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How to Apply Lipstick and Lip Liner

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(47 Ratings)
Apply Lipstick and Lip Liner
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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Mirrors
  • Facial Tissues
  • Lip Balm
  • Lip Brush
  • Lip Liners
  • Lipstick
  • Lipstick
  1. Step 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. Step 2

    Apply all other makeup before putting on lipstick and lip liner.

  3. Step 3

    Begin by dabbing on a very small amount of lip balm or petroleum jelly to give your lips a little moisture.

  4. Step 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. Step 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. Step 6

    Blot to remove any excess color and to even out the texture.

  7. Step 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.

Comments  

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HOTTIE45 said

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on 4/10/2008 don't use black and brown because it will make your eyes black.

HOTTIE45 said

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on 4/10/2008 you can just find the right color for you and that would look good on you.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 If you need a new lipstick color and are a bit strapped for cash, dab some eyeshadow on your lips and apply lip gloss (or Vaseline) on top for a instant new lip color.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 4/1/2006 If you have small lips and want to give the impression of fuller ones, there's an old movie star trick that really helps. If you apply a little dab of shimmering white eyeshadow above your lower and upper lip, the light will catch it and make your lips appear fuller.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 You will find that it is possible to mix lipstick colors. But, if you have put it in a pot (assuming that you heated it up) you have just separated the ingredients. The number one ingredient in over the counter lipstick is mineral oil, lanolin, or petroleum. This will certainly cause a mess - very difficult to clean up, since your soap is probably mineral oil based as well.
But, to mix: scrap a small amount from both colors, and place on your hand (area between thumb and first finger) use a lipstick brush to mix, and then apply with the same brush. No waste! Make sure you wash with either a makeup remover cloth or a cleansing gel with no added oils!

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