Applying flawless lipstick that will stand the bets of time as you go about your day could be considered a true art form and a talent. Applying lipstick is a lot more than twisting a tube, rubbing some color on your lips and simply smooshing your lips together.

Use the steps below to apply lipstick so that you can achieve that look you’re always dreamed of!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Lip liner
• Lipstick
• Lip brush
• Tissue or a paper towel
• Powder
• Lip Gloss

1. LINE YOUR LIPS. Contrary to a commonly held belief amongst women, the lip liner you use does not need to match the shade of the lipstick that you are applying. That being said, you should also not use a lip liner that is a completely different color from your lipstick either! Choose a nude, neutral tone that blends nicely into you natural skin tone and trace the outside of your lip with the lip liner

TIP: Make sure that your lip liner is sharp enough to create a thin line rather than a thick line, but do not make it too sharp so that it is painful to use.

2. POWDER THE LINE: Pass a light dusting of powder over your lip liner. This helps set your liner. Setting your liner will help keep your lipstick in place and prevent it from bleeding outside of the lip line.

3. GET YOUR LIP BRUSH AND LIPSTICK: When applying your lipstick, never apply it directly from the tube to your lips. Dab your lip brush onto the lipstick and apply a thin coat of the color to your lips.

TIP: Wondering why you should bother with a lip brush? A lip brush will allow you to apply your lipstick more evenly and precisely while also using far less lipstick.

4. TIME TO BLOT: Blot your lips by either gently pressing a tissue to your pout, or place the tissue between your lips and apply an even, gentle pressure. Remove the tissue while taking care not to rub or smudge it.

5. REAPPLY YOUR LIPSTICK: Add another layer of lipstick with your lip brush, or add a sheer gloss on top if you are going for a more natural, daytime look.

If you have not applied a lipstick that is specifically meant to last all day long, you can try to keep it lasting longer by applying a lip sealant.

Some additional tips you will want to keep in mind when applying lipstick are:

• Never wear dark lipstick with dark eye shadow. Choose to play up either your eyes or your lips so that you do not have an “over done” appearance.
• If you have a “weak” or thin upper lip, consider lining the upper lip with a colored lip liner and lining the bottom with a more nude or neutral shade.
• If you have a very soft lip liner pencil, try chilling it in the freezer for 20 minutes. You will then be able to sharpen it far more easily.