Beauty School: Smudge-Proof Lips

COUNTER CONFIDENTIAL

"Smudge-Proof Lips" by Undercover Beauty Agent

The most frequently asked question at my counter is: “Do you have a lipstick that stays put?” Women are always looking for ways to avoid reapplying their favorite lip product. It becomes frustrating to touch up every half hour when nothing seems to stay on.

While I normally suggest stains for a long-lasting pout, some women want something with more coverage. Just like your face or eye makeup, there are certain products and tricks to help make your lip products stay a bit longer.

1 Exfoliate and Prime

Before applying any lip products, a clean and prepped surface is a necessity. Exfoliating your lips with Laura Geller Lip Strip will remove dryness and any flakiness. This will create smooth, hydrated lips. Remember to also use a primer like MAC Prep+Prime. Most people will always buy eye primer, but tend to forget that their lips need primer too. Primers help colors adhere to the skin and will soften any fine lines to prevent feathering.

2 Layer

Layering a scented lotion with fragrance is common, but the same idea can also be applied to lip products. Fill in your entire lip with a nude colored lip liner and then apply your lipstick. The liner will grab onto your lipstick and help the color stay on longer.

3 Seal the Deal

Use a translucent powder to seal in your lip color. This will stop the smearing and smudging. Take a single, thin sheet of tissue, and place it over your lips. Lightly tap a bit of powder over the tissue with a kabuki brush. The powder will set your perfect pout in place.

4When Hope is Gone

Everyone’s lips are different, and sometimes you might need something a little more potent. When all else fails, try Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar. This long-lasting, full coverage tar can be used as a base or on its own. 

Image courtesy of hoodoothatvoodoo.tumblr.com 

Undercover Beauty Agent is just an average makeup artist at your local beauty counter who's reporting true stories exclusively for Beautylish: "I love what I do because I get to make people feel beautiful on a daily basis. Working with so many different people in New York City has definitely been interesting. I've learned a lot and not all of it is very pretty. I'm a beauty advisor by day and a secret beauty agent by night, totally ready to share all my insider secrets and gossip."