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Applying lipstick is a fun way to transform your look and express your personal style. However, a little precision is needed to ensure the lipstick applies smoothly without smudging or fading quickly. Fortunately, there are simple and effective techniques to achieve a long-lasting and even lipstick application. This guide will help you look fabulous in no time!
Steps
The Perfect Lipstick Application
Apply a thin layer of lip balm to hydrate and smooth the lips. Lip balm keeps the lips from drying and peeling. It also smooths the surface of your lips by filling in uneven areas. Start applying the balm from the top center of your upper lip, moving towards the corners. Then, continue applying the balm to the lower lip, starting from the center and working outwards.
- Lip balm typically absorbs quickly. If your lips appear too glossy, simply use a tissue to gently blot off any excess before applying your colored lipstick.
Use a lip liner to outline your lips if you want to prevent your lipstick from smudging. While it's not mandatory to outline your lips, doing so helps to prevent lipstick from bleeding and shapes your lips. To apply lip liner, start by placing the pencil at the center of your upper lip's V-shape and slowly draw the line out to the corners of your mouth. Then, move the pencil to the center of your lower lip and extend the line towards the corners.
- Choose a lip liner that is either clear or in a shade close to your natural lip color for everyday use. These colors work well with any lipstick shade.
- If you prefer, you can use a lip liner that matches your lipstick color.
Another tip: To make your lips appear fuller, you can outline just outside the natural lip line with a lip liner that matches your lipstick. If you want your lips to look thinner, trace the line just inside your natural lip line, and then apply concealer to the edges of your lips.
Smile to ensure your lipstick is applied evenly. When you talk or move your mouth, the skin naturally stretches, causing the lipstick to appear uneven. To make sure your lipstick stays even, it's best to smile slightly while applying it.
- Try thinking of something that makes you happy.
Start applying lipstick from the center of your lips. The easiest method is to apply the lipstick directly from the tube. Position the lipstick at the V-shape of your upper lip. Gently dot the lipstick onto the V-shape and the fuller part of your lower lip.
- If you don't want to apply lipstick directly from the tube, you can use a brush or a clean fingertip. Take a small amount of lipstick with the brush or fingertip, then apply it to your lips. Start from the center and gradually move outwards to the corners of your mouth.
Swipe the lipstick from the center of your lips to the corners. Begin by applying the lipstick from the center of the V-shape at the top lip to one corner. Repeat the same on the other side of your upper lip. Then, place the lipstick in the center of your lower lip and apply it towards the corners.
- You can either apply lipstick in one smooth swipe from the center to the corners, or you can dot the lipstick on your lips. Choose the method that feels most comfortable for you.
Use your fingertip to apply a second layer of lipstick to any uneven spots. Check your lips to see if the lipstick is evenly applied. If you notice any uneven areas, gently use a clean fingertip to dab a bit of lipstick onto those spots. Repeat until your lips appear smooth and uniform in color.
- Avoid applying too many layers of lipstick, as it may clump and settle into the fine lines of your lips. Instead, focus on achieving even color by using your fingertip to apply a little more lipstick where needed.
Press your lips onto a tissue to remove excess lipstick. Fold a clean tissue in half and place it between your lips, with the crease facing inward. Gently press your lips together and then remove the tissue.
- Pressing your lips against a tissue prevents lipstick from transferring onto your teeth. It also helps the lipstick adhere better to your lips.
How to keep lipstick from fading
A simple option is to apply foundation to your lips before applying lipstick. Foundation helps the lipstick last longer without smudging. Additionally, it creates a smoother surface for your lips. You can simply apply your regular face foundation onto your lips, using a clean finger or a makeup sponge to blend it in.
- Mineral foundation is an excellent choice as the minerals help lock in the lipstick color.
Another option is to apply a primer. Primer helps to keep makeup in place for longer. It also smooths the skin's surface, including the lips. Just apply a small amount of primer to a clean fingertip and dab it onto your lips. Wait 1-2 minutes for the primer to absorb before applying your lipstick.
- If necessary, you can add more primer to your fingertip to cover both lips.
Set your lipstick with translucent powder for longer-lasting color. If you're using translucent powder to set your makeup, it can also help lock your lipstick in place. Dip a clean lipstick brush or eyeshadow brush into the powder, then gently tap the brush to remove excess powder. Lightly dust it over your lips to enhance the staying power of your lipstick.
- You don't need a lot of powder; too much can make your lipstick lose its smooth texture. The less powder, the better.
Try experimenting with different lipstick techniques.
