How to Create Bold Lips That Will Last

Co-authored by Nine Morrison

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 References

Rocking a bold lip color is a surefire way to make a statement. It can be tricky to get it right, though, and after you've put in all the work to make your pout look perfect, you want the color to last all day. Creating a flawless bold lip requires layering your lip products in the right way, so the color doesn't fade or budge.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Lips

1
Exfoliate your lips. When you’re wearing a bold lip color, every flake or dry patch on your lips will be more obvious. Massage a lip scrub over your lips to gently exfoliate before applying any lip products. You can also use a clean washcloth or toothbrush to gently scrub your lips.^{[1]
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- You can mix up a DIY lip balm by combining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of organic coconut oil, 2 tablespoons (26 g) of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of organic honey.^{[2]
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2
Apply a moisturizing lip balm. Once your lips are smooth, you want to keep them that way by applying a hydrating lip balm. Smooth it over your lips, and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it has time to sink in.^{[3]
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- Choose a waxy lip balm rather than an oily formula. Oily balms can cause your lip color to slip right off.
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3
Blot away the excess lip balm. After you’ve allowed the lip balm to sit for several minutes, there may still be some excess product that doesn’t sink into your lips. That residue can make it difficult for your lip color to last all day, so use a tissue to gently blot away the excess.^{[4]
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- It’s a good idea to blot your lips several times to ensure that you don’t leave any lip balm residue on the lips that might interfere with your lipliner and lipstick application.
4
Cover the lips with a light layer of concealer. To create a base for your lip color to stick to, it helps to apply some concealer to your lips first. Your lipliner and lipstick will adhere to the concealer so the bold color lasts longer. Apply a thin layer of concealer to your lips with your finger or a sponge.^{[5]
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- Don’t apply too much concealer -- you don’t want to erase your lips completely.
- For the best lasting power for your bold lip color, use a waterproof concealer.
- You can substitute foundation for the concealer if you prefer.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Lining and Filling in Your Lips

1
Reverse line your lips with a concealer. Bold lip colors have a tendency to bleed beyond your natural lip line. To keep your color in place all day, reverse line your lips by using concealer to line the outside of your lips. That creates a barrier that prevents your lipstick from feathering and bleeding beyond your lips.^{[6]
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- Reverse lining is easier if you use a pencil or stick concealer. You can also use a cream concealer or even foundation on a small concealer brush.
- Make sure to blend the concealer into the skin lightly with your finger to ensure that it looks natural.
2
Define and fill in your lips with a lip liner. As another way to keep your bold lip color from bleeding and make it last all day, it helps to layer a lip liner beneath your lipstick. Follow your natural lip line with the liner, and then use it to fill in your lips as well.^{[7]
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- You don’t necessarily have to match your lipliner exactly to your lipstick. Instead, use a nude liner that’s as close to your natural lip color as possible. Keep in mind, though, that using a liner in a shade that matches your lipstick usually results in a more intense color on your lips.
3
Apply a matte lipstick in a bold shade straight from the tube. For the longest wearing lip color, you should use a matte lipstick. The drier texture keeps the color from fading as easily as glossy shades do. To get the boldest color from your lipstick, though, apply it directly from the tube to your lips.^{[8]
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- If you’re worried about not getting your bold lip color on precisely enough, you can apply it with a lip brush. You can also do a combination of applying from the tube and with a brush. For example, apply the color from the tube to the center of the lips and use a brush to apply it the edge where you want more precision.
- When it comes to choosing a bold lip color, there are a wide variety of options to consider. For example, a dark lipstick shade, such as a deep burgundy or wine, can look bold on fair skin. If you have darker skin, you may prefer going bold with a bright shade, such as a hot pink or cherry red. You can also go bold by choosing an unexpected lipstick color, such as black, blue, or green.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Setting the Lipstick

1
Blot your lips with a tissue. After you’ve applied a first layer of lipstick, lightly press a tissue to your lips to blot the color. That will remove any excess product or oils to help ensure that the color lasts longer.^{[9]
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- Instead of a tissue, you may prefer to use a blotting paper that’s usually used to remove oil from the face to blot your lips. These papers are designed to lift off the oil from your skin without disturbing your makeup, so they can remove any emollient residue from your lips without removing the pigment.
2
Dust setting powder onto your lips through a layer of tissue. After you’ve blotted your lips, take another tissue and separate the layers so you have just a single sheet. Hold it over your lips, and use a fluffy powder brush to lightly dust your mouth with a thin layer of translucent powder.^{[10]
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- You can apply the powder directly to your lips, but that may leave you with cakey-looking lips. Applying it through the tissue helps set your lipstick without leaving a layer of powder behind.
3
Apply a final layer of lipstick. Once you’ve set your lipstick with the powder, apply another layer of your bold lip color. Keep the coat light, though, so you don’t have to worry about your lipstick smearing.^{[11]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do you make your lip color stay on longer?

Nine Morrison
Beauty Consultant
Nine Morrison is the owner of WedLocks Bridal Hair & Makeup, the largest bridal beauty company in Colorado. Her work has been featured in Brides Magazine, The Knot, and by Moroccanoil, and her company replicates this standard across 400+ weddings per year. She has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, and also travels as a beauty educator and business consultant.

Nine Morrison

Beauty Consultant

Expert Answer

My favorite trick for making lip color last longer is using lip liner all over the lips. You can even just use lip liner, then put Chapstick or lip gloss over it to add some sheen, and you're ready to go. Also, lip liner is a lot more affordable. If you use high-end products, lip liners are sometimes half the cost of a lipstick.
Question

Can I use white sugar instead?

Community Answer

Yes.