Beauty Secret: Make Your Lipstick Last!

1. Clean Lips: Lipstick simply can't stick to dry, chapped lips. Apply a generous amount of lip balm using a disposable mascara wand. Gently rub back and forth, up and down & in circular motions to work off any dry flakes, then use a tissue to wipe off excess balm & flakes. (Follow this tutorial.)

2. Use a Lip Pencil: Lip liners contain the same pigments as lipsticks, but the color is suspended in a waxy pencil instead of a creamy stick. Particles of pigment cannot move as freely in their waxy base, so they provide a platform to which layers of lipstick can cling. Pick a lip liner color that is slightly lighter than the intended lipstick color and fill in the ENTIRE lip. Start in the center and lightly fill in the rest of the lip -- this ensures the brightest hue is mid-lip and not around the edges.

3. Blot & Re-apply: After applying one coat, blot with a tissue & then apply a second coat. Blotting removes excess oils  from the first layer of lipstick while leaving the pigments largely intact. Adding a second layer of lipstick after blotting increases the pigment concentration relative to the creamy ingredients that are the enemies of lipstick longevity.

4. The Tissue Trick: Apply a thin tissue over the lips & apply a loose powder using a brush. The powder helps keep the color in place.

The PERFECT powder to use is Moodstuck Minerals Concealer. It's high-quality, all natural (vegan, gluten-free) & contains Zinc Oxide + Titanium Oxide - the active ingredients in sunscreen - so it will protect your lips from harmful UV rays as well!