A swipe of lipstick has the power to transform your entire look—whether you’re going for bold and glamorous or soft and subtle. But achieving a smooth, long-lasting finish isn’t just about picking a pretty shade. With the right prep and a few expert tricks, your lip color can stay vibrant and flawless all day long.
How to Prep Your Lips for the Perfect Application
Just like you wouldn’t apply foundation without moisturizing first, your lips need prep too. The secret to smooth, even lipstick starts with proper care.
- Exfoliate Gently: Use a sugar scrub or a soft toothbrush to buff away dry skin. This creates a smooth surface so your lipstick glides on without settling into fine lines.
- Hydrate: Follow exfoliation with a nourishing balm. Let it sink in while you do the rest of your makeup, then blot away any excess before applying color to avoid slip.
- Prime for Precision: If you’re going bold or using matte textures, a lip primer can prevent feathering and help the pigment grip better. You can also lightly dab foundation over your lips for an even-toned base—use the foundation shade finder to ensure your base products blend seamlessly with your skin tone.
Tricks to Make Your Lipstick Last All Day
Now that your lips are prepped, it’s time to talk staying power. Here’s how to make your lip color look freshly applied all day long:
- Line First: Lip liner helps define your shape and prevents color from bleeding. Choose a shade close to your lipstick for a seamless transition or slightly darker for a contoured effect.
- Layer Strategically: Apply your lipstick in thin layers, blotting with tissue in between. This locks in color and helps it adhere better. For extra staying power, lightly dust translucent powder over a tissue pressed to your lips.
- Choose the Right Formula: Not all lipsticks are built to last—but Patrick Ta’s high-performance lipstick collection is. With creamy textures and long-wear finishes, they’re designed to stay flawless from morning coffee to after-dinner drinks.
- Set the Look: A quick spritz of setting spray seals your makeup and helps your lip color stay put. Bonus points if you coordinate your lip look with bold eyeshadow palettes to make the whole look pop.
Great lip color isn’t just about the formula—it’s about how you wear it. With the right prep and a few insider tricks, you can turn every application into a confident, all-day statement.
