One of the biggest hassles about lipstick is how easily it can become a thing of the past. Even if you painstakingly apply it you can pretty much count on one hand the minutes that your pout is going to stay looking perfect.  So what’s a girl to do? Well read on and I’ll share some tips and tricks that have helped me to bond with one of the most elusive of cosmetics – lipstick:

As a general rule, lipsticks with metallic or shimmer formulas tend to last longer than cream shades. This is true with nail polish as well.  The texture of the shimmer seems to grip better, making for longer wear.  If you are wearing a cream formula – a bit of frosty shimmer eye shadow on the center of your bottom lip makes it look fuller and sexier, and can help color last longer, as well.

Follow these steps to make your lipstick last for the long haul:

1.  Exfoliate and Prime your lips.

Lipstick will adhere best when lips are smooth.  Use a specially designed lip scrub, a soft toothbrush or a damp washcloth to rid your lips of any dry, flaky skin.  Next, coat your lips with a waxy lip balm.  This helps lips retain moisture and will serve as the first coat of ‘anchor’ for your lip color.

2.  Apply lip liner.

Sharpen your lip liner and trace the furthest outer edge of your lips.  A liner the color of your own lips is best. If your hand is shaky, prop your elbow on a solid surface.  With the liner in a parallel position, use the side to fill in your entire lip area, top and bottom.

3.  Apply lipstick and blot.

For expert results, use a lip brush and begin apply lipstick in the middle of the lips, blending outward.  Forgo the corners of your lips because applying color there can give you a sort of ‘Joker’ look. Pretty…right?! As you talk your lipstick will get migrate to the corners of your mouth anyway, so don’t worry. If you don’t own a lip brush – use your finger and gently roll and press the lipstick on to your mouth.  Use a tissue to blot after the initial application, and then do another layer. At this stage, you can also place the tissue over your lips and dust a little loose powder on to it, then apply another layer of color.

Some women insist that foundation or concealer used on lips helps lipstick stay put. Be careful with colors choices here because once you apply foundation or concealer you have totally altered the natural shade of your own lips and you may find lipstick shades look totally different than before.  Various companies also make lipstick primers some claim to plump lips and keep them soft and smooth, while others contain SPF properties.

Here’s a great trick: Once you’ve followed the above application steps, pucker up, stick one finger inside your mouth and pull it out.  Any excess color will come out on your finger and not on your teeth ~ a real plus!

It’s nice to know that when you smile the whole world smiles with you, and if you have fabulous long lasting lipstick, all the better.

Tags: fabulous lips, lips, lipstick, makeup application, makeup tips