Lipstick

All About Lipstick FAQs

How to apply lipstick?

For many, lipstick is an essential makeup product that they can’t live without. If forced to choose one type of makeup above all others, they opt for a product that enhances and adorns the lips. And for good reason. Affordable lipstick comes in a wide range of colors, from nude to pink to red, burgundy and beyond. It’s also available in a variety of textures, including satin, like the best-selling SRSLY Satin Drugstore Lipstick to matte, like the popular Liquid Matte Lipstick. When applying lipstick, it helps if your lips are smooth and free of dry skin, so if necessary, start with an exfoliating product like a lip exfoliator or lip scrub to buff lips to a silky finish. Next, use a lip liner in a shade that matches your lipstick to fill and outline your lips. Then, apply your lipstick over the liner, using a lipstick brush or your fingers or applying the lipstick straight from the tube—your choice! Work from the center outward. Finally, place a tissue between your lips and gently press to blot and set your lipstick in place.

How long does lipstick last?

That depends on what you do while you’re wearing your lipstick. Obviously if you will be eating, drinking or kissing, your lipstick will wear off more quickly. Generally, you can expect your lipstick to stay on for about three to six hours. However, a long-lasting formula like a liquid matte lipstick will stay put for much longer. To help extend the life of a satin or cream lipstick, try applying a little bit of foundation or concealer to your lips first, then fill them in with lip liner. Apply your lipstick, blot with a tissue and then set it with a small amount of translucent finishing powder.

What color lipstick should I wear?

A better question might be, what color lipstick shouldn’t I wear? Lipstick colors are like any accessory—you can choose them to match your outfit or your mood. That said, it’s always wise to choose a neutral lipstick color that can serve as your ride or die for everyday wear. Go with a neutral that’s one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. After that, the sky is the limit! Brighter or deeper shades can add drama to your look and reds are always classic. As a general rule, choose lipstick colors that complement your skin tone. For example, if you look best in warm colors, opt for corals, peaches and orange reds. If cool tones are more flattering for you, pick pinks and blue-red lip colors.

Does lipstick expire?

Like all cosmetics, lipsticks will expire eventually. Typically a lipstick can be expected to last for 12 to 24 months. However, if it is kept in extremely hot or cold conditions or in direct sunlight, it may expire faster. If your lipstick is dry or flaky, if the color is off-tone or faded or if you notice an unusual odor, it’s best to toss it and replace it with a new one.

How do I remove lipstick?

A satin lipstick or lip gloss will come off easily with a tissue or with a gentle makeup remover such as the Holy Hydration! Makeup Cleansing Balm. Simply work the balm into your lipstick and wipe it off with a damp cotton pad or a cleansing cloth. To remove a long-lasting liquid matte lipstick, apply a drop of face oil, such as the nourishing face oil, to your lips. Gently work the oil in with your finger and wipe off the lipstick with a cotton pad. Once your lipstick is removed, rehydrate your lips with a moisturizing formula like a calming lip balm.