Lipsticks complete a look. That said, applying lipstick can get tricky at times. Sometimes the lipstick leaks out of the lip or begins to fade away for the center. Unevenness is another thing you need to be careful of while applying your favorite shade. At times some areas of the lips begin to look patchy. Fortunately, there are simple lipstick application tips that you can follow to make your lips look flawless.

Let’s take a look at the best ways to apply lipstick.

1. Prep and hydrate lips
Before applying a shade, always make sure to prep your lips. To get that even tone, you need to exfoliate and gently scrub your lips. Next, apply a layer of lip balm or moisturizer and let it sit for a while. Lip balms help nourish the lips and keep them from drying out. Women with darker lips should apply a primer on their lips, as this will help bring out the original color of the lipstick. After hydrating your lips, you can move on to the next step.

2. Outline and trace lips
Once the lip balm has soaked into the skin, start tracing the lips. Choose a shade of lip liner that matches your lipstick. Now, slowly fill in the outline of the lips. By outlining the lips, one can make sure that the lipstick doesn’t bleed out. It also highlights your lips and makes them look plump. Some makeup artists suggest applying the lip liner all over the lips and then applying lipstick over it. Anyone who wants to make their lips look thinner should apply the liner inside the lips, while those who want to make their lips seem bigger must apply it on the outline.

3. Apply the lipstick
Always apply the lipstick from the center of the lips. Start with dragging the lipstick on the top lip; make sure to cover the whole lip. Then move on to the bottom lip and fill it in completely. Make sure to swipe from the center to the left, then come back to the center and drag it to the right. You can apply the lipstick directly to the lips or use a lip brush. One can also use a finger to spread the lipstick evenly on the lips. Another way to apply lipstick perfectly is by drawing an ‘X’ on the cupid’s bow using a lip liner. Now apply the lipstick to the defined area.

4. Set and blot
The final step is setting and blotting the lipstick. You can do this by pressing your lips gently together. After the application is complete, take a tissue and press it between your lips. This will get rid of any extra product on your lips. It also prevents spillage and prevents the lipstick from bleeding. To get a long-lasting effect, apply a light coat of powder to your lips.

Lipsticks help you complete your glam look. By following these steps, you can ensure that the lip color stays on for longer. It will also make your lips look plump and help avoid spillage.