How to Apply Lipstick and Lip Liner

Lipstick adds the final touch to any makeup application. Lining the lips creates subtle definition and perfects the shape of the lips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Mirrors
• Facial Tissues
• Lip Balm
• Lip Brush
• Lip Liners
• Lipstick

1. Consider your lipstick color and finish. You'll do well with colors that match the natural shade of your lips, opting for darker tones that complement your overall coloring. Matte lipsticks offer a muted finish complementary to workday makeup, while satin and gloss finishes offer appealing evening looks.
2. Apply all other makeup before putting on lipstick and lip liner.
3. Begin by dabbing on a very small amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly to give your lips a little moisture.
4. Draw a thin line along the edge of your lips with a lip liner whose color is one shade darker than your lipstick. Start at the center of the upper lip and work outward. Hug the very outer edges to open up thin lips, and line well within the edges to downplay excessively full lips.
5. Apply lipstick from the tube or by using a firm, small lipstick brush. Coat the lips evenly. Pay special attention to staying within the lips' edges.
6. Blot to remove any excess color and to even out the texture.
7. Remember to touch lips up after a meal, as lipstick easily transfers onto coffee cups, water bottles and soda cans.

Tips & Warnings

• For longer-lasting lip color, shade both lips with lip liner after defining them. As lipstick fades throughout the day, the liner offers a hint of color before you have a chance to reapply.
• Balance heavy eye makeup with a soft lip color. Wear a rich and boldly colored lipstick to complement soft eye makeup.
• Give the illusion of a thicker top lip by lining its outermost edges and foregoing liner on the bottom lip.
• Chill lip liner for easier sharpening.
• Forego lipstick if you have a cold sore. Opt instead for a camphor-based lip balm to aid in healing.