Liquid lipstick is like lipstick's cooler, younger sister—it's a fun, fresh change of pace from the classic stuff—and it's everywhere right now. Just about every brand has put out a version of it (Anastasia Beverly Hills is one of my personal favorites), and if that isn't enough to get you to try it, maybe this will: Liquid lipsticks do. not. budge.
All that said, there are a few things no one actually tells you about wearing liquid lipstick that we've had to learn the hard way. And we're not even talking about the basic 101 stuff, like, uh, how to apply it (we do have tips on that, though). So, after trying dozens of formulas and making plenty of screw-ups along the way (#overlinefails), we're here to share our wealth of knowledge when it comes to the topic. After all, we're called Lipstick for a reason.💁💄
1. You don't need a lot. Because liquid lipstick formulas tend to be so pigmented, one swipe is enough—seriously. One of our favorite tips? Claudia Soare, Anastasia Beverly Hills president, once told us: "Clean off the wand on the inside of the tube before you put it on. It'll give you more control over the application." Try it. It's a game-changer.
2. Exfoliate! A smooth, flake-free canvas is key, so exfoliate your lips right before applying it. We love Frank Lip Scrub ($14.95, us.frankbody.com), which uses coffee grounds and sugar to naturally—and gently—exfoliate. Bonus: It smells delicious. Other hacks to try in a pinch? Use a washcloth or a toothbrush. (One of our editors keeps a lipstick-stained toothbrush in her desk drawer for this reason exactly.)
3. You can't apply it in 2 seconds. And you need a mirror. "You absolutely need patience," Soare told us. "Makeup artists on Instagram are taking their time, so you can’t just do this in the car." Go too quickly, and you'll end up with a wonky outline or globby finish that's more likely to smear—and get all over your teeth.
4. It's not a low-maintenance look. Ever try putting liquid lipstick on with a bare face? Unless you have J.Lo-level perfect skin, you know it ain't pretty. (But if you do this successfully and love it, please tell us all your tips). For the rest of us, there's just something weird about having a major, matte statement on your lips and not a drop of concealer or anything else anywhere. It's like having eyeliner on but no mascara—the look just doesn't feel complete. "If you’re not wearing a full face of makeup, it’s going to look weird," agrees Soare. So at the very least, foundation as a base helps. A matching blush also balances a strong lip nicely.
5. Chapstick is your best friend. Real talk: Since not all liquid lipstick formulas are created equally, you're probably going to encounter one that's drying. That's the chance you take when going with a matte formula. So throw some chapstick on top of it if your lips are feeling a little too tight. It's a trick Kylie Jenner swears by.
P.S. Speaking of Kylie Jenner and liquid lipsticks, you've got to see the new shade she's coming out with. Check it out here.
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