Red lipstick and a Golden Gaytime. Lipstick worn: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lips tick by Kate Moss in Kiss of Life. (Source: Supplied.)
When I want to feel chic in a second, I grab a red lipstick and don’t look back. Lipstick is the easiest way to look glamorous, fast.
That’s why I get extra-grumpy if I’m walking around feeling like I’m all that with my Taylor Swift red lips, only to find that the lipstick has faded or smudged. No thanks! I refuse to have sub-standard lips, thank you very much, which is why I follow these tips on how to make your lipstick last.
Related: Coffee trial: how do long-lasting lipsticks really stack up?
1. Formula.
The most important thing you can do for long-lasting lip colour is to choose the right lipstick formula. But it’s not just about having heavy-duty lips; it’s also about feeling comfortable. Sure, there are plenty of 24-hour waterproof lipsticks that won’t budge at all (these often have a two-step application), but they feel dry and rubbery on the lips.
Instead, I prefer a traditional, bullet-shaped lipstick, in a cream formula.
Here’s some words you should look for, if you want to find a lipstick that’s in it for the long haul: Matte. Cream. Long-last (duh). Long-wear (double duh).
Some personal favourites that fall into this category are: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lips tick by Kate Moss in Kiss of Life (allegedly, a dead ringer for MAC’s Ruby Woo shade), Revlon Super Lustrous Crème Lipstick in Certainly Red and NARS Audacious Lipstick in Grace.
These lipsticks will all cling to your lips and survive several hours of wear.
Types of lipsticks to avoid would be balms and glosses, as they are generally very slippery and do not last for long.
Related: How to make your cream blush last the day.
2. TLC for your lips.
Sarah Marie Khahil, makeup artist for IT Cosmetics (available exclusively at Sephora), emphasizes the importance of caring for your lips so that the lipstick has a smooth, even canvas. Her lip care routine involves a toothbrush and serum.
“After brushing your teeth, and while your lips are soft from the water, gently rub your toothbrush over your lips to remove any dry or chapped skin,” advises Sarah Marie.
She then follows up by applying “a hydrating serum before applying your lip colour products for the day. This will keep your lips soft and smooth.”
Her serum of choice is IT Cosmetics Feel The Moment Primer Serum.
Related: The biggest foundation mistake women make – sorted.
3. Prep and prime.
Recently, a plethora of lip primer products have appeared on the market, at various price points. A good lip primer should pave the way for a smooth lipstick application, while also protecting the lips and ensuring the lipstick stays put.
I prefer to use a lip balm underneath my lipstick, such as Burt’s Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil. While I’m applying my makeup base, I’ll leave a thick, hydrating layer of lip balm on my lips.
Once it’s lipstick time, I wipe off the lip balm (I’d love to say with a pink cotton puff, but it’s with the back of my hand) and apply the lipstick over the top. The lip balm protects my lips from drying out under the lipstick, while also ensuring an even application of the lipstick.
4. Line it up.
Line and fill your lips with lip liner, if you truly want your lipstick to stick around. The lip liner acts as a base for your lip colour, and helps it to adhere. Sarah Marie suggests using a waterproof lip liner for this purpose.
“Apply it all over your lips before any lipstick or by itself, for an all day wear that won’t dry you out,” she says.
5. Reapply.
The Glow’s writer, Kahla Preston, is known around these parts as “the ultimate lipstick babe queen”. Well, that’s what I call her, anyway, as I sit creepily next to her and watch her perfectly apply her bright lipstick. Her number one tip for long-lasting lipstick is to reapply it, several times throughout the day.
Sarah Marie agrees with this sentiment, suggesting that we “reapply after every meal”.
She gave the following tip for the perfect reapplication: “Before reapplying your lip products, use a tissue to remove any excess from your lips”. This prevents a gunky, crusty look, which is decidedly unglamorous. And when lipstick is all about that pizzazz, you want to ensure that you get it right.
Related: “The $11 liquid eyeliner my wing tips and I couldn’t live without.”
What's your tip for long-lasting lipstick? Do you have a favourite shade?
