9 Tips and Tricks for Long-Lasting Lipstick

Lipstick is crucial in your makeup routine, adding colour and confidence to your smile. However, keeping it in place throughout the day is a challenge. Whether you're dealing with fading, smudging, or feathering, these tips and tricks will help you maintain a flawless lip look that lasts.

1. Prepare Your Lips

Preparation is essential to long-lasting lipstick. Begin with a smooth canvas by exfoliating your lips to remove dead skin cells. You can use a lip scrub, such as SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, or make your own using sugar and honey.

Gently massage the scrub in circular motions, then rinse with warm water. Follow this with a hydrating lip balm, like INNISFREE Canola Honey Lip Balm. Let the balm absorb for a few minutes and blot away excess with a tissue.

2. Prime Your Lips

Just as you would prime your face before applying foundation, priming your lips can significantly enhance the staying power of your lipstick. Use a lip primer to create a base that helps the colour adhere better and last longer.

If you don't have a lip primer, a thin layer of foundation or concealer such as THE SAEM Cover Perfection Tip Concealer SPF28+ PA++ is an alternative. This step neutralises your lip colour to appear more vibrant.

3. Lip Liner Magic

Lip liner prevents lipstick from feathering and bleeding. Choose one that matches your lipstick shade or is a nude colour close to your natural lip tone.

Outline your lips, starting from the cupid's bow and moving towards the corners. Fill in your lips with the liner for the lipstick to cling to for added longevity. This technique defines your lips while acting as an adhesive layer for the lipstick.

4. Apply Lipstick with Precision

Start from the centre of your lips and work outwards when applying lipstick. Use a lip brush for a more precise application, especially with darker or bolder shades.

A brush allows you to build the colour gradually, ensuring even coverage. After the first layer, blot your lips with a tissue and then apply a second layer. This layering technique helps the colour to set and stay put.

5. Set Your Lipstick

Setting your lipstick is a game-changer for longevity. One effective method is the tissue and translucent powder trick. After applying your lipstick, place a single-ply tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder, such as ETUDE HOUSE Zero Sebum Drying Powder, over the tissue using a brush.

The powder absorbs excess oils and helps set the lipstick without altering its shade. This technique gives your lipstick a matte finish and increases its staying power.

6. Opt for Long-Wearing Formulas

Investing in long-wearing or matte lipstick formulas, such as ROMAND Zero Matte Lipstick, makes a big difference. These products are designed to last through eating, drinking, and talking. 

Liquid lipsticks, like ETUDE HOUSE Dear Darling Water Tint, have better staying power due to their high pigment concentration and drying finish. However, if you prefer traditional bullet lipsticks, look for ones labelled as long-lasting or transfer-proof.

7. Avoid Oily Foods and Drinks

Oily foods and drinks break down lipstick, causing it to fade or smear. If you know you'll be eating, avoid greasy foods or blot your lips with a napkin to remove excess oil. Using a straw for drinks can keep your lipstick intact.

8. Touch-Up Tips

Despite your best efforts, there are times when a touch-up is necessary. Carry your lipstick and lip liner with you for quick fixes. For a fresh look, gently blot existing lipstick and reapply. If you're on the go and need to fix smudges, use a cotton swab, such as PYUNKANG YUL 1/3 Cotton Pad, dipped in makeup remover to clean up the edges before reapplying.

9. Bonus Tips

• Avoid Licking Your Lips: Saliva removes lipstick and causes it to fade faster.
• Use a Lip Sealer designed to lock in your lipstick and prevent it from transferring.
• Keep your lips hydrated with regular application of lip balm, especially at night.

You can keep your lipstick looking fresh and vibrant without worrying about constant reapplication with preparation and the right products.