Lipstick can change the appearance of a makeup look, but getting a smooth finish depends on more than choosing a shade. Preparing the lips, applying the product evenly and knowing when to avoid lipstick can all affect the result.
Here are some practical dos and don’ts to keep in mind.
Lipstick dos
Prepare your lips before applying color.
If your lips are dry or flaky, lipstick may settle unevenly. Start with clean, moisturized lips and allow the moisturizer to absorb before applying color.
For people with naturally pigmented lips, a lipstick may also appear different from how it looks in the tube. Rather than trying to completely cover the natural color with foundation and powder, choose a shade that works with your natural lip tone.
Use lip liner.
Lip liner can help define the edges of the lips and provide a base for lipstick. A liner close to the lipstick shade can create a more seamless finish, while a slightly deeper shade can provide more definition.
Apply it along the natural lip line rather than trying to significantly change the shape of the lips.
Balance the rest of your makeup.
If your eye makeup is particularly strong, a softer lip color can create a more balanced look. Alternatively, a stronger lip can be paired with simpler eye makeup.
There is no single rule for matching lipstick with other makeup, so the choice can depend on the overall look and occasion.
Keep lip pencils cool when necessary.
If a lip pencil becomes too soft to sharpen cleanly, cooling it briefly can make the product firmer and easier to sharpen. Avoid leaving cosmetic products in extreme temperatures for prolonged periods.
Experiment with shades.
Different lipstick colors can be combined to create new shades. Applying one color over another can also change the final result, depending on the products’ formulas and pigmentation.
Touch up when needed.
Eating and drinking can wear away lipstick, particularly from the center of the lips. Check the color afterward and reapply where necessary.
Consider using a lip brush.
A lip brush can provide more controlled application, particularly around the edges of the lips or when working with bold colors.
Lipstick don’ts
Don’t assume dark shades are only for nighttime.
There is no universal rule that prevents someone from wearing a dark or dramatic lipstick during the day. The choice can depend on the setting, personal preference and the rest of the makeup.
Don’t choose a formula based solely on age.
Lipstick recommendations do not need to be divided into rules for younger and older people. A person’s preferred finish can depend on comfort, lip condition and the look they want to create.
Don’t keep using a product that irritates your lips.
Burning, stinging or discomfort after applying a lip product can indicate irritation rather than that the product is working. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding irritating lip products when lips are chapped and using non-irritating moisturizers instead.
Don’t assume brown or orange lipstick will always make teeth look yellow.
The appearance of lipstick can vary depending on the shade, lighting and the other colors in a person’s makeup. Instead of following a blanket rule about particular colors, choose a shade based on the overall effect you want.
Don’t feel that you must blot.
Blotting removes some of the product and can reduce the intensity of a lipstick. Whether to blot is therefore a matter of the finish you want rather than a universal requirement.
Don’t apply lipstick to severely chapped or sunburned lips without addressing the problem.
When lips are very dry or cracked, dermatologists recommend using a non-irritating lip moisturizer or balm. Ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, ceramides and shea butter can help protect and moisturize dry lips. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends lip products with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors.
Cosmetic products should also be used according to their labeling and customary directions. In the United States, the FDA regulates cosmetics and requires cosmetic color additives to be approved for their intended uses.
Good lipstick application ultimately comes down to preparation, a suitable formula and a shade that works with the look you want. The most important consideration is that the product feels comfortable and does not irritate the lips.
