Lipstick Longevity

By Karinda Ristic
Professional Make-up Artist

Trying to get your lipstick to last longer during the day is often a hassle for most women.  No one likes it when there lipstick fades and flakes.  Furthermore, we simply do not have the time daily to spend in front of the mirror doing touch-ups.  Let me explain to you how to prevent your lipstick from smudging during the day and how to make it last longer.

Exfoliate
Lipstick adheres best to a smooth surface.  Exfoliate your lips at least once every two weeks.  Before applying your lipstick (when your lips is dry), gently rub your lips with a wet facecloth.  This will exfoliate the lips beautifully and leave them soft and smooth. 

Lip liner
Lip liners are a great way of making your lipstick last longer.  Choose a liner colour that is similar to your natural lip shade, instead of using a colour that matches your lipstick shade.  This will prevent your lips from looking uneven and patchy once the lipstick starts fading.  Instead, you are left with a natural looking colour. 

Start by lightly tracing the outline of the lips.  Then colour in the entire lip with the lip liner.  This will create a base for the lipstick to be applied to and make your lipstick last much longer during the day.

Lipstick formula
The general rule when choosing a lipstick formula is - the less moisture or cream a lipstick has, the longer it will last.  For example, a matte lipstick formula will last the longest.  Keep in mind that matte lipsticks have changed a lot in the last few years and instead of being dry and thick, they are thinner and more comfortable to wear with silicone formulas.

Apply and blot
Apply one layer of lipstick to the lips.  Using a one ply tissue, blot the lips and apply another coat.  This will automatically make your lipstick last longer.

Finally, avoid using lip gloss if you want a long-lasting effect.  The general rule is the more moisture or cream the product has the quicker it will rub off.  This also applies to lip gloss.   

Note: This article was posted on http://www.destinyconnect.com/blogs/karinda/archive/2009/06/05/lipstick-longevity.aspx (5 June 2009)