How To: Easy Hacks for Expert Liquid-Lipstick Application

Liquid lipsticks can be a bit daunting, even for long-time lipstick enthusiasts. You might be afraid that you’ll smudge it outside of your lip line, you’ll apply too much or you’ll blunder that midday touch-up. But if you can ace the application, liquid lipstick will be your new best friend. When you’ve found the best liquid lipstick and you apply it right, it’ll last all day and it won’t smear or transfer, making it worth the bit of extra effort. From priming to concealing to lining and applying, L’Oréal Paris Canadian Makeup Artist and Expert Jodi Urichuk breaks down that effort so you can get the look and the finish you want ­every time you reach for your liquid lipstick.

1. Prepare.

If you want your lipstick to last all day, “always start with exfoliated, hydrated lips,” says Urichuk. First, use a sugar scrub to get rid of any dead skin that might create a barrier between your lips and your liquid lipstick. Next, hydrate your lips with a thin layer of lip balm and let it absorb before moving on. Next, apply a thin coat of lipstick primer for even more hydration and staying power.

2. Define.

Now that your lips are all set, move on to the area around them. “I extend my foundation to the lip area and dust translucent powder around the edges,” explains Urichuk. Using a small, fluffy brush, apply your favourite foundation around the perimeter of your lips and blend it outwards. This will both define your lips and help prevent your lipstick from migrating into any fine lines, which can happen with even the best matte liquid lipstick. Then, dab a tiny bit of highlighter on your Cupid’s bow to add dimension.

3. Line.

Even if you’ve never considered how to apply lipstick, you likely know how important using lip liner is to the process. “To keep edges sharp, going in with a sharpened lip pencil is a great way to make the colour pop,” says Urichuk. Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick and, working from the centre out, carefully trace the edges of your lips right into the corners so you have one, continuous line. Want to know how to make your lips look bigger? That starts with this step, too. Slightly overline your lips to exaggerate their shape, working from the outer corners this time and taking care not to overdo it too much. Blend your lip liner downwards onto your lips so you don’t end up with a harsh, obvious line.

4. Apply.

It’s time for the main event. Choose a liquid lipstick that promises staying power and hydrating wear, like L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lipstick. “It's a lightweight matte ink that delivers the no-makeup feel of a stain combined with the colour impact of a liquid lipstick,” explains Urichuk. Aside from the matte formula, the doe-foot applicator makes it super-easy to apply directly from the tube. Starting on your bottom lip, apply a thin layer of lipstick to the corners first and move inwards. Then, move on to your top lip, starting from the centre this time and working outwards, making sure you get right into the corners. “Flip the wand over to the point to line and define,” adds Urichuk.

5. Correct.

Nobody’s perfect, and if you make a few mistakes along the way, you can definitely fix them now. Grab a makeup-removing wipe and trace over any smudges or lines that went rogue. If those stains are super-stubborn, Urichuk suggests using L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub. Once you’ve done that, go back in with your concealer and redefine your lips; this will help cover the remnants of any mistakes. Then, set the area around your lips with a little pressed powder, gently dusting it on with a small brush to finish off your matte liquid lipstick look.