8 Mistakes You're Making with Your Lipstick
Because we've been there.
![Mouth, Lip, Skin, Tooth, Red, Facial expression, Pink, Jaw, Organ, Tongue,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bnnmYpyzbYtLoSF7yTuFji-415-80.png)
Complain as we may about the trials and tribulations of lipstick, you shouldn't knock it till you've done it properly. The bottom line is that if you want to reap the immeasurable benefits of lipstick—like helping you get the job or feeling confident on a first date—you've got to make sure you're ticking every box on the long list of what'll give you a perfect, long-lasting pout. Here, find our simple breakdown of what you're doing wrong (because we've *so* been there).
When it comes to skincare, there's no step that's more important and the same goes for your lips. Particularly during the colder months, you've got to apply lip balm persistently for smooth, crack-free lips. Speaking of smooth...
If there's one thing that's going to ruin an immaculately-painted pout, it's flakes. "Results last longer on a smoother surface," says Gina Brooke, artistic director for Shu Uemura. "But if you start to notice flaking, it's best to clean off your lips and start from scratch."To gently banish dead skin cells, use a gentle scrub with moisture (like that which you might find in Bite Beauty's 5 Night Lip Fix).
Primer adds a smoothing layer of moisture that's a perfect color-free base for underneath your lipstick. It's the ultimate blank canvas.
A waxy lip liner serves as a barrier between the formula and the outside of your lips. "I line along the lips' outer edge to enhance their shape and prevent color bleeding," says Brooke. Make sure you're using a color that matches your lipstick perfectly or a clear formula if you're worried about treading into '90s territory.
A tricked learned from a fellow editor, you should always start at the center of your lips and move outward. It's the best way to quell shakiness when you reach the ever-tricky outer lines of your lips.
While formula plays its part—greasier formulas will always bleed more—you should always safeguard your lip color by holding a tissue over your pout and lightly dusting on face foundation or translucent powder with a brush.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lipstick all over your coffee cup or worse, your teeth? That's a direct result of going too heavy on your application and not dabbing off the excess afterwards. To ensure no unsightly oozing, simply place a tissue between your lips and pat lightly.
Take it from us, all is lost if you don't have the right shade of your choice color. As a rule of thumb, remember that blue-based shades (classic red) complements people with fair skin tones, while orange-based shades (brick red) complements warmer skin tones.
You should also check out:
These Lipstick Shades Are Scientifically Proven to Get You What You Want
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published