How to Make Your Lipstick Count

Among all the things you do to look beautiful and presentable, wearing lipstick may seem like the one that should take the least effort to accomplish. However, very few women get this right all the time. I’m sure you would like to be part of that group, so check out our tips below to know how to keep your lipstick flawless:

1) Choose the Right Lipstick for You

Just because that shade of lipstick or gloss the lady at the bus station was wearing looked fantastic on her lips doesn’t mean it will work on yours. When picking lip shades, consider such factors as your complexion, your natural lip color and what other makeup you’re wearing.

Typically, lipstick that is a shade or two darker than your natural lip color works best for most people. Orange and brown lipstick shades (including corals) tend to make your teeth look more yellow and, therefore, look good on very few people – so better watch out. To make an educated choice you may want to try a couple of different colors, which doesn’t have to be expensive if you shop with Discountrue coupons and look for other special deals.

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2) Before Applying Lipstick, Prime and Prepare Your Lips

For the most flawless lipstick look, make sure your lips are ready by making them clean and moisturized. Use a damp cloth to gently exfoliate them, or apply a little bit of lip balm if they are chapped or dry. Covering up your chapped lips with lipstick would only accentuate their cracks and lines! 

(P.S. Read our guide on getting soft lips to get rid of the crack-y root problem.)

3) What is the Best Way to Apply Lipstick?

There’s no one way to apply lipstick; just use the method that’s most comfortable to you and works best in your case. While some women prefer special lipstick brushes and others are just okay with using their middle finger, most ladies apply their lipstick right from its tube. (Makeup artists tend to prefer the brush method, as it is most precise.) 

4) Avoid that Clownish Look

Be careful: playing up both your eyes and mouth can make you look like a clown. Don’t wear heavy eye makeup with very dark lipstick. If you need to accentuate the eyes, make sure that your mouth is light with a gloss or some light lip color that’s not so conspicuous. Red lipstick also works best with lighter, more natural accentuating makeup. (Watch our video on Old Hollywood lips for that red lip, classic thing that you like.) 

If you want a great look with smokey eyes and nude lips, cover lips with a concealer or foundation before applying gloss to give them a truly colorless effect.

5) Blot! Blot! Blot!

Blotting is an old tip to help your lipstick stay put on your lips. Once you have applied it, use a tissue to press over the lips and enhance lipstick’s appearance and longevity. However, don’t use the old trick of sticking a tissue between your lips and pressing down; it could lead to your lipstick coming off unevenly. Repeat the process of applying and blotting for even better appearance and longer-lasting color.

6) Avoid Smooshing

I know it is very tempting to “smoosh” or rub your lips together after applying your lipstick. Though many women will argue that this is the “easiest” way to blend it all together, it’s not always the most efficient or tidy method – and it can way smudge your lip line. If you can’t apply your lipstick directly from the tube, consider using a small lipstick brush for any touch-ups.

What are your go-to lipstick tricks and favorite products?