Put On This Lip & Cheek Tint, and Prepare for Compliments

I have a new favourite cream blush, and people keep asking me about it (which I presume means it's a keeper).

And actually, it's not just a blush—it can do double-duty on lips, too. Allow me to introduce you to Lipstick Queen's Oxymoron Lip & Cheek Tint in the latest shade, Open Secret.

I also happen to think it's the BEST shade so far in this Oxymoron line. The others—dusky rose, peach and pinky brown—are all so neutral. Whereas this… this is a pop of face-brightening peony pink. 

And it's matte, to boot! They actually named the range Oxymoron because it means two opposites together (for example, matte and gloss). So with this, you get the smooth, light feel of a gloss but in the finish of a matte. It's a really neat concept—I like to think of it as a modern take on old-fashioned “rouge”.

Y'all will remember Lipstick Queen's gorgeous packaging from the last time I reviewed one of their wares (the awesome Jungle Queen coral lipstick). This product is just as pretty, coming in a matte gold circular compact: 

On the inside, Open Secret is a vibrant pink cream:

Now, don't worry—once you blend, it really doesn't look this loud on your skin or lips. Somehow, it's a lot darker in the compact than it appears on my face. 

On the cheeks, the result is actually quite soft and subtle, like a natural flush from within. On the lips, it becomes an almost Mod-ish matte pink—without being pale and unflattering, like most light pinks can be. 

Here it is on me:

I'm also wearing it as blush in all of these posts: the hot pink liquid liner dare, the Fresh Sugar Tulip review, the Clarins 3-Dot Liner review, the Marc Jacobs Kiss Pop review and the Tarte Tinted Brow Gel review. You know… in case you want to see more examples of how it looks!

Now, a few more important points. First, you might think this product is the same as another popular two-in-one, Stila's Convertible Color. It's NOT. I've never gotten the hype over the Convertible Colors, as I find them terrible sticky and easily smeared. Lipstick Queen Oxymoron is much drier and thinner, with a more natural finish—and I've found the wear time is excellent. It really doesn't budge from your face 'til you want to wash it off.

There's a bit of a trick to the application, I've found. Even though Lipstick Queen says to dab it on your cheeks with your fingers, I had to adopt a slightly different method than I usually use with cream blushes. What I do is PAT it on—like literally, I tap my fingers on my cheeks, with no rubbing at all. Then I take my blush brush and I gently blend it all out. This way, the colour goes exactly where you want it, and you don't end up depositing too much (which was happening when I used my fingers or dipped the brush directly into the compact).

While I LOVE this pink on both cheeks and lips, it's a little easier to work with on the cheeks. As with any matte formula, it can settle a bit into the lines or dry bits on your lips, so you'll always have to spread it out with a fingertip. Using it with a bit of non-shiny lip balm definitely helps. (I like L'Occitane's Shea Butter a lot.) Somehow, Open Secret also seems to make lips look bigger, as an added bonus!

I think this shade would work well on anyone from fair to medium skin; just deepen the intensity to the level you need it. Considering you get two products in one, the price is also pretty sweet!

Where to Buy

Find Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Lip & Cheek Tint in Open Secret at the following retailers:

• Barneys
• ULTA Beauty
• LipstickQueen.com

Have Your Say

Have you tried Open Secret? What do you think of this colour? Found any other lip and cheek tints that are great?