I always felt that if I wanted to be a ‘lipstick’ person that I REALLY had to commit. Making your lipstick last longer has always been a challenge. Between talking, eating, and sipping-I am constantly moving my mouth (keep it clean people), and never thought I could pull off wearing lipstick without bringing my ‘after’ kit….as in after-eating, after-talking, after-drinking. The products that add extra weight to your bag and prevent you from just rocking your cute little clutch. However I’ve recently starting wearing lipstick again-and more often. I wanted to share with you the products I use to make my lipstick last longer – I won’t say that you don’t still need to bring your touch-up bag, but it will be a bit lighter.

Lip scrub/exfoliant-this is (in my opinion) the BEST way to prep the lips to make your lipstick last longer. Use the scrub to remove any dead skin/flakes. My other ‘pro-tip’-make sure you completely remove the scrub/exfoliant so you don’t have the granules ‘hanging out’ on your lips. You need a smooth surface to work on!

My pick: Maui Sugar Lip Scrub with Kukui Nut Oil by Hanalei Beauty Company

About the Product:

Contains natural ingredients sourced from Hawaii (Kukui Nut Oil, Sugar)

• Helps to gently exfoliate the lips of dead skin.
• Paraben-free, Phthalate and Sulfate free. Cruelty-free

Lip balm-but only if you have time! Honestly having moisturized lips is a beautiful thing-feels great AND looks great. Apply a light balm that’s not too waxy and wait 15-20 minutes for it to absorb. Blot lightly with tissue.

My pick: Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Balm

About the Product

• Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner, and Vitamins E to moisturize
• Soothing Moisturizing Lip Balm to moisturize, nourish and hydrate dry lips
• Natural lip balm made with 100% natural ingredients
• No parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS

Lip primer-again not totally necessary but a ‘good to have’ in most cases- just like eyes and face, lips can use a smooth surface that’s clean and ready for product. In a pinch? I actually use a small amount of concealer and/or foundation as your primer.

My pick (because I do NOT like this as a concealer and don’t want to waste it): Physicians Formula Instaready Full Coverage SPF 30 Concealer

Lip liner-There are several different schools of thought on this. Some experts say to match your liner to your lipstick-and I’d agree with that if you are wearing a strong red or bright pink. With my ‘everyday’ lipstick which is slightly more neutral (and fairly ‘tame’ considering my personality), I choose a liner that slightly and I mean SLIGHTLY lighter than the lipstick I plan to wear. My liner of choice is a standard you-have-to-sharpen-it pencil or the self sharpening twist up liners.   Make sure the tip is sharp-as precision is the name of the game here. I warm the liner by drawing on my hand so that it will glide on. I draw an ‘x’ on my cupid’s bow to start (unless I am filling in my lips with the liner-then do NOT do that) and then line my natural lips, using short strokes.

My pick: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

About the Product

• Soft textured
• Fine tipped
• Automatic lip liner

Liquid lipstick– I know, I know-liquid lipsticks still make some people cringe. Honestly they’ve come a long way since the originals that would crack and dry your lips to the point that you want to cover yourself in Vaseline. Believe me when I say there IS a liquid lipstick ‘out there’ for everyone. If you are not keen on liquid lipstick, then I recommend a demi-matte or semi-matte formula with long-wearing properties. Applying a liquid lipstick can be tricky and requires practice but technique comes with time and heck, if I can do it, so can you! I start with my lower lip, and once that’s done I press my lips together. Then I move on to the upper lip.   Usually one application (of liquid lipstick) is enough but if you want to apply a 2^nd layer, work quickly.

My pick-liquid lipstick: Lime Crime Velvetines Liquid Matte Lipstick

About the Product

• Bold and Opaque
• Cruelty free & Vegan
• Long lasting lipstick

BECAUSE I KNOW SOMEONE WILL HATE ON ME FOR CHOOSING LIME CRIME, MY ALTERNATE LIQUID LIPSTICK PICK IS: Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

About the Product

• One step food-proof lipcolor – No topcoat needed
• Locks in color and comfort for up to 12 hours
• Unique complex of silicones and moisturizers provides easy application and all day comfort.
• Shiny minerals (micas and pearls) provide soft satin finish

My pick-demi/semi-matte: CoverGirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

About the Product

• Created by Katy Perry
• Infused with shea butter
• Rich, moisturizing lipstick formula
• Glides on smoothly

Q-tips: I guess this is a no-brainer (?) but I thought I would include it just in case. I use these with a bit of makeup remover on the end to correct any glaring mistakes.

My pick: Q-tip Cotton Swabs, Precision Tip

Compact mirror: Okay, so maybe THIS is my no brainer. Even though it’s liquid lipstick, if you are going out for an event or to a special dinner, you may want to bring the lipstick and a mirror along to touch up. Although my pick isn’t what I would recommend for a night at the club, I love this very much-especially the lights.

My pick: Ultra-thin Led Lighted Compact Travel Makeup Mirror

About the Product

• Ultra-thin and portable,
• Fits in Any Handbag or Makeup Bag for Easy Storage.
• Adjustable Brightness- 8 Bright LED lights

Kylie Jenner was already on the right track when she packaged a lip liner and a liquid lipstick together (GOSH-I never thought I would give any of the K’s kredit for anything…..see what I did there?).

These are my tips on how to make your lipstick last longer. Now I turn to you. How do you get the most wear time out of your lipstick? What are some of your tips to make your lipstick last longer? Tell me how in the comments below.