Apply a bit of a lighter lipstick shade on top of a darker one for a plump effect. Start by applying your preferred lipstick color. Then, using your fingertip, dab a small amount of a lighter lipstick shade onto the center of both your upper and lower lips. Blend it evenly for a natural, fuller appearance. This technique will give your lips a plumper look.
- Your base lipstick doesn’t have to be a dark color. As long as the top layer is lighter, it will create the plumping effect.
Create an ombre lip effect using two shades of the same color. Begin by applying a lighter shade to your lips. Then, outline the outer edges with a darker lip liner. Finally, use a lipstick brush or clean fingertip to blend the liner and lipstick where they meet to achieve the ombre effect.
- For example, you could use deep red and light red shades.
Apply blush powder on your lips to achieve a matte lipstick effect. Choose a matte blush powder that matches your lipstick color. After applying your lipstick and lip liner, lightly tap your fingertip into the blush and dab it onto your lips. Continue until your lips are coated with blush powder, giving your lipstick a matte finish.
- Avoid blushes with shimmer.
- This method may not work with all lipstick colors since matching blushes are not always easy to find. Try shades of peach, pink, or bronze as they are the most versatile.
- If you can't find a suitable blush, you can try using a matte eyeshadow with a color similar to your lipstick.
Choose your lipstick color
Choose lipsticks with blue or purple undertones for cool skin tones. You have a cool skin tone if the veins under your skin appear blue and silver jewelry complements your appearance. Cool tones, such as those associated with winter, will suit you best. You can go for various lipstick colors, but they should have blue or purple undertones to highlight the natural hues of your skin and enhance your beauty.
- For example, deep red or plum shades will look great with your skin tone. You can also opt for soft nude tones like a light pink nude.
Opt for lipsticks with orange or yellow undertones if you have warm skin tones. You have a warm skin tone if the veins under your skin appear greenish and gold jewelry enhances your look. Warm hues, like those associated with autumn, will complement your skin tone. You can choose any lipstick with an orange or yellow undertone.
- For example, coral red or orange-red shades will work well for you. You could also try nude shades with a hint of yellow or orange.
Try various shades if you have a neutral skin tone. You have a neutral skin tone if your veins appear both greenish and bluish under your skin and both gold and silver jewelry suit you. In this case, most colors will look flattering on you. Choose lipstick shades that make you feel confident.
- If you want bold lips, try red or vibrant shades. For a more natural look, nude or soft pink shades would be great options.
Avoid red or dark lip colors if you have thin lips. Dark shades, including red, can make thin lips appear even thinner because of their narrowing effect. Instead, choose lighter shades or glossy lipsticks to make your lips look fuller.
- Instead of red, why not try a pink gloss? Similarly, swap out brown lipstick for a nude shade.
Avoid gloss or shimmer lipsticks if you have full lips. Glossy and shimmer lipsticks can make your lips appear even fuller. If you want your lips to appear slightly thinner, opt for matte lipsticks. This way, your lips will still look plump but not overly full.
- Try experimenting with different lipstick colors, but ensure they are matte in texture.
- Don't layer on extra gloss, as it will give your lips a shiny, full appearance.
Apply a lighter lipstick shade on your lower lips if you have a fuller upper lip. Lighter colors create a plumping effect, especially when paired with darker shades. If you have a fuller upper lip and a thinner lower lip, use this technique to balance your lips. Simply choose two complementary shades. Apply the darker shade to the upper lips and a lighter one on the lower lips for a more symmetrical look.
- For example, select two similar shades like berry or nude.
Apply nude lipstick on the top of your Cupid's bow to balance full lower lips. Even with fuller lower lips and a thinner upper lip, you can create balance. First, apply your lipstick as usual. Then, use your fingertip to dab a bit of nude lipstick on the center of your upper lip, just below the peak of your Cupid's bow. The lighter shade will make your upper lip appear fuller.
- Choose a nude shade that closely matches your natural lip color.
- Blend the nude lipstick with your regular lipstick using your fingertip for a seamless look.
Tips
- Matte liquid lipstick is ideal for places where you'll be drinking, as it won’t transfer to the cup.
- A lip primer helps add moisture and creates a barrier between your lips and the lipstick. With this barrier, your lipstick lasts longer and your lips stay hydrated.
- Always carry your lipstick, lip liner, and gloss so you can touch up whenever necessary.
- If you have dry lips, try using a tinted lip balm.
- Use a clear lip liner if you want to prevent your lipstick from bleeding. Clear lip liners contain waxy ingredients that keep your lipstick from smudging beyond your lip line.
Warning
- After a kiss, be sure to check that no lipstick marks have been left on your partner's face!
Items You Need
- Lipstick
- Lip brush (optional)
- Mirror
- Lip liner (optional)
- Lip balm
