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Everything you should know on how to apply lipstick

Lipsticks are perfect products to enhance one of your best features: your smile

Following this step-by-step guide on how to apply lipstick will help you perfectly complete your makeup look.

Whether you decide to go with nude tones, colorful shades, or glosses, make sure everybody sees you smiling!
 

 

Step 1: Prep your lips

Before applying lipstick you will want to make sure that your lips are fully prepped.
Start by cleaning them with a light makeup remover, this way you are sure to remove any residue from the night before.

Once a week you can exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. This will also help to prevent your lips from chapping, especially during the winter.
As a result, your lips will have the perfect smooth base for your lipstick.

Don’t forget to use KIKO MILANO’s lip base. This product will ease the application of lipstick and will enhance its color.

While waiting for the base to dry, proceed by applying your face and eye makeup, such as foundation, powders, eyeshadows, mascara, etc.

Now that your lips are ready you can start to apply your products.
 

Step 2: Outline your lips

For outlining your lips you will need a lip pencil that is close to either your natural lip color or the shade that you are about to use. 
A clear tone like KIKO MILANO’s invisible lip liner is another great way to outline your lips and prevent the lipstick from smudging.

Start applying it from your upper lip, right above your cupid’s arrow, and follow the perimeters of your lips in small strokes

A good tip is to use the side of the pencil and not the point, this way the outcome will be cleaner, especially when using a colored lip pencil.

Step 3: Apply lipstick

The beauty of lipstick resides in its design because it is made in such a way that will follow the shape of your lips. If you are using liquid lipstick with an applicator, you will see that this also is designed to follow the natural shape of your lips.

Start by filling the upper lip and then move to the lower one.

For the corners of your mouth, you can use a thin lip brush so you are sure not to smudge. Gently sweep the tip of the brush on your lipstick and transfer the color onto the corners with small and gentle lines.

FUN FACT: To make your lips appear fuller, gently outline your lips, even after having applied your lipstick.

For the final touch, if there is a bit of smudging, concealer can help you define your lips for a flawless look.

How to get the most out of your lipstick

 

You may be wondering how long does lipstick last
Although this depends on your daily routine, there are a few ways that could make lipstick last slightly more.

A trick is using a lip pencil before applying the lipstick.

So instead of just outlining your lips, you will want to fully cover them with the liner.
Begin from your cupid's bow and then proceed to outline your lips as you would usually do.

If you don’t have a very steady hand, you can lean your ring finger or your pinkie on your chin, giving your hand more stability.

Use the side of the pencil to fill your lips from one side to another until they are fully covered. 
Proceed then by applying your nude or colorful lipstick.

Using a pencil before adding lipstick will give your lips a waxy base, preventing the final product from quickly wearing off.

Another way to make your lipstick not wear off that easily is to choose matte finish lipsticks since they quickly dry.

If you love experimenting with different techniques and different products you should try KIKO MILANO’s lip marker. This lip marker will temporarily tint your lips and will last throughout the day.

How to apply lipstick with a brush

Another way to apply your lip makeup is by using a brush. Whether you are using a palette or a lipstick the process is the same.

Use a thin brush like KIKO MILANO’s retractable lip brush, and gently dab the point onto the lipstick. 

Next, outline your lips by using the point of the brush starting from your cupid’s bow and gently follow the perimeter of your lips. The flexibility of the bristles will follow the natural shape of your lips helping you during this step.

Once your lips are outlined, proceed by filling them with small strokes
Using a brush allows you to have more control over the amount of product you are using, so you can start small and build up until you reach the look you want.

How to remove lipstick

Removing makeup is the first step of your nightly skin routine, and just as your face and eye makeup, you will need to remove your lipstick as well.

Use a gentle makeup remover like the two-phase remover for eyes and lips. Just pour a small amount onto a cotton pad and start removing your lipstick in small circular motions to make sure that most of it is removed. 
Then use the back of the cotton pad and gently press it on your lips and start sweeping it across them.

Try to remain within the borders so no product is transferred onto your skin.
When you have fully removed all of your makeup you can follow with your skin routine.

Before going to bed apply your lip balm so you will wake up with moist and fully hydrated lips!

Applying lipstick is the final step to your makeup routine. It is the finishing touch!  The variety of shades, finishes, and formulas make them the perfect product for all sorts of occasions, and thanks to their size and shape you can carry it in your bag and touch up your lips, no matter where you are!