Here's How To Apply Your Lipstick Like A Pro

Mask or no mask, lipsticks have withstood the test of time. It easily brightens your complexion, and gives you an added boost of confidence in just a simple swipe. Plus, the array of shades out there only make it all the more fun to play with!

But lipsticks may be difficult to apply correctly. Common problems include smearing them into your creases, getting on your teeth, or bleeding around your lips, and more. 

Fret not, for we're here to help. Ahead, check out some tips and tricks to have you applying lipstick on like a pro.

Prep you lips before applying your lipstick

Prepare your lips by putting a lip balm on for a few minutes before application.  This lets you hydrate and nourish your lips before application, and gives your lips a smooth base for lipstick application. Be sure to look out for balms with ingredients such as coconut oil, Vitamin E, and shea butter for their moisturising properties.

Then, carefully apply lip liner. This will act as a barrier in keeping your lipstick in place.  Don't stray too far from the natural contour of your lips. This will make them clearer and cleaner. And most importantly, the pencil must match the shade of the lipstick itself.

If you are going for more nude or neutral shades, most lips can be filled in with a pencil and the rest with the lipstick itself, making it last longer.

If you are looking for bolder shades of red or dark lipstick, then it is best to first fill your lips with lipstick (along the natural contours) first, and then emphasize the contour with a pencil. The lipstick alone doesn't last as long as the pencil (due to their different densities), and mixing textures will help to increase the durability of your lipsticks.

To apply lipstick, start from the center of your lips and work towards the outer edges.

If you want to visually enlarge your lips, take heed: finish with your normal lip gloss and apply it around the entire perimeter or draw a clean strip on your bottom lip. This way, you will get the desired plump effect in an organized and fast way.

How to make your lipstick last longer

To increase the durability of your lipstick, simply wipe off a little of your painted lipstick on with a tissue, apply a small amount of loose powder over it, and then another layer of lipstick. This will ensure that your lipstick will last for another couple hours longer.

Also, you can use a small tissue paper to prevent lipstick from staining your teeth. Roll it up, wrap it around your lips, and pull it out. This will help take out the excess lipstick on the napkin, away from the teeth. 

How to care for your lips

It is important to remember that lipstick applies on best to hydrated lips. Therefore, you need to take care of your lips all the time, and not just before applying lipstick. So, be sure to opt for gentle lip scrubs, and try not to forget lip balms and opt for lipsticks with moisturizers for healthy looking lips. 

Another tip: there are colored lip balms out there. If you don't want to put on shiny lipstick, but want to see some colour on your lips, this provides an excellent combination of moisture and colour. These simple rules will prevent your lips from drying out and your lipstick application will look much better.

Ahead, check out some of our top picks for hydrating your lips with a bit of colour: