How to Apply Lipstick

To some it may seem to be the most trivial task of their makeup routine, others dread it to the point where they skip the step all together. However, if applied correctly lipstick can give you the most perfect pout you could possibly dream of, and even completely reshape your lips and add a little "pop" to your face! Paying special attention to my application method today, I've come up with some tips for those of you who are a bit lipstick challenged.


1. Exfoliate:
This is a step that can be skipped if you deem unnecessary, but every few days you should gently exfoliate the skin on your lips to give a smoother canvas. How do you go about doing this? Depends. I like to take a soft toothbrush designated solely for this purpose soaked in hot water for a moment, and then gently scrub back and forth on my lips. Other people like to use this method with a wash cloth as well.

2. Primer:
Always start with some sort of moisturizer under your lips before applying your desired lipstick, this provides a smooth base for application. I use chapstick, MAC Prep&Prime lip is also a popular choice for those willing to spend a little extra. Lipbalm, vaseline, etc. will also work fine.

3. Lip Liner:
You can also skip this step altogether if you choose, some people don't like the Chola-esque ring-around-the-lips look (myself included) however, if thats what you like feel free. In all honesty I don't have much experience applying actual colored lip liner, I use my previously reviewed clear lipliner from Benefit Cosmetics. For that, I apply it around the outer boarder of my lips, paying special attention to the shape. For example, my lips are very plump so I "curve" the bottom lip slightly to give it more of a pinched look. I wish I had an example picture for this, but I don't.

4. Yay, Lipstick:
Some people suggest applying lipstick with a brush rather than straight from the tube. To me this method seems a bit too tedious, however if you prefer as always, your welcome to do so. I find that just keeping the tip of your lipstick pointed helps to give more precise application. Start in the middle of the bottom lip with heavy pressure, and slowly start to lighten as you work your way out to the edges. Do not simply go straight across, you may need to move the stick from side to side as if you were painting. As you work your way to the outer corners, start to bring your lips in toward your mouth to help make the area smaller. Follow the same technique for your upper lip, except bring your lips out into a wider "fish face" when you start to head toward the outer corners. Once the "basic" application is in place, be sure to go over the corners of your mouth, people seem to forget this or the little amounts that were applied are accidentally wiped off. After you make sure you have the right shape and such, if you have big lips like me stick them out a bit and get the inner wet area of your lips. This can be difficult since it doesn't stick well to moist areas, but if you apply it as if you would eyeliner on your waterline (persistently) it should stick. If you skip this step, after a while it can look as if you only have lipstick around the outer area of your lips and not in the middle (yikes!). Also, be sure to define the cupid's bow!

Hope this helped, if you have any questions feel free to comment.