published on Stories on Zalando
Multi-use products have changed the beauty game and are reshaping the way we think about — and use — makeup. In this THE PERFECT X episode, makeup artist Emily Wood joins us to share her expert tips, hacks, and lip and cheek wisdom.
Your makeup routine doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it can be as easy as reaching for one product that does more than one thing — like a lip and cheek tint. Quick to use and endlessly versatile, these multitaskers open up space for creativity. It’s no surprise they’ve taken over, with versions from beauty powerhouses to rising brands.
Still, not all tints are the same. Some are creamy, others water-based. Some pigments only need one application, while others build slowly. With so many options out there, the question is: Which one is right for you?
For this edition of THE PERFECT X, we turned to makeup artist Emily Wood. Best known for her finger-blended looks and for turning a single product into a full face, the self-proclaimed “face decorator” has built a devoted following. Her approach is playful and clever, rooted in knowing what makeup can actually do.
Here, she shares her best insider tips, makeup hacks, and ways to use lip and cheek tints — your shortcut to looking fresh, fast.
Extend your holiday glow
How does your wardrobe shift as you’re slowly transitioning from a summer holiday back to everyday life?
My wardrobe doesn’t change dramatically. It’s more about how much of it I wear. On holiday, I’ll take the same shirt I’d wear at home, but pair it with hot pants and loafers instead of trousers. Once I’m back and the weather cools down, it’s trousers and winter boots again.
What about your makeup routine?
When my skin is sun-kissed, I lean into the glow. I gravitate toward products that let my natural tone and texture shine through. I start with thorough skin prep and a great SPF, then keep the base airy and minimal. To mimic a faux sunburn effect, I use toasted peachy tints across the cheeks and nose, and even add a touch to the forehead — anywhere the sun would naturally hit. I finish with a lifted lash, a generous coat of mascara, and a soft, low-maintenance brown lip line for definition.
Can you share tips on how to use tints to recreate the holiday glow, even when we’re back in the office?
Use your tint on the bridge of the nose and high on the cheeks to mimic that sun-kissed flush. Tap the same tint onto the eyelids for a monochrome glow. It helps your face feel intentionally pulled together. I also love mixing a bit of tint with balm or highlighter and blending it over my shoulders and collarbones when they’re exposed. It gives that subtle, post-beach warmth without looking overdone.
Are cream-based or watery textures better when it’s still warm out?
It depends on what I need. If I’m filming, I go for bold, pigmented creams, but they can feel heavy or slip around in the heat. On warmer days, I prefer water-based tints that melt into the skin. They’re not as pigmented, but they leave the skin looking fresh and weightless.
Useful tips for using tints on post-sun skin, especially if it’s feeling dry or a bit sensitive?
Hydration is key. I always start with a barrier-repairing moisturiser, then apply tint with fingers or a damp sponge to avoid tugging. I completely avoid powders when my skin feels sensitive and let everything melt in naturally for a soft, seamless finish.
Ease into winter
When putting together this look, did you start with the makeup or the clothes?
Makeup always comes first. If I’m wearing something androgynous, like an oversized suit, I add contrast with glitter on the eyes. I love mixing strong tailoring with a pigmented, powerful eye look to create a paradox.
Do you prefer different textures and shades in your lip and cheek tint during the colder months?
Yes, definitely. In summer, I love fresh corals, in winter, I reach for mauves and burnt warm tones. I also shift to creamier, more emollient formulas that feel comforting on the skin and help prevent dryness or flakiness.
Lips or cheeks — do you highlight one over the other more during winter?
Cheek tint takes the lead in winter. When you’re layered up and only your face is visible, a strong flush brings it to life. Lips tend to get drier, so I focus more on building and layering cheek tints for a gradient effect that adds depth and warmth.
Do you apply your tints differently in winter?
Yes. In winter, I place tints lower and more inward on the cheeks to create that cosy, cold-weather flush. I also tend to use more product in winter since the skin can look a bit dull and needs more of a lift. In summer, I take it higher. I always run some across the nose, year-round.
Any tips for layering lip and cheek tints with skincare or richer bases without them sliding off?
Start with skincare and give it time to absorb. Then apply your tint before any powders. If I’m using a heavy moisturiser, I warm the tint between my fingers to help it grip better. Pressing the product works much better than swiping — and always build in light layers.
Get ready for a night out
How does your makeup style change for nights out?
In the evening, I bring more depth and definition. I add stronger contrast to anchor the face: A bolder highlight, more sculpted cheeks, and a deeper lip liner. Daytime is fluid and airy, nighttime is intentional and layered.
Any tips for making the lip and cheek tint last longer?
Start with a stain layer and let it dry before applying a second coat. For lips, blot between layers and finish with balm or gloss just in the center. For cheeks, set the tint with a matching powder blush — it’s my go-to trick for longevity.
Which comes first, tint or base? Should we be dabbing on tint before foundation and powder, or after?
Both, depending on the look. For a glow-from-within feel, I apply tint before foundation. For sharper definition, I do it after, but always before any powder.
Do you ever apply more than one tint at a time? How do you make that work for an evening look?
All the time. I’ll use a peachy tint on the cheeks and deepen it with a berry tone near the cheekbones. I like to sculpt with tints and play with dimension by adding darker tones to naturally contoured placements and lighter tones to highlighted areas.
For this look, did you plan your makeup to suit your outfit, or the other way round?
In this case, I went back in and added a deeper cheek to harmonise everything. Sometimes a small tweak is all it takes to tie the whole look together.