How To: Keep your lipstick from fading

Here are some simple steps to keep your favourite lipstick from fading on a night out, or during a special event.

Photo: Samantha Erin Photography Hair + Makeup: KrystieAnn

Make sure your lips are soft and smooth! Exfoliate your lips using a lip scrub. I prefer a homemade scrub of honey and brownsugar. J Use a soft bristle toothbrush to help scrub away any dead skin.

Make sure you keep a lip moisturizer on your lips when you sleep too for extra hydration!

Lip primer is the perfect tool for helping lip colour stay in place. It also helps minimize the appearance of fine lines in the lips, for an even application. Urban Decay makes one of my favourite lip primers.

Next, apply a foundation over your lips and set with a loose or pressed powder.

Then outline your lips with a lipliner. I prefer to use the side of the lip pencil rather than the point. It creates a softer lip line, and is much easier to blend.

Match your liner with your lipstick if you have a bold colour. But if your lipstick is a natural more flesh-toned pink, then use a natural colour that matches your lips. Another great trick is to use a clear, or nude shade. DuWop and CARGO cosmetics both make a “reverse lip liner” which is fantastic to use. These pencils are mostly wax, and also help give the illusion of a fuller pout.

Then apply your lipstick. The creamier or more sheer your lipstick, the more chance you have it fading. Stick with a matte lipstick for the best staying power. The trick is to saturate your lips but not to add a super thick layer of lipstick.

-On myself, I use my index finger and tap the product into my lips. I find I get the perfect amount of colour and you can easily layer it on if need be.

Next blot your lips on a tissue, and set your lips with a translucent powder. This will allow your lipstick to adhere to a dry base. If you want, you can add another layer or lipstick and set again for extra staying power. And voila! Pucker up!