Are you tired of constantly reapplying your lipstick throughout the day? Liquid lipstick may be the solution you’re looking for. Unlike traditional lipsticks, liquid lipsticks offer long-lasting wear and intense pigmentation. Follow these steps to achieve a flawless application every time.
How to apply liquid lipstick can seem daunting at first, but with the right technique, it’s easy to achieve a flawless look that lasts all day. Liquid lipsticks are known for their vibrant colors and long-wearing formulas, making them a favorite choice for many. However, they require proper application to avoid common issues such as smudging, uneven lines, or dryness.

This guide on liquid lipstick tutorial will walk you through the essential steps to apply liquid lipstick like a pro, ensuring smooth, even coverage and a perfect finish.
What are the Benefits of Using Liquid Lipstick?
Liquid lipsticks have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. Here are some benefits of using liquid lipstick that make it a must-have in your makeup collection:
- Vibrant Colors: Liquid lipsticks offer bold and intense color payoff, making them perfect for creating statement looks.
- Long-lasting: Their long-wearing formula ensures the color stays put all day without fading or smudging.
- Matte Finish: Most liquid lipsticks dry down to a matte finish, which is trendy and gives a sophisticated look.
- Easy to Layer: Layer liquid lipstick to intensify the color or mix different shades to create custom shades.
- Precise Application: The wand applicator allows for precise application, making it easy to accurately line and fill the lips.
- Less Messy: Unlike traditional lipsticks, liquid lipsticks don’t transfer or leave smudges on clothes or cups.
What Will You Need?
- Primer: Using a lip primer will help the liquid lipstick adhere better to your lips and prevent it from smudging or feathering.
- Lip Liner: To achieve a more defined look, you can use a lip liner similar to your liquid lipstick to line and shape your lips before applying the product.
- Makeup Remover: As liquid lipsticks are long-lasting, it’s essential to have a good makeup remover on hand for easy removal at the end of the day.
- Lip Balm: If you have dry lips, applying a thin layer of lip balm before applying liquid lipstick to prevent cracking or flaking is recommended.
- Q-tips: These cotton swabs can help correct any mistakes or smudges while applying liquid lipstick and create a sharp edge around the lips.
- Mirror: A small compact mirror can come in handy when applying liquid lipstick on the go, especially if you need to touch it up throughout the day.

8 Easy Steps on How to Apply Liquid Lipstick
Step 1. Prep Your Lips:
Start by ensuring your lips are smooth and hydrated. Use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate any dead skin, creating an even surface for the lipstick to adhere to. After exfoliating, apply a thin lip balm to moisturize your lips. Be sure to blot any excess product with a tissue to avoid interfering with the lipstick’s formula. Properly prepped lips help the liquid lipstick apply smoothly and enhance its longevity and overall appearance.
Step 2. Apply a Lip Liner:
Choose a lip liner that matches the color of your liquid lipstick or is slightly darker for a more defined look. Carefully outline your lips, starting with the cupid’s bow and tracing down to the corners. This step helps to create a precise shape and acts as a barrier to prevent the lipstick from feathering.
You can slightly overline your lips for a fuller effect, but ensure the lines remain natural and blend seamlessly with your lip shape. Fill in the rest of your lips lightly with the liner to create a base that enhances the lipstick’s staying power.
Step 3. Apply Lipstick
Now that your lips are prepped and defined, it’s time to apply lipstick. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and the overall look you’re going for.
Start by applying the lipstick in the center of your lips, using short strokes to avoid harsh lines. Then, use a lip brush or your finger to blend outwards towards the corners of your lips. This blending technique helps to create a natural gradient effect on your lips.
If you want more intensity, repeat this step until you achieve your desired level of color. For a glossy finish, add a layer of clear lipgloss on top.
Step 4. Clean Up Any Mistakes
Use a small, flat brush or a cotton swab dipped in concealer or foundation to clean up any smudges or uneven edges around your lips. This step ensures a crisp and polished look, especially if you’re working with bold or dark lip colors. Be precise and take your time to shape the edges of your lips, following the natural contour or the shape you’ve defined with your lip liner.

