How to Properly Put On Lipstick In 5 Steps

When we think of lipstick pros, we don't even think of makeup artists. Our minds go to our moms, who can be parallel parking a car while putting on lip liner and lipstick.

If that sounds like your mom or someone you know, we're willing to bet you want to be that good at putting on lipstick, too! The main reason they're so great at it is that they've been doing it for years. After all, practice makes perfect! However, if you're looking to up your makeup game, you've come to the right place. Continue below to find out how to properly put on lipstick in just five steps.

1. Lightly Exfoliate Your Lips

Preparation is key when it comes to putting on lipstick. That's why it's so important to start out with lightly exfoliating your lips! We suggest getting your hands on a lip scrub like Sarah Happ's Brown Sugar Lip Scrub ($24). Simply rub it onto your lips and wipe it away with a facecloth, and voila, you're left with smooth, exfoliated lips!

(via Sarah Happ)

 

Also read about: Expert Tells Us How to Cure Dry and Chapped Lips

 

2. Apply a Moisturizing Balm

Once your lips are exfoliated, the next prep step is to apply a moisturizing balm. A lot of people tend to skip this step, but trust us when we say this will make all of the difference. Apply a thin layer to your lips to allow for seamless makeup application. We're fans of Laneige's Lip Glowy Balm ($17).

(via Laneige)

 

3. Line Your Lips

Lining your lips can be done in so many ways, but it's honestly all about trial and error! Some people line the outsides of their lips and fill them in, while others just do the outside or even just the cupid's bow and outer corners. Try them all out and see what works best for you! If you're looking for a good lip liner brand, we love NYX and Charlotte Tilbury.

(via Charlotte Tilbury)

 

Also read about: 8 Lip Glosses That Will Give Your Pout the Ultimate Shine

 

4. Put On Lipstick

Now onto the star of the show—the lipstick! Once you've completed the first three steps, it's onto the lipstick. There are tons of options to choose from liquid and matte to cream—you name it! Liquid is best reserved for people whose lips don't dry out, matte is best for those who want long-lasting and cream is great for pretty much anyone. Swipe it onto your lips and stay in the lines of the lip liner and feel free to blot away the excess with a napkin. And if you're not sure what brand to try, look into Urban Decay ($19) or Makeup By Mario ($24).

(via Sephora)

 

Also read about: 5 Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Soft, Luscious Lips

 

5. Finish With a Gloss

This last step is entirely optional, but if you want to have shiny, glossy lips, then lip gloss is a total must. From clear hues to sparkly shades, sticky and non-sticky formulas, there are all sorts of glosses to choose from. But if you're looking for one with high shine and a delicious scent, you absolutely need to try our Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb ($20).

(via Fenty Beauty)

 

Do you have super dry lips? Look HERE for some products that will help combat dry lips.