How to Make Lipstick Last All Day

Last Updated: September 14, 2022 References

Lip color is the key to a great makeup look, but there's nothing more annoying than applying a great lipstick color only to have it fade within a few hours. This article covers the best kinds of products to pick, as well as how to apply and maintain your lipstick so that it lasts throughout the day.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Part 1 of 3: Picking the Right Products

1
Select a matte formula. Not all lipsticks are created equal. Makeup artists suggest that in order of longevity matte formulas have the most staying power, followed by cream formulas, then liquid lipsticks, with lip glosses coming in last.^{[1]
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2
Invest in a lip primer. These are specially designed products that prime the lips for lipstick application and help the color adhere to the lips. They are available from many different brands.
- Some makeup artists use concealer or foundation over the lips to similar effect. This has the added benefit of canceling out the natural color of your lips so that the true color of the lipstick shows up.^{[2]
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3
Outline your lips with reverse lip liner or concealer. Reverse lip liner is a colorless product that can be applied to the skin just outside the outline of your lips to provide a barrier and prevent feathering around the edge of your lips.^{[3]
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Research source} As an alternative, apply concealer in this same area to prevent bleeding and help your lipstick stay in place.
- Feathering occurs when the lipstick bleeds into the fine lines around the edge of your lips. These fine lines get more pronounced as we age.
4
Get a lip brush for precise application. The key to long-wearing lipstick is to apply several thin layers. This is best achieved with a lip brush, which also allows for greater precision and control.
- A lip brush can help you apply the product neatly and precisely. It also ensures a more even distribution of product than when lipstick is applied right from the bullet.^{[4]
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5
Use several products together for a really long lasting effect. Experts recommend using a lip primer and a lip liner with a lipstick on top or a liquid lip stain underneath a lipstick. Then as one layer wears off, the base layer remains intact.^{[5]
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Research source} Make sure they are similar colors!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Part 2 of 3: Applying your Lipstick

1
Prep your lips by gently exfoliating. This will get rid of all the dead skin sitting on top of your lips that prevents the lipstick sinking in.^{[6]
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Research source} It will also create a smooth, blank canvas for the lipstick to ensure even application.^{[7]
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- Use a lip scrub. Many brands offer these types of product. You can also make your own with sugar, honey, and olive or coconut oil.^{[8]
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- Gently scrub your lips with a soft toothbrush. Don’t go too hard, you just want to remove loose dead skin.
- Use a damp washcloth on your lips, moving it in soft, circular motions to lift the dead skin.^{[9]
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2
Apply a hydrating lip balm. This ensures that the lips are moisturized. Applying lipstick to dry, cracked lips, especially a matte formula, can make lips look patchy and flaky.
- Use a balm with waxy consistency not a slippery or oily one which will cause the lipstick to move around.^{[10]
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- Allow some time for the lip balm to absorb before going on to the next step. Make this the first step in your makeup routine and do the rest of your face while the balm is absorbing.^{[11]
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- This can help your lips feel more comfortable, especially if you're not used to wearing matte lipstick.^{[12]
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3
Apply lip liner as a base. Lip liner typically has a drier consistency than lipstick, so it serves as a layer for the lipstick to grip onto. Get a sharp cupid’s bow by drawing an x in the center of your top lip, then draw around the outline of your lips. Use the point of the lip liner pencil for this. Then, use the pencil to fill in your whole lip.^{[13]
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- Filling in your whole lip is important because if the top layer of lip color wears off it won't reveal a sharp line. Use the side of the lip pencil to fill in the whole lip area.^{[14]
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- You can also use a lip stain under your lipstick to help the color last longer.^{[15]
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4
Apply a thin layer of lipstick. You can do this either straight from the tube or with a lip brush.
5
Blot the lipstick with a tissue. Using a folded tissue, open your mouth and place it between your upper and lower lips, then press down on the tissue.^{[16]
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Research source} This removes any excess product and keeps lipstick from transferring onto your teeth or clothing.
6
Apply a light dusting of powder to set. Professional makeup artists use this trick to set the lipstick without moving any of the color.^{[17]
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- Get a tissue and separate the layers out.
- Place just one thin sheet over your lips and apply loose, translucent powder with a big fluffy powder brush on top of the tissue.
- You can apply powder directly to the lips to set if you don't have any tissues on hand, but be aware that overdoing it could result in a dry or discolored result.
7
Apply another thin layer of lipstick. Repeat the previous steps of blotting and setting with powder. This should give your lipstick real staying power. Finally, you can use a setting spray if you have one.^{[18]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Part 3 of 3: Maintaining Your Lip Color Throughout the Day

1
Reapply after eating or drinking. It is inevitable that your lip color will fade slightly over the course of the day.^{[19]
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Research source} However, the change will be most noticeable when your lips come in direct contact with cups or utensils.
- Bring your lipstick and apply another thin layer to top up the color after meals.
- Carry a compact mirror to check for smudging or movement. Remember to check the lipstick hasn't transferred to your teeth.
2
Be careful when re-applying lip balm. You may find your lips require hydration as the day goes on, especially with drier formulas such as mattes. However, the oil in lip balm actually breaks up the color, causing it to wear off and fade.
- If you find your lips get dry through the day, opt for a more moisturizing lipstick formula and make sure you don’t skip the crucial step of hydrating before application.
- Avoid licking your lips. Not only will this make your lip color fade, it actually makes your lips drier over time.
- If you do apply lip balm, allow it to absorb for a minute or two, blot any excess off with a tissue and then follow up with another layer of lipstick. This gives your lips some much-needed moisture without the lip color fading.
- Apply lip balm sparingly. Excessive use of lip balm can hinder your lips' natural ability to produce their own moisture.
3
Experiment with different products until you get one that works for you. Once you have a solid grasp of the application technique you can begin to try different combinations to figure out which lipsticks offer the best longevity.^{[20]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Why does my lipstick not stay on?

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.

Alicia D'Angelo

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

In general, the more moisturizing your lip product is, the shorter its wear time will be.
Question

How can I make my lipstick stay on longer?

Alicia D'Angelo
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.

Alicia D'Angelo

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Choose a matte color, and line your entire lip with a lip liner first. You can also use a lip stain under your lipstick in a color that's in the same family as your lipstick.
Question

What are some drugstore makeup brands that sell lip primers?

Community Answer

There are not a lot, but L'oreal and Nyx have some. If you have a matte lipstick, you do not need a primer. If worse comes to worst, reapply. You could also pat your lips with the product on them with some translucent powder to matte it and keep it all day.