For an extra sharp and professional finish, you can lightly outline your lips with concealer and blend it seamlessly into your skin. This not only cleans up mistakes but also helps to accentuate your lip shape and make your lip color pop even more. Don’t forget to step back and check the overall symmetry of your lips to perfect your look!
Step 5: Set Your Look with a Finishing Touch
To ensure your dark lip color stays vibrant and smudge-free throughout the day, apply a translucent setting powder or a setting spray over your lips. If using a powder, gently pat it over a tissue on your lips to lock in the color without disturbing the finish. This final step helps to increase the longevity of your lipstick and keeps your bold look intact, no matter the occasion.
Step 6: Maintain and Reapply as Needed
Dark lip colors can be striking but may require occasional touch-ups throughout the day. Carry your lipstick with you for quick reapplication after eating or drinking. To maintain a clean and precise look, you can also bring a small lip brush or a cotton swab for easy corrections. Keeping your lips moisturized and free of flakes will further ensure your bold color stays flawless and fresh all day long.
Step 7: Pair with Complementary Makeup
To balance the intensity of dark lipstick, keep the rest of your makeup subtle and complementary. Opt for neutral tones on your eyes, such as soft browns or taupes, and a light sweep of blush to add warmth to your complexion. Avoid overly bold eye makeup that could compete with your dark lips. Focusing on subtle enhancements allows your lip color to remain the centerpiece of your look while achieving a harmonious overall appearance.
Step 8: Maintain Confidence
The most important aspect of wearing dark lipstick is carrying it with confidence. Bold lip colors naturally draw attention, so wearing them self-assuredly can enhance your look. Stand tall, smile often, and trust your choice—you’ll radiate sophistication and style effortlessly. Confidence is the perfect finishing touch to any statement makeup look.
By following these steps, you can confidently rock a dark lipstick and make it your signature look. Experiment with different shades, finishes, and application techniques to find what works best for you.

5 Things You Should Avoid
- Skipping Lip Preparation
Applying liquid lipstick on dry, chapped lips can lead to an uneven application and flurry appearance. Always exfoliate your lips and use a lip balm to create a smooth base.
- Using Too Much Product
Overloading the applicator with product can result in a messy application and excessive buildup. Start with a small amount and layer if needed for a more precise and polished look.
- Ignoring a Lip Liner
Foregoing a lip liner, especially with bold or dark shades, can cause the lipstick to bleed or smudge outside your natural lip line. Use a matching liner to define and structure your lips.
- Not Allowing It to Dry Properly
Liquid lipstick requires time to set and dry. Touching or pressing your lips together too soon can disturb the finish and result in a patchy look.
- Skipping Removal Steps
Liquid lipstick is long-lasting and can be difficult to remove. Avoid scrubbing and instead use a gentle makeup remover or oil-based cleanser to protect your lips from damage.
How can You Combine Colorful Eyeshadows and Liquid Lipsticks?
You may enjoy experimenting with different eyeshadow shades and liquid lipstick colors if you’re a makeup lover. But have you ever thought about combining them for a bold and unique look? Here are some tips on successfully combining colorful eyeshadows and liquid lipsticks.
- Choose Complementary Colors: When combining colorful eyeshadows and liquid lipsticks, choosing colors complement each other is essential. This means selecting shades opposite on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow or blue and orange. This will create a striking contrast, making your eyes and lips pop.
- Start with Neutral Shadows: Before applying your colorful eyeshadows, starting with a neutral base is a good idea. Use shades like beige, taupe, or brown to create a subtle and natural canvas for the bright colors to stand out on.
- Use Primer: To ensure your eyeshadow and lipstick stay in place all day, it’s essential to use a primer before applying any products. This will help the colors appear more vibrant and prevent them from creasing or fading throughout the day.
- Blend, Blend, Blend: Blending is key to achieving a flawless and seamless look with colorful eyeshadows. Make sure to blend out any harsh lines between colors to create a smooth transition.
- Play with Different Finishes: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different finishes, such as matte, shimmer, and metallic, to add dimension to your look. You can also experiment with layering colors for a unique and multidimensional effect.

Conclusion
How to apply liquid lipstick requires patience and precision, but the results can be long-lasting and stunning
Prepping your lips with a gentle exfoliator and a hydrating balm to create a smooth canvas. Next, outline your lips with a matching lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering. When applying the lipstick, use the applicator to carefully fill in your lips, starting at the center and working outward. Allow the lipstick to dry completely for a transfer-proof finish.
Following these steps can achieve a bold and beautiful look throughout the day.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.