There is nothing quite like applying a fresh coat of lipstick, only to have most of it disappear after your first cup of coffee. Whether you are wearing a bold red, a soft nude or your everyday favourite shade, keeping lipstick in place throughout the day often comes down to how you prepare your lips and apply the product.
The good news is that a few simple changes to your routine can help your colour last longer, without having to constantly reach for the mirror and your lipstick.
Start with Smooth Lips
Before applying any colour, pay attention to the condition of your lips.
Dry or flaky skin can make lipstick look uneven and cause it to settle into patches. Gently exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin and create a smoother surface for your lipstick.
Follow with a light layer of lip balm and give it a few minutes to absorb. If your lips still feel very moisturised or slippery, gently blot away the excess before applying your lipstick.
The goal is to have your lips soft and hydrated without leaving a thick layer of balm underneath your colour.
Do Not Skip Lip Liner
Lip liner is useful for more than simply defining the shape of your lips.
Filling in your lips with liner before applying lipstick gives the colour something to hold on to and can help it wear more evenly. It can also help prevent lipstick from gradually moving beyond the natural lip line.
Choose a liner that closely matches your lipstick or a shade close to your natural lip colour. Start by outlining the edges of your lips, then lightly fill in the rest.
This creates a base that can make a noticeable difference, particularly when wearing stronger shades.
Apply Your Lipstick in Layers
Applying one thick coat may seem like the quickest option, but several thin layers can give you better staying power.
Apply your first layer, then gently press your lips against a tissue to remove excess product. Follow with another light layer of lipstick.
Blotting helps remove some of the excess oils and product while leaving pigment behind. The result is a more even finish that is less likely to disappear all at once when you eat or drink.
Try the Tissue-and-Powder Trick
If you are wearing a traditional lipstick rather than a glossy formula, a little translucent setting powder can help extend its wear.
After applying your lipstick, place a thin tissue over your lips. Using a brush, lightly dust a small amount of translucent powder over the tissue.
The tissue acts as a barrier so that only a small amount of powder reaches your lips.
This is particularly useful when you want a more matte finish, but avoid using too much powder. Overdoing it can make your lips feel dry and can affect the way the lipstick looks.
Choose Your Formula Carefully
The lipstick itself can also determine how long your colour lasts.
Matte and long-wear formulas generally have better staying power than creamy or glossy lipsticks. They can, however, feel drier on the lips, which makes proper preparation even more important.
If you prefer a glossy or creamy lipstick, you may need to accept that it will require more touch-ups throughout the day. That does not make it a bad choice — it simply comes with a different finish and wear time.
Give Your Lips a Break
Long-lasting colour should not come at the expense of comfortable, healthy-looking lips.
If you regularly wear matte or long-wear lipstick, make sure you remove it properly at the end of the day and moisturise your lips afterwards. Avoid repeatedly scrubbing your lips to remove stubborn colour, as this can leave them irritated and dry.
A good lipstick routine is therefore about balance: prepare your lips, build your colour gradually, choose a formula that suits your needs and keep a lipstick close by when you need a quick refresh.
Sometimes, that little touch-up is simply part of the beauty routine.
