How to Apply Liquid Lipstick

Liquid lipsticks took the world by storm when celebrities like Kylie Jenner touted them as the secret to achieving a perfect pout. Known for its gorgeous matte finish and smudge-proof formula, this long-wear lipstick became a staple in many makeup collections. But for those who are more familiar with traditional lipstick, working with a liquid formula can be pretty tricky. Thankfully, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you master this beauty product.

Keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply liquid lipstick like a pro.

Step 1: Exfoliate

Liquid lipsticks, especially matte formulas, tend to settle in lip lines and dry spots on your lips, which can really emphasize the dryness of your skin. Moreover, it can be more difficult to apply liquid lipstick on dry lips, and it’s also more prone to flaking off throughout the day. To ensure smooth application and long-lasting wear, prep your lips with a gentle exfoliating lip scrub to get rid of any dead skin on your lips.

Step 2: Moisturize

The key to a perfect pout is to start with moisturized lips. Applying a lip balm will make your lips feel smooth and plump, as well as minimize the appearance of lip lines. Once your lips are free of any loose and flaky skin, post-exfoliation, it’s time to moisturize.

Apply lip balm all over your lips and let it soak for a few minutes. If you have very dry lips, look for a wax-based moisturizing lip balm that will give your lips extra moisture and protection. Then, blot off the excess product with tissue paper, but just enough to remove the shine from your lips. Skip the blotting if you’re using matte liquid lipstick; matte formulas tend to be very drying on the lips, so leaving the balm texture will make it feel more comfortable to wear.

Step 3: Highlight the Cupid’s Bow

The cupid’s bow is the curved area above the center of your upper lip. It’s also the most prominent part of your mouth, so highlighting this area will accentuate the shape of your lips in a way that makes them appear fuller and adds more dimension to your overall makeup look.

Using your finger, dab a bit of highlighter along the cupid’s bow and lightly blend it out to remove any harsh edges. You can apply the remaining product on your fingers along the rest of your lip line, concentrating on the center of your lips.

Step 4: Concealer

Liquid lipsticks can bleed onto the skin around the mouth area, especially in hot or humid weather. You can easily prevent this by applying concealer around the lip line. Dab a small amount of concealer on your skin and blend it out with a makeup sponge.

Step 5: Line Your Lips

A lip liner isn’t necessary for liquid lipstick application, but it can really add definition to your lips. Lining your lips also creates a border that prevents the lipstick from bleeding or feathering throughout the day, effectively extending its longevity. Depending on your lip shape and what lip look you’re going for, you can choose to outline your entire lip line or just define the cupid’s bow.

With a freshly sharpened lip pencil, draw two diagonal lines from the tips of the cupid’s bow toward the center of your lip, creating an “X.” Then, use small strokes to line the outer edges of the top and bottom lips.

Step 6: Buff the Edges of the Lip Liner

Lip liner can look too drawn on, especially when using a shade that’s darker than your liquid lipstick. You can soften the edges of the liner to give it a seamless look. Take a clean cotton swab or lip brush and lightly smudge the outer edges of the lip liner, following the outline of your lips. For the inner part of your lips, buff the lip liner inwards, towards the center of your lips. This will make the lip liner and liquid lipstick blend together more naturally.

Step 7: Apply Liquid Lipstick

When applying liquid lipstick, you don’t want to start at the edges, as you did with the lip pencil. Start at the inner part of the lips and work your way outwards. This will give you more space to evenly distribute the product without having to worry about going over the lip line. It’s much easier to work your way toward the lip edge than it is to pull back the product from the edge. Moreover, this area receives more friction than any other part of your lips, so this will give the formula more time to dry down.

Take the doe-foot applicator and scrape off the excess product on the inner rim of the tube. Apply liquid lipstick on the bottom lip, starting in the middle where your lips purse. Spread the product to the outer edges. Once the bottom lip is filled out, press your lips together. This will distribute some color to the upper lip and help create a more even application.

Starting at the middle part of your top lip, carefully line the cupid’s bow and work your way to the outer edges. Line and fill in your upper lip, then press your lips once more to spread the product out.

Pro Tip: Use the back of the doe-foot applicator when working on the edge of your lips for a more precise application.

Step 8: Apply a Second Coat

Most liquid lipsticks are packed with pigment and provide full coverage with just one coat of product. For intense pigment, you can apply another coat of product. This will also ensure that every area of your lips is filled with color. Don’t allow the product to dry too much in between coats, as this can make the liquid lipstick look clumpy.

Step 9: Blot Your Lips

Though matte lipsticks are less prone to smudging, liquid formulas can get onto your teeth and mouth area if it hasn’t fully dried. You can prevent this by blotting your lips on a clean tissue. Place the tissue in between your top and bottom lips, then gently press them together to remove the extra product. This will help your liquid lipstick dry faster, as well as give it a matte finish.

Step 10: Correct any Mistakes

Makeup with fluid formulas can be hard to control, so mistakes are bound to happen. If your liquid lipstick smudges, bleeds, or feathers outside the lip area, you can correct any mistakes with a cotton swab and a bit of makeup remover or moisturizer. Wipe off any spots and smudges. Additionally, you can perfect your lip shape with a lip brush and a little concealer. Brush around the edges of your lips to clean up the lip line.

source https://degreesofvanity.com/how-to-apply-liquid-lipstick/