Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by Eve Dawes
How to apply lipstick, draw lips and prevent chapped lips
How to put on lipstick sounds like a no brainer! Draw, outline and fill. However, we’ve all had at least one experience with our lipstick smudging, bleeding, ending up on our teeth or drying our lips out. I’m the founder of Dawes Custom Cosmetics and make custom lipsticks for a living. This how to apply lipstick guide for the perfect lip application covers lipstick application tips, how to prevent chapped lips, how to draw lips whatever shape you’re going for and lip care.
Lips have stolen the show as much as eyebrows recently and it’s all about getting the perfect pout which means dry, flaky lips are a definite No-No plus they can be painful. Red lips also require precision. So what’s the best way to apply lipstick? Keep reading for my top tips I’ve learned from over 2 decades of working with makeup artists.
How to create the perfect base for lipstick
Matte, long-lasting lipsticks are awesome for long days and nights but the chemicals used in non-clean brands tend to leave lips as dry as the Sahara. As well as needing a lot of TLC after taking a beating from air-conditioning, heating, sun, and flying.
Whether you’re a glossy lip gloss girl or matte lipstick type, how to get the perfect lip really starts with lip care. You want smooth lips to create a hydrated, smooth canvas, just as you would with your face.
How to put on lipstick | 6 tips for the perfect lipstick application
Here are my top tips for keeping your lips looking gorgeous, plump and hydrated.
1. Create a flawless base
Make sure you have a smooth base to start with by getting rid of any rough patches. So gently use a lip exfoliator to get rid of any dead skin. You can use a sugar scrub, dry toothbrush or even a damp facecloth/flannel.
2. Hydrate
Another part of making sure you have a smooth, flawless base to start with is to make sure your lips are well hydrated. Use a hydrating lip mask to help get rid of and prevent chapped lips such as Dawes Custom Cosmetics Miracle Hydrating Plumper. I also use this lip mask during the day for hydration, volume, and subtle minty freshness.
3. Prime Lips
Use a lipstick primer before you apply lipstick to create a smooth base. Dawes Custom Cosmetics does a really lightweight hydrating ‘Perfect Pout Primer’ that also fixes lipstick in place.
Yes, you can also use foundation but the reason I suggest using a primer specifically designed for the lips is that they’re usually more hydrating. It will also make the lipstick color appear more true as your own natural lip color won’t interfere with the color of it.
4. Create the lip shape you want
Use a lip pencil to create the lip shape that you want and prevent the lipstick bleeding beyond the lip line. You can overdraw and I’d recommend avoiding that, but there’s nothing wrong with following the outside edges and exaggerating the Cupids Bow.
This is especially important when using a darker or red lipstick. You can also draw slightly outside of your lip line to cheat bigger lips. Some clever lip contouring will help this look more natural.
5. Color application
Finally apply your favorite shade of lipstick or lipgloss with a lip brush or straight onto your lips. You can layer for a longer lasting or more intense color. I tend to apply nudes straight onto my lips and use a lipstick brush for bolder shades when I need to be more accurate. There’s no real right or wrong, it all comes down to personal preference.
6. Blot
Either blot with tissue paper and/or dust with setting powder between layers or just blot to help your color transfer less and last longer. I tend to save this last step for only when I’m working with bright colors like fuchsia pink or reds.
How to wear lipstick under face masks
Wearing face masks has changed how we wear makeup. While most of us aren’t still wearing masks, there was a few good tips that came out of having to wear them.
I was hunting down ways to minimize lipstick transfer to our masks, lock in the lip color and keep my lips hydrated and these tips still work for everyday even when not wearing a mask. After all, who wants to be reapplying all day?
I was so fed up of lipstick smudging under my mask or going out without lipstick and then nipping to the restroom to apply it when I got there. I’m a bit of a control freak so I decided to formulate my own cruelty-free long lasting lipstick formula for Dawes Custom Cosmetics to solve the problem.
I still use these formulas today. Especially when I want my makeup to last all day.
My Lipcare and Lipstick Must Haves
If you still haven’t found the perfect shade and texture for you or are trying to declutter your makeup bag and save money: create your own all natural, cruelty-free custom lipstick and lipglosses at Dawes Custom Cosmetics.
With endless color possibilities, 18 scents and flavors and 6 lip treatments: moisture and sheen, sunscreen, anti-aging complex, and lip plumping; the possibilities are endless. The long-lasting matte lip gloss is our favorite and current best seller for wearing under face masks.
For more how to and lifestyle advice videos and how to’s head over to Dawes Custom Cosmetics Glamour & Gains YouTube Channel.
More Lipstick and Makeup Tips and Tricks
From changing the shape of your lips to finding the perfect color for you:
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If you have your own tips on how to apply lipstick, draw lips and lip care, share them with me on Instagram.
