blushes can sometimes appear dry or cakey (especially on dry or mature skin types), cream and liquid blushes blend seamlessly into skin for a glowy, lit-from-within appearance. We took that kind of formula and created our best cream blush stick. Even better? The two-in-one is also an equally gorge lip tint, as the name implies.
Lip + Cheek comes in 11 buildable, blendable shades, so you can achieve a vibe that’s natural-looking or more dramatic, depending on your mood. Made with moisturizing and nourishing skincare ingredients like mango butter, avocado oil, and apricot oil, it’s especially great for those with dry skin. But the hydrating formula still feels weightless, making it lovely for all skin types.
Sara loves the beauty product’s ease of use, and says it’s practically foolproof. "Cream formulas, like Lip + Cheek, are a great medium to work with," says the pro. "They blend easily and the pigment is super buildable which works whatever your skill level is with makeup." So no, you don’t need to be a makeup artist to get a gorgeous flush of color.
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How Do You Use Lip + Cheek?
The hydrating, creamy formula glides right onto cheekbones or lips. "You can apply right from the tube. For a softer look, I like to apply with my finger," says Sara. "I warm the product up with my middle or ring finger then push into the lips. This gives a pouty soft-focus, blurred lip effect I love." And though Lip + Cheek is long-lasting, the portable size means you can easily bring it with you for any touch-ups, whether you’re on a country backroad or walking in New York City.
As for blush, the makeup artist is all about applying it high up and heavily to brighten cheeks. "The high-placement, super-pigmented blush trend is my obsession right now," says the pro. "It’s a modern take on '70s-'80s blush. Those blown-out clouds of pinks, corals, and purples are super flattering, but the placement gives a lifted appearance to the face."
Lip + Cheek is great for creating a monochromatic look, but you can also layer the shades for added depth. "I love unexpected combos, like a berry and coral. I love shades Perk and Quickie together," recommends Sara. "If you want to start with something a bit softer, you can do Rally, a shimmer mauve, and blend it into Perk." No matter what shades you choose, adds the pro, "Blending is key here. Most colors look great layered—you just have to keep on blending."
Lip + Cheek has a naturally dewy finish, which you can play up by starting your routine with Hydro Grip Primer and using Highlighter for an added glow. If you have oily skin or are going for a more matte look, try swapping in Pore Eclipse Primer and accenting with our Matte Bronzer. The versatility of these buildable shades make them go with almost any look you can dream up. Never forget it: our blush stick plays well with others.
Which Shade of Lip + Cheek Should You Use?
WIth 11 blendable, buildable shades, there is a Lip + Cheek blush stick for everyone (and then some).
"For fair skin tones, I love shade Dash; for light to medium tones, I love Werk and Quirk; for deeper skin tones, Quickie and Swerve are perfect," Sara shares.
That being said, the universally-flattering Werk is a crowd favorite. "It's pink, but not too pink, it's neutral but not boring," explains Sara. "If you are new to cream blush, it's the perfect place to start because it’s so natural, but can be built up for a fresh flush cheek."
Then there are the newer shades, which Sara says are great in any makeup collection. "Smirk is going to be ideal for anyone who loves the best-selling shade Werk," says Sara, who explains that the base is similar, "with an added shot of shimmer to create an extra dewy look."
Then there’s Enigma: "It's a gorgeous beige-rose so it blends super well across many skin tones," says Sara. For a touch more drama, "Muse is that true deep burgundy—imagine it worn with a dark lip liner.” Perfection.
Ready to get started with Lip + Cheek? It’s just a swipe away.Meet the Expert
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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