Lipstick Hacks: Tricks for Making Your Lip Color Last All Day

Dearies, we’ve all been there – carefully applying our favorite lip color, only to have it fade or smudge within an hour, leaving us looking less than polished. As a woman of a certain age with years of makeup experience under my belt, I’ve learned a few tricks to help that pretty pout last from morning to night.

Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a night out with your lovies, no one wants to constantly worry about reapplying lipstick. So grab your favorite lippie and get ready to pucker up, because today I’m spilling all my secrets for kiss-proof, long-lasting lip color!

Prep Your Pout

You wouldn’t paint a wall without priming it first, would you? The same principle applies to your lips! Proper prep is key for long-lasting lipstick wear.

Exfoliate: Start by gently sloughing off any dry, flaky skin with a lip scrub or soft toothbrush. Smooth lips provide the perfect canvas for color to glide on evenly.

Reddit User @Enraged_Koala says:

“I’m really horrible about makeup, but recently I bought this lipstick I really love from Tarte and have been trying to wear it more often. My problem is it won’t stay for longer than 20-30 minutes…What products should I use to get it to stay on longer?”

Good question, dear! Exfoliating those lips should be step one.

Moisturize: Next, apply a hydrating lip balm with SPF to prime and protect your pout. Look for nourishing ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E to keep lips supple.

TIP: Let the balm fully absorb before moving on to the next step. You don’t want any slippery residue interfering with your lipstick’s staying power.

Lock It In

Once your lips are smooth and prepped, it’s time for some clever cosmetic tricks to lock that color in place all day long.

Lip Liner: Don’t skip this step! A matching lip liner acts like a lip-color seatbelt, creating a barrier around the edges to prevent feathering and bleeding. Outline and fill in your entire lip area with the liner before applying lipstick.

Reddit User @RealBlackMadonna raves:

“Lip liner is a game changer! I use it every single time I wear a bold or bright lip color now, and it makes such a huge difference in terms of how long it lasts.”

So true! Lining those lips makes all the difference, honey.

Concealer Rim: Here’s a pro tip – use a concealer brush to lightly outline the outer edges of your lips with a waxy, longwear concealer after lining and filling them in. This creates a waterproof barrier that lipstick can’t escape!

Powder It: Finally, blot your lips gently with a tissue, and lightly dust them with translucent powder. This mattifies the lipstick just enough to maximize its grip without drying out your lips.

Layer That Color

For ultra long-lasting lip color that can withstand meals, drinks, and maybe even a little smooching, try this layering technique:

1. Line and fill lipswith liner as a base.
2. Apply your first layer of lipstick, letting it set for a minute or two.
3. Blot gently with a tissue.
4. Lightly dust with translucent powder, tapping off any excess.
5. Apply a second layer of lipstick right over the first.

This double layer creates a long-lasting stain that lip color will revive and refresh. Just blot and reapply the lipstick on top as needed throughout the day when it starts to fade.

TIP: Opt for longwear liquid lipsticks over traditional bullets if you want hardcore staying power. The liquid formula dries down to an even, matte finish that won’t budge!

Seal It Shut

You’ve prepped, layered, and set your lip color to perfection – now it’s time to seal that pout shut!

Adding a clear, longwear gloss or liquid lipstick topper over your bullet or cream lipstick boosts wearability and shine. Look for formulas labeled “longwearing,” “waterproof,” or “transferproof” for maximum staying power.

Reddit User @stephers17 shares:

“I get the best wear from liquid lipsticks! I top them with a clear gloss afterward, and my lips stay shiny and vibrant for hours.”

Genius! That glossy topcoat creates a flexible, protective layer to lock color in place.

Freshen Up on the Go

No matter how diligent you are with all the prep, powder, and setting tricks – at some point, your lip color may start to fade or need a touch-up after eating or drinking. Stay ready for anything with these on-the-go freshening tips:

• Keep your lipstick handy, of course! A quick reapplication to the middle of your lips and a press of the lips together can instantly revive your look.
• Stash lip liner and translucent powder in your bag.Lining and powdering your lips first provides a clean base to reapply your lipstick over.
• Blotting papers are your BFF!Gently press and roll them over your lips before reapplying to remove any residue.

Author’s Thoughts & Experience

Over the decades, I’ve tried every lip color trick in the book – from lipliner stains to overly drying liquid lipstick “paints.” Here’s my take, loves:

While longwear liquid lipsticks are incredibly budge-proof, I find that over time, they can feel drying and settle into lip lines as the day goes on. My preference is layering a comfortable, creamy bullet lipstick over a long-lasting lip liner base.

The liner not only provides grip for the lipstick, but it leaves a bit of tint behind even if the creamy top layer wears away after eating or drinking. Just blot and reapply lipstick over the liner stain for fresh, even coverage.

For nights out or occasions when I know I’ll be constantly sipping cocktails or nibbling on appetizers, I reach for a longwear liquid lip color and seal it in with a clear gloss topcoat. The extra insurance is worth feeling a little more drying than usual.

My final word? Focus on prepping, layering, and setting – that’s the real key to all-day lip color that won’t let you down!

Conclusion

There you have it, my darling ones – all my personal tips, tricks, and product recommendations to help that pretty lip color stay put from morning to night. While it may seem like a lot of steps, trust me – once you get the routine down, it becomes second nature.

Best of all, no more worrying about faded lip color or constant touch-ups! With a few smart prep, layering, and setting techniques, you can wake up to a perfect pout and keep that gorgeous lip color looking fresh all day and night long.

So pucker up, bat those lashes, and face the world with confidence, knowing your lip game is on-point from start to finish! What are you waiting for? It’s time to get layering, beauties!

FAQs

Q: Do I really need to use lip liner every time I apply lipstick?

A: If longevity is your goal, then yes! Lip liner creates a grip for your lipstick and prevents bleeding and feathering. It’s an absolute must for all-day, budge-proof lip color. Over time, this step becomes second nature – I promise!

Q: Which type of lipstick lasts the longest – bullets, liquids, or stains?

A: Liquid lipsticks, especially longwear formulas, are extremely long-lasting and transfer-proof…but they can feel quite drying over time. For all-day comfort with impressive staying power, layering a creamy bullet lipstick over a longwear lip liner is my personal favorite combo.

The liner creates a sturdy base and leaves a tint behind, while the creamy lipstick glides over the top and can be easily refreshed throughout the day. Stains are another long-lasting option, but I find them trickier to apply evenly.

Q: Do lip primers or serums really help lipstick last longer?

A: Absolutely! Think of a smoothing lip primer as the primer you’d use on your face before foundation – it grips the lip product and boosts staying power. Look for formulas with gently exfoliating ingredients to slough away any dead skin first.

Lip serums and masks can also help condition and smooth lips for better lipstick adhesion. Just be sure to let them fully soak in before applying lip color.

Q: What’s the best way to remove long-lasting lip products at the end of the day?

A: My secret? Cleansing oils or oil-based makeup removers. The oils break down waterproof formulas with ease, leaving your pout clean and ready for overnight treatments. Avoid tugging or scrubbing, as this can lead to dryness and irritation.

Just massage a pea-sized amount of oil over your lips, let it sit for 30 seconds, and gently wipe away with a damp washcloth. Follow up with a nourishing lip balm or mask to replenish moisture!

Let me know if you need any other lipstick tips or tricks, dearies! Keeping that pout locked and loaded is one of my makeup specialties.