It seems like the beauty world always has one of those “too good to be true” hacks, but I gotta say—The Lip Balm Trick for Dewy Cheeks just might be one of the few that actually slaps (and by slaps, I mean it’s lowkey genius). The concept? Super simple! Grab a lip balm—yeah, that tiny lil stick that’s probably hiding at the bottom of your bag—and BOOM, you’ve got dewy, juicy-looking cheeks that even the fanciest makeup brands can’t compete with.
So, let’s talk about this trick and why you’ll 100% want to start doing it yourself ASAP. If you’re tired of your cheeks looking dry, patchy, or just meh after your makeup routine, the lip balm trick is gonna be your new go-to.
What Exactly Is the Lip Balm Trick?
Okay, I hear you—how can you use lip balm on your cheeks? Isn’t it just for your lips? I thought so too, but trust me, it WORKS. And it’s not weird, I promise. Basically, after applying your blush or bronzer, you take your fave lip balm (preferably a clear or barely-tinted one) and apply it to the high points of your cheeks.
This works because lip balm has all the hydrating, skin-loving ingredients that give your lips that moisturized and healthy glow. So, when you put small amounts on your cheeks, you create that wet skin look that screams “dewy queen.” It’s like having a highlighter, but more natural and less glittery.
What Kind of Lip Balm Should You Use?
Alright, now before you run off and smear any old lip balm on your face, let’s get one thing straight: not every lip balm is meant for dewy cheeks.
Here’s a quick table to break down how to choose the best one:
| Lip Balm Type | Yay or Nay? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Vaseline-based | Yay | Soft, light shine; good for sensitive skin. |
| Tinted balms | Maybe | Might work, but may alter blush colors. Use with caution! |
| Shimmer/glitter balms | Possibly | If you vibe with extra sparkle, go for it. |
| Minty/Hydrating balms | No | These might irritate your cheek skin (uh, ouch!). |
Stick to something simple: clear or lightly tinted without too many fancy ingredients like mint or menthol.
How to Use Lip Balm for Dewy Cheeks Like a Pro
Okay, so let’s talk technique, because while this hack is simple enough, placement is everything. Here’s how to master it:
- Start with clean skin: Whether you’re wearing foundation or going fresh-faced, make sure your skin is clean and ready to glow.
- Apply blush first: Powder or cream blush doesn’t matter. Apply your blush where you usually would—on the apples of your cheeks for a flirty look or higher on the cheekbones for that model vibe.
- Add the balm: Using clean fingers (because dirty fingers are just NOT cute), dab a tiny bit of lip balm on the uppermost part of your cheekbones. Imagine where the light would hit if you were glowing from within. Ya feel me?
- Blend, blend, blend: This part is key. Blend the balm in soft, swirling motions until it melts into your skin. You don’t want to look greasy, just glowy.
- Optional: Set with a light powder: If your skin tends to lean oily throughout the day, feel free to dab a teeny-tiny bit of translucent powder on the areas of your face where you don’t want to be shiny. Just keep the cheeks glowing!
Why You’ll Love This Trick (and Your Wallet Will Too!)
So, why do I stan this trick so hard? Glad you asked:
- Super budget-friendly. Instead of shelling out like $30+ for a high-end dewy skin product, just crack open that lip balm you already own. I’ve used everything from $2 drugstore balms to fancier ones, and they all bang.
You don’t need to break the bank to have a glowing makeup look.
- Saves time. You can literally do this in under 10 seconds. Instead of trying to layer tons of highlighter and hope it blends seamlessly, just dot and go.
- It’s multi-purpose. Look, if you’re like me, you love products that can handle double duty. A lip balm for the lips, cheeks, and even cuticles? Mess-free genius.
-
Touch-up friendly. Throughout the day, if your face is feeling a little “meh”, just whip out your handy lip balm and refresh those cheeks. Easy.
What NOT to Do with This Trick
As much as I love this trick, there are definitely a few pitfalls that I wanna save you from:
- Don’t use too much balm. It can be tempting to go all-in, but seriously, a little goes a long way. Start small and build it up.
- Don’t mix with oily skin. If you already struggle with oily skin and are constantly blotting throughout the day, this may not be your best move. You don’t wanna look greasy. Trust.
- Don’t try balms with tingly ingredients. If it has peppermint or menthol in it, save it for your lips. You don’t want that on your face. No one wants their cheeks to burn or get irritated, okay?
Want a Color Boost? Try Tinted Balm
Feeling a little extra today? If you want your dewy cheeks to have some hint of color, you can always try a tinted balm. This works especially well if you’re into a more natural look. Pick a tint that’s similar to your blush, dab it on, and blend it out to add both shine and a touch of color at the same time.
But here’s something to keep in mind: don’t go overboard with the pigment. Most people’s cheeks already have some natural rosiness, so unless you’re going for a super flushed, editorial vibe, keep it soft.
One I’ve used and love? The Glossier Balm Dotcom in Rose. It’s got a soft pink tint, and it makes your cheeks look so fresh, dewy, and just a little bit colorful without trying too hard.
Dewy Cheeks for All Skin Tones
Now, before you start thinking this hack might only be for certain skin tones, let’s debunk that real quick. This hack works beautifully across the spectrum, from the palest of porcelain babes to the deepest of skin tones. But here’s the catch: make sure the lip balm you’re using complements your skin.
For darker skin tones: try lip balms with warm undertones if you’re going for a color tint, but if you’re just sticking with a clear balm for shine, you’re good with any.
For lighter skin tones: soft pink tints can work nicely, but again, if you’re sticking with a clear balm, you’re set.
Celebs Do It Too
This trick isn’t reserved for us regular folks either. I mean, have you SEEN Hailey Bieber’s makeup lately? That “dewy dumpling” look she’s always rocking definitely involves techniques like this. Same for Zendaya and even Rihanna (duh!). Dewy cheeks are a LEWK right now, and it’s one we all can achieve sans luxury products.
You don’t need high-end products to look high-end—it’s all in the technique!
Final Thoughts on the Lip Balm Trick
Y’all, the lip balm trick for dewy cheeks is life-changing. It’s quick, affordable, and most importantly—it looks good. You don’t need to blow your budget on expensive highlighters to glow up your look. All you need is a lip balm, which 99% of us already have lying around (seriously, I probably own like 12 lip balms, don’t judge).
Give it a try next time your makeup routine needs a little boost. I promise you’ll be shook at how easy and effective it is. Plus, who doesn’t love making beauty hacks that actually work part of their regular routine?
So, are you trying this?? What kind of lip balms are you gonna experiment with? Shoot me a DM or drop a comment on my socials to lemme know how it goes!💄✨
