How to Keep Lipstick From Feathering and Getting on Your Teeth

A lip gloss or emollient-rich lipstick is less likely to settle in lip lines.

Properly applying lipstick can be the difference between having a pretty pout and having a mouth with smudged lipstick. When lipstick bleeds and feathers into the little creases around the mouth, it accentuates and draws attention to wrinkles and lines. Additionally, lipstick on your teeth can be embarrassing when you discover it after the fact. To avoid worrying about your lipstick, create a matte base for it to adhere to, and remove any excess lipstick to keep it from getting on your teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Washcloth, soft toothbrush or lip scrub
• Water
• Primer
• Foundation
• Powder
• Lip liner
• Lipstick
• Paper tissue

Instructions

1. Exfoliate your lips to create a smooth surface and to eliminate fine lines and dry skin. Wet a washcloth with water and gently rub it over your lips in a circular motion. Avoid vigorously rubbing over your lips. As an alternative, use a soft toothbrush or a commercial lip scrub.

2. Apply lip primer to your lips. Lip primer smooths your lips and makes your makeup last longer. As an alternative, use a general facial primer on your lips. Wait 30 seconds so the primer can set on your lips and any moisture dissipates.

3. Dot foundation on your lips with your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Make tapping motions with your ring finger over the surface of your lips to distribute the foundation. Use foundation in a similar shade as the tint of your face.

4. Dust loose, translucent powder over your lips to create a matte base and absorb moisture. Avoid caking on the powder; keep it light.

5. Line your lips with a colorless lip pencil to create a barrier between your lips and the fine lines around your mouth. If you prefer, use a lip liner in the color of the lipstick you're going to apply.

6. Apply a coat of lipstick to your lips. Cover the entire surface of your lips, including the corners of your mouth. Follow the outline of the lip liner.

7. Blot your lips with a paper tissue. Place a paper tissue in between your lips and press your lips together on the paper. Remove the paper and dust your lips lightly with translucent powder.

8. Apply a second coat of lipstick to your lips and dust it lightly with translucent powder.

9. Place your index finger halfway in your mouth. Close your lips around your finger and pull your finger out of your mouth. This removes excess lipstick from the inside of your lips, so it can't get on your teeth.

References

• "O" Magazine; How to Prevent Lipstick Feathering; Valerie Monroe; July 2007
• Bella Sugar: How to Prevent Lipstick From Flaking, Caking and Feathering; May 2010
• "Good Housekeeping" Magazine: Whiten Your Teeth At Home