Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 6: Preparing to apply lip liner
• Tips
• Warnings

It can be challenging even for the most experienced makeup user to apply lip liner properly. When applied properly, lip liner can extend the life of your lipstick, prevent color fading, prevent color bleeding, add definition to your lips, and enhance or hide lip features.

To step

Part 1 of 6: Preparing to apply lip liner

1. Wait for the balm to dry. Some experts recommend that you wait 20 minutes before applying other products to your lips after applying moisturizer.
   • If you don't have the time, wait at least a few minutes, then blot your lips with a handkerchief to remove any excess moisturizer.
   • You want your lips to be dry but well-hydrated before applying other products. If you notice that your balm is taking too long to dry, try applying it just before going to bed. This will help ensure that you have hydrated lips when you put on your makeup the next day.
2. Choose your lip liner color. Choose your lip liner color based on what you plan to do with it. If you plan to wear red lipstick, go for a red lip liner; if you plan on keeping your lips looking natural, go for a nude or soft pink lip liner. You can also look for a lip liner that matches your natural lip color. This will work with any color, although it may dull some brighter colors.
3. Part your lips slightly. Parting your lips will help you stick to the natural shape of your lips as you outline them.
4. Choose your colors. Opt for a nude liner and lipstick for a natural look, or a dramatic liner and matching lipstick if you're feeling more adventurous.
   • Note that darker colors and matte colors can make lips look smaller.
5. Go big (optional). If you want to make your lips look much bigger, the best thing to do is to use a two-tone method, with a liner that is slightly darker than your lipstick.
   • Use a darker lip liner on the outer corners of your mouth and bring it inward. Then use a lighter color in the center of your lips.
   • In 2014, Kylie Jenner donned a '90s-inspired lip liner on her newly enlarged lips, combining a darker liner with lighter lipstick. Experts say it is important to use a darker liner and lipstick that is only slightly lighter (for example, a wine red liner and cranberry lipstick) for this method.
6. Choose your colors. Opt for a nude liner and lipstick for a natural look, or a more dramatic liner and matching lipstick if you're feeling adventurous.
   • Note that dark and matte colors can help lips look smaller.
7. Buy a good quality lip liner. Good quality lip liners are available at drugstores and makeup stores: you just need to know what to look for. Always try out lip liner before buying. A good liner should easily be able to draw a smooth, intensely colored line on your hand. You should try to buy a new lip liner every 3-6 months.
   • Avoid liners that are transparent, chalky, and / or crumbly.
   • If it's even slightly difficult to draw a line on the back of your hand, avoid that liner.
8. Know what colors to buy. Some makeup aficionados have a matching lip liner for every shade of lipstick they own. However, if you only buy one shade of lip liner, go for a skin tone or natural shade.
   • A good set of lip liners for beginners includes one skin tone, one red, and one pink lip liner.
9. Get a good sharpener. Unless you are using a liner that you turn up (these usually come in plastic containers) then you will be using something that looks like a colored pencil. You will need a sharpener to keep your liner sharp.
   • Not much advice is available on how to buy a good quality sharpener; It is best to ask best friends for advice or search online for sharpeners with good reviews that fit your budget.
   • Pencil sharpeners can cost as little as $ 2 or as much as $ 40 or even more, but it is certainly possible to buy a good quality sharpener for less than $ 10.
10. Have some tissue paper or cotton buds ready. You may need to clean your lines, especially if you are new to using lip liner. This is much easier to do when you have a cotton swab or tissue paper close to you.
    • When you come across a particularly tough stain, apply a tiny amount of moisturizer or makeup remover to some tissue paper or the tip of a cotton swab and gently rub the stain until it goes away.
    • It may help to apply a small amount of moisturizer to the stain and then use the dry side of a cotton swab to rub the stain away.
11. Take a good lip balm. Moisturizing your lips before liner application can help prevent them from drying out, which can leave your liner looking dry and crumbly when it gets into the cracks that enter your lips when they are dry.
    • A good lip balm will absorb into your lips and leave them feeling hydrated. Avoid lip balms that are too wet or gooey as these will make it difficult to apply other products to your lips.
12. Take a lip primer (optional). Some makeup artists recommend applying a lip primer to your lips before applying other products as it can extend the life of your liner and lipstick when on your lips.
    • If you don't have a primer, you can also use a concealer or foundation to prep your lips.

Tips

• Lip liners are supposed to match your lipstick color. Whenever possible, try to buy the two together.
• Visit the makeup counter at your local department store and ask for help purchasing lipstick and liner. Don't let them force you to buy the new seasonal shades if they are too bright, trendy, or light for your lip color. Explain that lip liner is new to you and try some while you're there.
• Quality is important. If it doesn't work with the application, try another brand.
• Some lip liners are drier than others, while others are smoother and greasier. Try out different strains to see what you prefer.
• If your lip liner gets accidentally smudged, you can simply rinse the smudge with water.

Warnings

• Lip liner will melt when exposed to heat. Treat it as you would with eyeliner or lipstick.
• Lip balms, certain types of lip gloss, and other ointments can remove lipstick and liner.
• Wooden pencils that become dull can scratch your lips. Have a sharpener handy.
• Lip liner applied too heavily can give a sloppy look.