Whether in fashion or beauty, I love investing in products that work hard. These are my top two multi-use makeup products and why I love them.
Beauty trends shift quickly, so it can be tempting to always buy new products while trying to get the perfect look. The truth is, more doesn’t always equate to better. As someone who champions sustainable fashion and beauty, I believe in a bag predominantly filled with multi-use makeup products. These products save money, space, and also reduce waste — important factors when you’re sustainability-conscious.
Research shows that the global beauty industry produces over 120 billion units of packaging annually, much of which ends up in landfill. For beauty lovers, that statistic is both sobering and motivating. It’s why I prefer multi-use products that minimise excess while still indulging in the fun and creativity of makeup. A lipstick that pulls triple duty as blush and eyeshadow, a powder palette that doubles as a contour kit — these are my favourite things.
In this article, I’m sharing two of my absolute favourite multi-use makeup products. You don’t need a 20-step routine to look and feel your best, just a few versatile products you can trust to do the job right.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink: more than just lipstick
The packaging of the product may have changed since I got mine, but the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink liquid lipstick is still a personal favourite. It has earned its place in my makeup bag. I use the shade 20 – Pioneer, which is the kind of bold red that flatters deeper skin tones without feeling overwhelming. I was excited when I tried out this shade because I always felt sceptical about the right shade of red lipstick for my skin tone. This one gives me an instant confidence boost. Additionally, it is long-lasting due to the fact that it’s matte, so I don’t have to worry about touch-ups.
Here’s my favourite part. This lipstick is far from one-dimensional. On days when I want a fresh, monochromatic look, I apply it onto my cheeks as an alternative to cream blush. Now, some might say I love blush a little too much, but I put it to you that there’s no such thing as “too much” with the right blush. Due to the matte finish and pigmentation of this lipstick, the strategy is to apply little and fast. With either your fingers or a beauty blender, take a little quantity and dab quickly across your cheeks. It blends beautifully and gives me a rosy flush I adore.
Sometimes, I also use a small amount on my eyelids, especially when I have no time for an eyeshadow primer or the full works. It gives an editorial look that just works. This is one of the multi-use makeup products I can’t do without.
Editor’s tip: If you are running low on time, use this product for your eyes, cheeks and as a lip liner with your lip gloss. Combined with just an eyeliner for your undereye, you’re good to go.
Read also: The power of red lipstick: A beauty writer’s guide to finding your signature shade
Vee Beauty powder palette: contour, brush, and go
As I mentioned, I abhor waste in any way. When I got a Maybelline pressed powder, there was no need to repurchase the Milani I previously used. I decided to get a powder palette and looked through a few. After getting expert advice from my vendor, I settled on the Vee Beauty Powder Palette. Her exact words were “You’ll use this product in different ways and it’s long-lasting”. I was convinced. It also retailed for a good price that’s worth the six shades it comes with. I’ve used this product for over a year, and it’s still serving me.
The beauty of a versatile powder palette is how it adapts to your needs. Some days it’s contour, other days highlighter and even bronzer. Mine has six shades of powder that work as a contouring kit, which is all I need. The darker shades sculpt my face, giving definition without harsh lines, while the lighter tones work as finishing powders. On days when I’m rushing out the door, I often skip setting powder altogether and simply rely on this palette to keep everything in place alongside a setting spray.
It’s fuss-free and effective, which is exactly how I like my beauty routine.
Read also: Travelling soon? Don’t pack without this makeup guide!
Multi-use makeup products are a beauty hack
I love a good beauty hack, and multi-use makeup products are that and more. They’re part of my commitment to sustainability. Instead of having a beauty shelf full of items that I rarely use, I prefer pieces that deliver maximum impact with minimal waste.
These products make beauty simpler, more creative, and a little kinder on the planet. What’s more chic than a makeup bag that’s efficient and stylish?
