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A beautiful lipstick can instantly complete your makeup look, but keeping it intact throughout the day can be challenging. Eating, drinking, talking and even repeatedly touching your lips can cause the color to fade or transfer.

The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a long-lasting formula to keep your lipstick looking fresh. A few simple preparation and application techniques can significantly improve its staying power.

1. Prep Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick

Smooth lips provide a much better base for lipstick.

If your lips are dry or flaky, gently exfoliate them using a soft, damp washcloth or a mild lip scrub. Follow this with a lightweight lip balm.

Give the balm a few minutes to absorb and then gently remove any excess before applying lipstick.

Avoid applying a thick, greasy layer of balm immediately before lipstick because it can prevent the color from adhering properly.

2. Use a Lip Liner

Lip liner isn’t just useful for defining the shape of your lips. It can also help create a base for your lipstick.

Outline your natural lip line and then lightly fill in the entire lips with the liner. Apply your lipstick over it.

This extra layer can help the color last longer and can also reduce the appearance of fading when the lipstick begins to wear off.

For a seamless result, choose a liner that closely matches your lipstick shade.

3. Apply Lipstick in Thin Layers

Instead of applying one thick coat, use two thin layers.

Apply the first layer evenly, then gently blot your lips with a tissue. Follow with a second thin layer.

This technique removes excess product while leaving behind pigment that can adhere better to the lips.

For particularly long days, you can lightly set the edges with a small amount of translucent powder, taking care not to overdo it.

4. Be Careful With Food and Drinks

Even the most long-wearing lipstick can fade with oily foods and repeated contact with cups or glasses.

When possible, take smaller bites and avoid repeatedly rubbing your lips together. Using a straw for certain drinks may also reduce direct contact with the lips.

After eating, gently dab your lips with a tissue rather than wiping them aggressively.

Bonus Tip

For important occasions, choose a transfer-resistant or long-wear lipstick and test it before the event. Matte and liquid formulas often last longer than creamy, highly moisturizing formulas, although the best choice depends on your lip type and comfort.

The Bottom Line

Long-lasting lipstick starts with good preparation. Moisturize and smooth your lips, use a lip liner, apply lipstick in thin layers and minimize rubbing or oily-food contact. These simple tricks can help your lip color stay fresh for much longer without requiring constant touch-ups.