A Perfect Lipstick Application In 8 Steps • love beauty thrive

This post contains affiliate links. Should a purchase be made, Love Beauty Thrive may receive a small commission at no added cost to you. Affiliate disclosure is available here.

The perfect pout (yes, it’s possible for anyone).

Love lipstick? Hate that it can quickly look worn, faded, flakey, creased, or dry (worse yet, smudged or smeared)? You’re not alone, and might want to try this simple lip care and lipstick routine.

The perfect lipstick application will leave you with a pretty (or bold) coloured lip that’s picture perfect for selfies, light or dark shades, matte or high shine.

We’ve outlined the 8 quick steps (you never knew you needed) to an absolutely perfect lipstick application each and every time.

Mwah!

STEP 1. WASH YOUR FACE

Start with a clean face (follow your daily beauty/skincare routine). Want some extra glow? After washing, try a hyaluronic acid serum (before you moisturize), like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum. Don’t forget to brush your teeth.

Get Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Gel Cream from Amazon.

STEP 2. EXFOLIATE LIPS

Get a soft, smooth surface. Gently remove dry, chapped or dead skin with a lip exfoliator or an exfoliating lipstick, scrub, or peel (even your toothbrush or washcloth). Lip exfoliators often use sugar to rub away flaked skin and are infused with oils to condition, nourish and protect.

Get Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Honey Crystal Conditioning Lip Scrub from Amazon.

Get Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub from Amazon.

STEP 3. MOISTURIZE

Dry lips = cracked lipstick. Moisturize (and keep lips plump) with a hydrating lip mask, or with regular use of a natural, quality lip balm. Prefer matte over shine? Take extra steps to moisturize, as matte lip colours are often drying (actually, they’re famous for drying out lips).

Get Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Mask from Amazon.

Get Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm from Amazon.

STEP 4. PRIMER

You need a lip primer (especially for bold/dark shades). A super hydrating base coat that keeps colour in place all day, lip primer also hides imperfections and unevenness (allowing lipstick to glide on like magic) and prevents smudging/creasing. An absolute staple in your makeup bag.

Get e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Primer & Plumper from Amazon.

Get NYX Professional Makeup Lip Primer from Amazon.

STEP 5. LINER

Liner defines your lips for the perfect pout, guides lipstick application, prevents colour fade/wear, and stops colour feathering or bleeding. Apply liner first (before lipstick), lining the lips with a bit of fill at the corners (choose a colour similar or only very slightly darker than your lipstick).

STEP 6. LIPSTICK

Light or dark, matte or shine, romantic or fierce, less is always more. Dab or gently glide to apply. Get creative. Blend your favourite shades for a custom colour, or add just a touch of shine to the middle of your bottom lip (a highlight giving the appearance of a fuller pout).

STEP 7. CHECK YOUR TEETH

Lipstick on your teeth? Blot any excess lip colour on a tissue (and flash yourself a quick smile in the mirror to double check).

STEP 8. REMOVE MAKEUP

You know the rules, it’s the most important step in your beauty routine. Set yourself up for the perfect painted lip again tomorrow by always removing your makeup before bed (this includes lip colour). Your skin (and lips) will thank you.

Need an amazing makeup remover? Try Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water (our absolute favourite). This no-rinse waterproof makeup remover is alcohol, oil, rub, and fragrance-free, and perfect for all skin types (even sensitive).

Get Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water from Amazon.