How to Properly Apply Lip Stain

Lip stains hit the beauty market with a great splash and have retained their popularity. They are available in a variety of great shades and offer a deep and dramatic color. The downsides to this beauty product is that they are not inexpensive and they can be difficult to keep looking fresh and intact all day. I love lip stains and began using them as soon as I first noticed them on the store shelf. I made my fair share of beauty blunders along the way and had to learn to apply it properly through trial and error. Here are some of the tips I learned on the best way to apply a lip stain to get a terrific finished look and get the most out of the money spent on this cosmetic.

Exfoliate the Lips Prior to Application. Lips chapped or cracked? Is a layer of dry skin covering your pout? Lip stains seep into all the thin skin of the lips, filling the areas with color. Any small imperfections will be magnified tremendously. Use a damp toothbrush dipped in a bit of sugar to gently remove any flakes. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline and allow to penetrate completely. Wipe off any excess with a soft tissue. Follow with lip stain application. The exfoliation should ideally be done at night to allow the lubrication to be completely absorbed before morning makeup time.

Work Quickly and Efficiently. When I first started using this product, I applied it as though I would a traditional lipstick. Big mistake. Far less lip stain is needed as compared to the more traditional lip enhancer. A little bit goes a long way, but it needs to be applied in a quick motion. This cosmetic dries and sets very quickly, so a speedy hand is required. Begin at the outer rim of the lips and work inward. Use a damp washcloth or makeup remover cloth to correct mistakes. Dry the mouth thoroughly and begin again if needed.

Soften the Lips After Application. Lip stains appear very flat and dry. A little bit of gloss or balm swiped on the lips after application provide a softer look and feel. Although I loved the look of this beauty product as soon as I started using it, my mouth would often feel very tight and dried out around the middle of the day. The color would begin to fade a bit as well. A thin layer of shiny gloss or balm offers just enough moisture to keep the color looking fresh and add a bit of natural softness as well. Do not reapply the stain until after the balm has completely soaked into the lips. It will not adhere properly and can damage the applicator.

Keep It Capped. it is essential to keep the lip stain cap on at all times when not in use. There is very little moisture in this cosmetic and it needs to retain what little it does have. Any bumping or rubbing of the applicator stick can cause damage to the integrity of the product and result in uneven coverage and less than desired results. Taking care to put the cap back on after use and keeping it safe in a soft makeup bag will extend the life of the product and therefore save you money.