Applying coloured lipstick to last
I looooove to wear coloured lipstick, but for a long time, suffered from either colour-bleed into the skin around my lips, or the colour simply wearing off within the space of about 30 minutes.
I recently travelled to Australia with Emirates and the (very beautiful) hostess team were almost all wearing red lipstick, and it lasted for like 10 hours. What?!?! What is this magic?!?!
Turns out, to get coloured lipstick to last, requires a few more steps than simple line and apply. Here’s a method that works for me, producing a finish that doesn’t bleed and lasts for several hours at least. Eating or drinking might knock this down a touch.
Before beginning, be sure to always purchase a lip liner that matches your colour as closely as possible - there is no point having a lipstick without the matching liner.
Prep
Exfoliate - Use a little sugar to gently scrub the lips and to remove dead skin. This creates a smooth canvas for lipstick, just like how you sand a wall before painting.
Balm - Apply a touch of lipbalm and let it absorb. Dry lips cause feathering.
Line twice
Line with clear - Outline the lips with a clear wax liner (these are a little tricky to find, but I get mine from Boots) This acts as a barrier to stop pigment from seeping into fine lines around the mouth.
Line and fill with coloured liner - Outline lips with a matching lip liner, then fill them in completely with the liner. This helps to anchour the colour.
Apply colour with brush
Apply several thin layers of colour - Using a lipstick brush, apply a thin coat, blot with tissue, then reapply. This creates a stain effect that lasts longer and the brish gives you better control.
Lock It In
Set with translucent powder - Place a tissue over your lips and dust powder through it. This absorbs oils and prevents bleeding. my absoloute favourite, used it for years, is the Dermophile Loose Powder by T.LeClerc in Banane. Useful for multiple applications, not just this one.
Finish
After applying, insert your finger into your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out. This removes excess from the inner lip area and mitigates the chances of lipstick on the teeth.