At first glance, learning how to apply liquid lipstick may seem intuitive. But in reality, it’s not always as simple as swiping on your favorite gloss.
Liquid formulas combine the pigment of a classic lipstick with the controlled application of a lip-gloss wand. It typically goes on wet, and dries into a smudge-proof texture. The product is loved by makeup artists and enthusiasts alike for its staying power: “A liquid lipstick will be more long-lasting and overall wear longer throughout the day than a regular lipstick,” Steve Kassajikian, head of global artistry for Urban Decay, tells Glamour. “Plus, you won’t get transfer or bleeding with a liquid lipstick that you might experience from a solid.”
Whether you’re after a statement lip or a pillowy neutral pout, liquid lipstick is a product you can count on to elevate your whole look—and last. Below, pro makeup artists share their best tips for maximizing your liquid lip.
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How to prep your lips for liquid lipstick
Experts say that the most common mistake when using liquid lipstick is not preparing your lips properly for the product. “Lip care prior to applying liquid lipstick is essential for a smooth application,” says Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a celebrity makeup artist. Before you go in with makeup, “exfoliate the lips with a gentle lip scrub to remove dry skin and to avoid patchiness,” Kassajikian says. “Then apply a lip balm to bring moisture back into the lips.”
Once some hydration has soaked in, blot your balm off your lips for a drier base. An optional next step is applying a lipstick primer—“but it’s not really needed if you prep by exfoliating and hydrating,” D’Amelio Ventre says.
How to apply liquid lipstick, step by step
After prepping your lips for the product (see above), experts recommend tracing the outline of your lips with a lip liner. “I always prefer a liner before applying liquid lipstick. It works as a barrier and gives you an outline to achieve the perfect lip shape,” Kassajikian says. D’Amelio Ventre agrees: “It comes down to personal preference, but it just makes the liquid lipstick look bolder and sharper.”
Another pro of lining your lips first? Mistake insurance. “Liquid lipstick dries quickly and can stain the face, so it’s important to guide your application and take your time when applying to avoid smudging,” D’Amelio Ventre says.
“Start by wiping off excess product on the rim of the tube to get an even application,” Kassajikian advises. From there, “outline your lips with the applicator, following the lip liner (or just your bare lip if you skipped the liner part).”
Once you’ve created your outline, Kassajikian recommends starting from the center point of your lips to fill in the rest, working outward. “Always start with a thin layer of product, and build as you apply based on your preferred finish,” he says.
While you can just apply your liquid lipstick, let it dry, and call it a day, an extra step to finish your look might bring it to the next level. If you’re leaning into a matte finish and want a look that lasts, you can hit your lips with a light dusting of setting powder or mist of a hydrating setting spray. If you want that rich liquid lipstick pigment with a shiny finish, D’Amelio Ventre recommends adding a lip gloss on top.
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What makeup looks work best with liquid lipstick?
Liquid lipstick can fit into just about any routine, but it’ll have a different effect on a natural makeup look than it will with bolder glam. “My favorite is a clean, fresh look where the lips are the focus and make the statement,” Kassajikian says—but he also reaches for liquid lipstick to complete a full face. He loves a monochromatic vibe, where the tone of the lipstick is reflected in the eye shadow and blush.
If you want your lips to draw the most attention of your makeup look, D’Amelio Ventre also says that keeping the rest of your makeup simple is the easiest way to maximize a liquid lipstick: “I will say that for a more dramatic look the focus isn’t usually the lip, so that’s why with simple glam the lip really pops nicely.”
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How should I pick a shade of liquid lipstick?
Liquid lipsticks are known for their high-level pigment, so you can have a lot of fun with your shade selection. When it comes to picking a first shade, Kassajikian says that you can use your skin tone as a guide. For lighter complexions, he recommends light pinks, peaches, or nudes with coral hues. For medium, mauve, berry, and rose tones are especially complementary. And for deeper skin tones, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate brown, plum, or red.
While choosing a color close to your natural skin tone is a great way to get used to liquid lipstick, the product also lends itself to high-contrast makeup looks. Once you’re comfortable, experiment with a color that might be outside of your typical palette—like an inky burgundy on fair skin or a bright, cherry red on a darker tone.
Whether you’re wearing it natural or bold, matte or glossy, you won’t regret adding a few great liquid lipsticks to your arsenal. With the right prep and careful execution, your look will work hard for you all day long.
Grace McCarty is the associate beauty editor at Glamour.