How to Prep Lips for Lipstick

Don’t you just love how lipstick looks and how it can add life to any outfit? But applying those smooth colors on your lips can be tricky if they are not prepped correctly – dry lips won’t take on color like freshly hydrated ones will. This doesn’t mean you must stay away from rocking your favorite lip shades, though!

Lips need care and attention to look plump, soft, and supple. The better the canvas for any lip color, the more beautiful it will be. So, let’s learn how to prep lips for lipstick!

As with most style elements, knowing the right tricks in preparation for application is critical when achieving a flawless look. Read on for tips on how to prep lips for optimal lipstick adhesion!

What Will You Need?

• A lip scrub or DIY sugar scrub (you can make it yourself at home using honey and brown sugar)
• Lip balm
• Tissue paper
• Foundation or concealer (optional)

Once you have these products, let the preparations begin!

10 Easy Steps on How to Prep Lips for Lipstick

Step 1: Exfoliate Your Lips

Exfoliating your lips is an essential step in prepping them for lipstick application. It helps remove dead skin cells, leaving behind smooth and soft lips. You can use a lip scrub or make one home using honey and brown sugar. Gently rub the mixture onto your lips circularly for about 30 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 2: Apply Lip Balm

After exfoliating, apply a generous amount of lip balm to moisturize your lips. Let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step. If you are in a hurry, gently wipe off the excess balm with tissue paper.

Step 3: Blot Off Excess Lip Balm

After allowing the lip balm to sit and moisturize your lips, it’s crucial to blot off any excess. This prepares your lips for the lipstick application by ensuring they aren’t slippery or greasy. Use tissue paper to lightly blot your lips lightly, leaving them moisturized but without excess product.

Step 4: Apply Foundation or Concealer

This step is optional but can make a difference if you want your lipstick color to pop. Using a small amount of foundation or concealer on your lips creates a blank canvas, ensuring that your lipstick’s actual color comes through. Simply dab a small amount on your lips and blend it in. Be sure to let it dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Outline Your Lips

Outlining your lips is an essential step in preparing for lipstick application. Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or darker shade. Start from the center of your upper lip, tracing the natural lip line towards the corners. Repeat the same step for the lower lip. This creates a perfect boundary for your lipstick and prevents it from bleeding outside the lines.

Step 6: Apply Lipstick

Now comes the exciting part – applying the lipstick! Start from the center of your lips and carefully fill in the color within the lip liner boundary. Use a lip brush for precise application, especially if you use a bold or dark color. Remember to fill in the corners of your lips, too, as they are often overlooked. Once done, press your lips together twice to distribute the lipstick evenly.

Step 7: Blot and Reapply

After your initial lipstick application, blot and reapply is a good idea. This step ensures the longevity of your lipstick. To blot, simply place a tissue paper between your lips and gently press. This helps to remove the excess lipstick. Apply another thin layer of lipstick after blotting for a long-lasting finish.

Step 8: Clean Up and Define

Lastly, clean up any smudges or errors with a piece of tissue or a Q-tip. If you want a sharper and more defined look, you can use a small brush with a bit of concealer around the edges of your lips. This also helps to prevent the lipstick from bleeding. And voila! You’re all set to flaunt your perfectly prepped and painted lips.

Step 9: Hydrate and Refresh

Maintaining the hydration of your lips throughout the day is crucial, especially if you’re wearing lipstick. Carry a hydrating lip balm or lip oil with you and apply it over your lipstick whenever your lips feel dry. This step will add some fresh shine and keep your lips comfortable. Just be sure to use a product that won’t disturb the lipstick underneath.

Step 10: Regular Lip Care Regime

Remember, the key to beautiful lipstick application starts with well-cared-for lips. In addition to these steps, maintain a regular lip care regime. This should involve using a lip scrub at least once a week, keeping your lips hydrated with a good lip balm, and protecting them from harsh weather conditions. Hydrated and healthy lips will ensure your lipstick looks flawless every time.

By following these simple steps, you can easily prep your lips for lipstick and achieve a smooth, long-lasting application. So go ahead and confidently rock those bold lip colors – your perfectly prepped lips won’t let you down! 

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the Right Lip Balm

Choosing a suitable lip balm is crucial. Look for lip balms that are high in emollients. The more emollients a balm contains, the more soothing it will be to dry, chapped lips. Some of the best emollients for lips are Shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil.

2. Use Lip Liner to Prevent Feathering

Consider using a lip liner to keep your lipstick from feathering or spreading outside the lines of your lips. This additional barrier will help keep your lipstick in place and create a more polished look.

3. Reapply Lipstick After Eating or Drinking

After you eat or drink, you may notice that your lipstick has faded or disappeared. Consider reapplying your lipstick after each meal or beverage to keep your lips looking fresh and vibrant.

4. Consider the Lipstick Formula

The formula of your lipstick can make a big difference in how it applies and stays on your lips. Matte lipsticks are less likely to smear or fade, but they can be drying. On the other hand, creamy lipsticks are more moisturizing but may not last as long.

5. Keep Your Lips Hydrated Overnight

Hydrate your lips overnight by applying a thick lip balm before bed. This will help keep your lips soft, supple, and ready for lipstick application in the morning.

With these additional tips and tricks, your lipstick game will surely be on point. Remember, prepping your lips for lipstick is as important as the application itself.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Lip Products That Cause Irritation: If you find that a lip product is causing any kind of discomfort or irritation, it’s best to avoid using it. An irritated lip surface will not only make lipstick application difficult but it can also lead to further damage.

2. Licking Your Lips: While it might seem like a quick solution to dry lips, licking them causes them to dry out even more. The saliva on your lips evaporates, taking the lips’ natural moisture and leaving them even drier.

3. Over-exfoliating Your Lips: Exfoliation is integral to lip care. Overdoing it can do more harm than good. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week to avoid damaging the delicate skin on your lips.

4. Ignoring the Importance of Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial for smooth and well-moisturized lips. Drinking plenty of water benefits your overall health and helps keep your lips from drying out.

5. Skipping Sun Protection: Like the rest of your skin, your lips are susceptible to sun damage. Avoid lip products without SPF during the day, and opt for ones that provide sun protection. This will help prevent your lips from becoming dry and chapped and protect them against potential sun damage.

By avoiding these harmful habits, you can keep your lips in top condition and make the most out of your lipstick.

Conclusion

Overall, prepping your lips before applying lipstick is the key to beautiful looking lips day and night. There are many different ways to prepare your lips that can take as little as 5 minutes. Try out a few of these tips today for soft, smooth lips that are then ready for you to add any color you fancy.

Hopefully, the article on how to prep lips for lipstick has given you some helpful tips and tricks to achieve the perfect pout. Remember, every step is important – from exfoliating and moisturizing to using the right lip balm and choosing the perfect lipstick formula.

With the basics outlined above, there should be no excuse not to have stunning lips every day. Plus, with adorable lipsticks on the market now, why wouldn’t you want to show off those pouts? So go out there and embrace bold colors — or stay subtle if you prefer — but either way make sure you add a bit of glamour to your look!