How to Stop Lipstick from Bleeding - Pro Tips to Avoid Feathering
Lipstick smearing and feathering can be a nightmare! Learn how to prevent lipstick from bleeding with our expert tips.
Having lipstick smearing and feathering on your face can be a nightmare. But the good news is, there are some easy steps that you can take to keep your lipstick in place and prevent it from bleeding. In this article, we'll share our expert tips to prevent lipstick from bleeding and show you how to apply lipstick like a pro.
Prep Your Lips with a Lip Scrub
Before applying your lipstick, it is important to prep the lips with a lip scrub. A lip scrub helps to eliminate any dead skin and ensures that the lipstick color will appear natural and even. To make a lip scrub you can use ingredients such as honey, sugar and olive oil for a gentle exfoliation. Apply the mixture to your lips in light circular motions until all of the dry skin has been removed. Finish off by rinsing with warm water and patting your lips dry.
Start with a Primer or Basecoat
A good primer or basecoat can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your lipstick from bleeding. Choose a primer specifically designed for lips, as this will help to create a smooth base and prevent feathering. Lip primers are formulated to lock in color while preventing creasing and fading throughout the day. Simply apply the primer before your lipstick and let it sit for at least 5 minutes before applying more product.
After preparing your lips with a primer, you’ll want to make sure your lipstick is applied with precision. You can use a lip brush to line the edges and then fill in the rest of the area, or use a long-wear liquid or gel lipstick formula for an even, full coverage. When applying lipstick, be sure to use short, light strokes rather than one long stroke—this will ensure that every corner of your lips is properly filled in with color. Finally, press your finger into each lip after applying lipstick to blend the edges and lock in moisture. This extra step will prevent any feathering throughout the day!
Choose Lipsticks Carefully and Look for Staying Power
If you’re constantly having issues with lipstick smearing and feathering, then it might be time to switch up your makeup routine. Choose lipsticks that are specifically formulated for long-lasting coverage and look for creamy formulas that won’t dry out your lips. Avoid long-wear mattes as these can often cause bleeding and smudging due to their heavy formulas. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil as this can help lock in moisture and prevent pesky feathers from forming.
Prep and line your lips with a lip pencil. Lip pencils will help to halt both feathering and bleeding by creating an invisible barrier between your lipstick and the outer boundaries of your lips. Once you’ve lined, fill in the entire inside of your lips with the lip liner for maximum staying power and smudge-free coverage. Finish off with a dab of translucent powder on top of each layer to further create a barrier between you and smudging or feathering. Translucent powder will also add fullness so that even if you need to reapply during the day, your lips will still look plump and luscious!
Wear a Lip Liner and Line Your Lips With Precision
Wearing a lip liner can be a great way to stop lipstick from bleeding and feathering. Make sure to choose a color that’s close to the lipstick shade of your choice, as this will help create a base that your lips can cling on to. Use gentle strokes when outlining your lips with the liner, be precise in terms of following the natural contours and shape of your mouth. When you’re finished, it should look like you have an extra pair of lips around yours!
Once your lips have been outlined with precision blend in lip liner carefully, either using a lip brush or your fingertip. Make sure that the color of the lip liner has blended evenly and then apply the lipstick of your choice. This is key as the combination of foundation provided by both products will stop your make-up from settling into fine lines around the lips or feathering beyond the boundaries of lip’s natural shape. To create a long-lasting finish, apply a dusting of transparent or translucent powder around the edges after you have applied lipstick and it’s dry.
Apply Setting Powder and Use Translucent Loose Powder to Minimize Smudging
Applying setting powder or translucent loose powder before applying your lipstick is an excellent way to minimize the risk of smudging. This will leave a thin layer of powder covering your lip area and helps in absorbing any excess oils from your lips, helping to set the lipstick in place. You can use a small brush to apply the setting powder, so that you don’t go overboard with it and end up with cakey looking lips!
Additionally, you should always use a lip liner that matches the color of your lipstick. Start with outlining the natural shape of your lips, and then fill them in with the same colored lip liner before layering on the lipstick – this will prevent any bleed marks around or outside your desired look, lessening the need for strong and unflattering cleanup lines. This works especially well for colored lipsticks, as their pigments are usually more saturated than lip glosses or stains. Lip liners also help the lipstick to last longer and stay intact throughout the day.
Quick Walkthrough
Lipstick bleeding is a common problem, especially for those with mature or dry skin. Here's a quick walk through of the tips.
- Exfoliate your lips: Use a lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to exfoliate your lips gently. This will remove any dry or dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the lipstick to adhere to.
- Use a lip liner: Applying a lip liner can help to define your lips and prevent lipstick from bleeding. Choose a liner that is the same shade as your lipstick or a shade lighter.
- Apply a primer: Apply a lip primer or foundation on your lips before applying lipstick. This will help to create a smooth surface and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
- Choose the right formula: Opt for long-wear or matte lipsticks as they are less likely to bleed than creamy or glossy formulas. You can also try using liquid lipsticks as they dry down and set in place.
- Blot your lips: After applying lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue. This will remove any excess product and help to set the lipstick in place.
- Use a setting powder: Apply a small amount of setting powder on your lips after applying lipstick. This will help to lock in the color and prevent bleeding.
- Avoid licking your lips: Licking your lips can cause the lipstick to smudge and bleed. Try to avoid this habit and keep your lips moisturized with a lip balm instead.
These handy tips, can prevent lipstick from bleeding and ensure a flawless look.
