Makeup multitaskers
In the ever-growing world of beauty, it sometimes feels like our vanities are overflowing with products promising to do just one thing. A blush here, a lip color there, a shadow palette taking up more space than we’d like to admit. But the truth is, makeup has always been about bending the rules. After all, who hasn’t dabbed a favorite lipstick onto cheeks, or swiped a bronzer over eyelids to fake a little depth?
The mix of ease and creativity is what makes multi-use products so compelling. They’re not just about convenience (though slipping one sleek stick into your bag instead of three bulky compacts is a game changer). They’re also about creating a more effortless, modern approach to beauty—one that values convenience, play, and a little bit of creativity. They’re beauty’s equivalent of the perfect white shirt: endlessly versatile, always chic, and impossible to regret.
These multi-sticks deserve a spot in your kit, making your routine faster, easier, and infinitely more enjoyable.
NARS The Multiple
A true icon and for good reason. The story goes that Francois Nars once used a single lipstick on a model’s eyes, lips, and cheeks, and that playful improvisation sparked the idea for a product that could do it all. The concept first came about in 1996, and after a few years of perfecting, The Multiple officially launched in 2001—instantly changing the way we think about makeup.
Its creamy texture still holds up beautifully today: swipe it across cheeks for an instant flush, blend it over lids for a subtle wash of color, or dab it onto lips for that French-girl undone look. The shade Orgasm is practically a rite of passage, but the bronzy tones are gorgeous for adding a sunlit glow without ever stepping outside.
Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil
Think of this one as the Swiss Army knife of makeup crayons. Originally beloved by backstage pros, the Artist Color Pencil was designed to work literally everywhere — eyes, lips, brows, you name it. Makeup artists love to blur it across lids for a smudgy liner, fill in lips with bold precision, or even sketch faux freckles for that just-back-from-the-beach vibe.
It’s sleek, precise, and endlessly versatile, making it perfect for anyone who likes their makeup routine to feel a little more like playtime.
Pixi On-the-Glow Blush Stick
Pixi may be known for its Glow Tonic, but its multitasking blush stick is a gem hiding in plain sight. The On-the-Glow Blush gives you that juicy, dewy sheen that looks like you’ve just had the best nap of your life (or a really good facial).
It glides effortlessly over cheeks, adds a kiss of color to lips, and even perks up tired eyelids with a soft wash. Toss it in your bag and you’ll never have to fake looking well-rested again.
Ilia Multi-Stick
Clean beauty lovers swear by Ilia for its skin-friendly formulas, and their multi-stick is as chic as it is practical. The texture is creamy but not greasy, with shades that lean toward that modern, barely-there flush.
Think “no-makeup makeup” at its most polished: a single swipe on cheeks, lips, and eyes pulls everything together with a soft monochromatic glow. It’s the minimalist’s dream product—tucked into sleek white packaging that looks as good on your vanity as it does on the go.
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Stick
Born out of New York’s downtown cool-girl scene, Milk Makeup practically built its identity around stick formulas designed for quick, on-the-go application straight from the tube. The Lip + Cheek Stick embodies that ethos perfectly: fuss-free, fun, and flattering on just about everyone.
Tap it onto lips for a pop of color, blend onto cheeks for that healthy, just-danced-all-night flush, or layer it up for a bolder look. It’s makeup that feels effortless but still makes a statement.
RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek
RMS has always blurred the line between skincare and makeup, and their Lip2Cheek is a perfect example. Infused with nourishing oils, this little pot pulls double duty as a hydrating lip tint and a creamy blush.
The shades are rich and slightly glossy, giving that natural “lit from within” effect. Dab it on with fingers for a soft, lived-in look. It’s perfect for anyone who prefers makeup that feels like skincare.
Merit Beauty Flush Balm
Merit has built its reputation on “minimalist beauty,” and the Flush Balm captures that ethos perfectly. The dome-shaped stick feels almost playful to use; just a quick swipe and a tap of your fingers, and the color melts right in.
Though it’s marketed as a blush, the creamy formula blends so seamlessly that it works just as beautifully on lips or across lids. The finish is that kind of effortless radiance that makes you look fresh, polished, and quietly luminous.
Clinique Chubby Stick
Few products are as instantly recognizable as Clinique’s Chubby Stick. Its appeal has always been its simplicity: twist, swipe, and go.
The balmy formula glides on with just the right amount of sheer tint, making it nearly impossible to overdo. Perfect for tossing in your bag, it works as an easy lip color, a soft flush on cheeks, or even a quick touch of warmth across lids when you’re rushing out the door.
