6 Tips To Apply Dark Lipstick Perfectly

Dark lips are gorgeous and dramatic, but it can be tricky to apply dark lipstick perfectly.

I think there’s nothing more stunning than a deep red lip, a bold fuchsia, or maybe a deep purple lipstick to make a statement and turn heads.

But dark lip colors can be intimidating and tricky to apply.

They are also known to highlight imperfections in your lip line and lip surface if lips are not properly prepped or the shade isn’t applied properly.

You also don’t want your bold lip shade to smudge or wear off too early, because patchy lipstick is never a good look.

Find out how to prep for and apply dark lipstick perfectly every time with these simple tips!

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6 Tips To Apply Dark Lipstick Perfectly

1. Exfoliate Your Lips First

The first step to apply dark lipstick perfectly? Exfoliate! Darker lip colors tend to accentuate dry or chapped lips, so make sure your lips are well exfoliated. I use my FOREO LUNA mini 3 pulsing cleansing device during my night time cleanse and actually run the brush across my lips for a few seconds to freshen them up for the next day. You can also use a toothbrush, a DIY sugar scrub or an exfoliating scrub from the store. Keep lips hydrated with a layer of Vaseline before bed.

Try to exfoliate your lips at least once a week (and don’t overdo it!).                         

2. Use A Lip Brush

Deep lip colours tend to really bind to the lips and can stain skin. If you want to apply a dark lip but don’t have a steady hand, try outlining your lips with a matching or transparent lip liner before applying the lipstick. You can also apply your lipstick with a lip brush, which allows you to have more accuracy and control over your lipstick application. Ever wonder how to apply a dark lipstick without a lip liner first? Again, use a lip brush.

Lip brushes apply lipstick more evenly and use less lipstick than if you were to apply it straight from the bullet. Also be wary of super glossy dark lip colours, as I find them to be a little “slippery” on the lips as compared to their matte counterparts, which can make them bleed around the lips.

If you do go outside the lip line by accident, dip a Q-tip in a makeup remover/micellar water or a moisturizing lotion to remove the colour. You can also use a nude-coloured concealer pencil to help cover any lipstick that falls outside the lip line (see tip #5 for details!). You can also gently brush a clean, dense eyeshadow brush along the lip line to soften the edge.     

                         

3. Prep With Foundation Or Concealer 

To help your dark lipstick cling to your lips longer and to improve pigment, try applying foundation or concealer lightly to your lips first. Concealer or foundation on the lips also helps to show the true color of the lipstick by covering your lips’ natural shade.

4. Blot Your Lips

This is an old school trick, but it works. For heavier lipsticks that tend to smear or have been over applied, blot your lipstick with a tissue to remove the excess. I’ve found this tip to be a lifesaver with some of my thicker lipstick formulas that tend to cake up or bleed shortly after application.

 

5. Set Your Lip Colour

Apply a dusting of makeup setting powder to a tissue and place the powdered side of the tissue against your lips. Use a large powder brush to press the powdered tissue into your lips. This will transfer the setting powder into your lip colour to increase its staying power. This step is especially important for the perfect red lip. Make sure the setting powder is silica based and not talc based. You can apply another coat of lipstick after powdering your lips for long-lasting results!

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6. Use A Lip Highlighter To Define The Lip Line

Want to really bring out your lips? Use a nude-coloured concealer pencil to outline your cupid’s bow and lower outer lip line. The NYX Wonder Pencil is a great option for lip highlighting while covering imperfections in the lip line. You can see a demonstration of how a nude lip liner works from Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist below.

How do you apply your dark lipstick perfectly every time?