Easy Lipstick Hacks for Beginners

If you’re new to lipstick, don’t worry! Applying lipstick doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a few tried and tested easy tips that helped me when I started wearing lipstick, you will ace your lipstick application each and every time!

1. Prep Your Lips

Before applying any lipstick to your lips, you need to make sure you’re starting with a smooth base. If your lips are flaky, your lipstick will also be flaky!

Start by gently exfoliating your lips using a lip scrub or a DIY sugar scrub. This removes dead skin, leaving your lips smooth and ready for color. Exfoliate your lips at least once a week for the best results.

2. Moisturize

After exfoliating, apply a lip balm to hydrate and lock in moisture. My simple tip is to apply a lip moisturizer or balm every evening before you go to bed. Add it to your evening skincare routine and you won’t forget to do it!

3. Use a Lip Liner

Lip liner is a game-changer, especially for beginners. It defines the shape of your lips and helps prevent lipstick from feathering or bleeding.
I also find it much easier to apply lipstick when I’ve already outlined my lips with lip liner. It creates a guide that helps me stay within the lines and achieve a more polished look.

Choose a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade and outlines your lips, focusing on defining your cupid’s bow and outer edges. For a fuller look, slightly overline your lips.

4. Use The Correct Lipstick for Your Skin

If you have dry skin, make sure to choose a hydrating lipstick. There are plenty of lipsticks today that have hybrid skincare ingredients in them. Take advantage of them and your lips will reap the benefits!

5. Choose the Right Shade for You

As a beginner, it can be tempting to try every bold shade out there, but knowing which ones complement your skin is the key to getting it right.

Tips on how to prevent lipstick from bleeding and feathering

If you’re just starting out, opt for neutral pinks, soft reds, or muted nudes that flatter most skin tones and are easier to apply without noticeable mistakes. Slowly branch out to more colors as you get more confident. Read my full post on the tip to choosing the right shade of lipstick.

6. Blot Your Lips

For lipstick that lasts all day, try the blot and layer technique. After applying your first coat of lipstick, gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove excess product. Then, apply a second layer of lipstick.

This technique helps to set the color and make it last longer without fading. Plus, it helps prevent any lipstick from getting on your teeth!

7. Use Concealer for a Clean Finish

If your lipstick application isn’t perfect, don’t worry, that’s where your trusted concealer comes in! Concealer can clean up any mistakes and sharpen the edges of your lips. Take a small brush or a cotton swab dipped in concealer and carefully outline your lips, blending it into your skin.

8. Prevent Lipstick from Staining Your Teeth

One of the most common lipstick mishaps is getting lipstick on your teeth. A genius hack that works every time is to place your index finger in your mouth and gently pull it out. This trick removes any excess lipstick on the inside of your lips that could transfer to your teeth.

9. Seal it

Use your favourite setting powder and lightly dab it over your lips. When I say lightly, I mean very lightly, oversetting your lips will cause them to dry and crack. But the advantage of setting your lipstick is that it lasts much better and longer.

My Thoughts

Like most things in life, once you get the hang of it, it becomes easy and almost second nature. That’s definitely true for lipstick application. These easy hacks are what I wish someone had told me when I was starting out. They’re simple and won’t take too much of your time!

UP NEXT: The 8 Best Lipsticks For Older Women in 2024

Hollie xx

About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