How to Apply Lipstick Without It Coming Off

Apply lipstick in a mirror positioned in a well-lit room.

Lipstick enhances your lips and draws attention to your mouth. It can change the shape of your mouth, and the right shade of lipstick can make your teeth appear whiter. However, eating food and drinking beverages over the course of the day can erase your lipstick. Constantly reapplying lipstick can be a nuisance. To avoid this, use the right products and application technique in the morning.

Things You'll Need

• Foundation
• Makeup sponge
• Lip liner
• Paper tissues
• Lipstick
• Powder

Instructions

1. Apply facial foundation to your lips, using a color similar to your skin tone. Use a makeup sponge to distribute the foundation evenly over your lips. The thin layer of foundation fills in lip lines, and gives your lipstick a solid base to adhere to.

2. Outline your lips with a lip liner in a similar color as the lipstick you will be applying. Fill in the outline with the lip liner, so the entire lip surface is covered. As an alternative, use a nude lip liner that matches the natural color of your lips. The lip liner pigment makes your lipstick color last longer.

3. Blot your lips with a paper tissue to remove excess lip liner.

4. Apply the lipstick of your choice to your lips directly from the tube. Use a long-lasting lipstick formula, or a formula that contains pearl pigments. Avoid creamy or glossy formulas, because these fade and come off quickly.

5. Blot your lips with a paper tissue to remove excess lipstick.

6. Add another coat of lipstick. By layering the color on your lips, you help it last longer.

7. Insert your index finger into your mouth as far as you can. Close your lips around your finger. Pull your finger out of your mouth. As you remove your finger any excess lipstick on the inside of your lips is removed. This prevents lipstick coming off on your teeth.

8. Dust loose, translucent facial powder over your lips. Smile with your lips closed, and lightly dust the powder over your lip surface with a large powder brush. The powder helps set the lipstick.

Tips & Warnings

• Rub a moist washcloth over your lips twice a week to keep the surface of your lips smooth. Apply lip balm after buffing your lips.

References

• O, The Oprah Magazine: How Can I Make My Lipstick Last Longer?
• Allure: How to Make Lipstick Last
• Good Housekeeping: Whiten Your Teeth at Home