We learn a lot of things in college, many of them extremely useful. But there are some things college doesn’t teach us about life essentials. Especially when it comes to lipstick. Wouldn’t it be nice if how to apply lipstick properly, and how to make sure your lipstick truly lasts all day, were part of the curriculum? But have no fear; we’re here to spill our trade secrets! Here are some lipstick hacks that every girl should know.
1. How to fix lipstick when it melts
Everybody loves a sunny day. But with sun comes heat and it can be all too common to come back from a day out, only to find that your lipstick has completely melted. To rescue it, microwave the remaining bits in a plastic dish until it’s in liquid form, pour it into a travel-sized pot and stick it in the fridge to harden. You can then apply it using a lip brush! Tip: you can also do this with two different shades and combine them to make your own customized color.
2. How to remove lipstick without getting it all over your face
Bite Beauty’s Lush Lip wipes ($12 at Sephora) are not only effective at removing color, but are also incredibly moisturizing as they’re infused with melon extract. Plus, they smell amazing and are made with food-grade ingredients!
3. How to remove lipstick stains from clothes
Long-wearing lipstick is great on your lips… and not so great on your clothes. For those times when you get lipstick on your favorite shirt, dot the shirt with a soft cloth and some rubbing alcohol. Then, rub some dish detergent over top and wash. If all else fails, cover the mark in stain remover and let sit.
4. How to apply lipstick flawlessly
- First exfoliate! The key is to avoid that scaly look. Store bought lip scrubs, like these ones from Bite ($18 at Sephora) or Fresh ($22.50 at Sephora), are effective, but a DIY mixture of Vaseline and sugar works just as well. Apply with your finger or with an old toothbrush in circular motions.
- Swipe on a thin coat of lip balm for moisture. We like Burt’s Bees’ Beeswax Lip Balm ($3.30 at burtsbees.com).
- Next, apply a layer of concealer. This provides a neutral base for the colour.
- Border the edges of your lips with a clear or matching lip liner, such as the No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner by No Cosmetics ($15 at Sephora), so that your lipstick won’t drift outside the lines.
- Paint on the color using a lip brush for control.
- Blot with a tissue and apply another layer.
5. How to make lipstick last all day
There is nothing more annoying about lipstick than having to constantly reapply it. But there are some simple steps you can take to make sure it lasts all day.
- Blot and reapply the color twice, instead of just once. Multiple layers provide ample staying power.
- Start with a base of matching lip stain, lip liner or concealer first. This provides something for the lipstick to grip onto, sort of like a base coat on your nails does.
- Add a clear seal over top, like Lipcote Lipstick Sealer ($12.95 at Amazon) to lock in color.
6. Creative ways to use lipstick
In a pinch, lipstick is an ideal multipurpose product. It can double as a blush; just dab three pea sized dots along each cheek bone and blend. Brown shades work well as a bronzer if applied in the hollows of your cheeks. Certain colors can also be used as eye shadow! Purple, burgundy and gold or bronze shades are perfect.
7. How to reattach a broken end back to the tube
So you’ve been a little too liberal with your lipstick application, or maybe you weren’t paying attention and tried to put the cap on while it was still rolled up. Now your favorite color has broken off the base. Don’t fret! Just place the broken end back on top of what’s left in the tube and use a lighter or a match to melt the edges together. Let cool and it’s as good as new!
8. How to tell when lipstick has expired
We’re all guilty of sometimes keeping our makeup long past its expiration date. But it can be unhygienic to keep makeup for too long, as it could lead to infection. Yuck! A basic rule of thumb: lipstick usually lasts for around 2 years. To help it last as long as possible, wipe off the end after each use. Make sure you throw out your products if they start to smell differently or change texture or color.