Since (and even before) I did the No Bare Lips challenge last year, I’ve gotten a ton of questions about lipstick for women (especially women of color) with full lips. Keep reading for my tips. 

1. Exfoliate. Exfoliation is critical. Exfoliation preps your lips by smoothing them. Any exfoliant is okay. You can use a commercial lip scrub like Bliss, a DIY sugar scrub or even just a toothbrush
2. Moisturize. The proper level of moisture is mandatory for making sure lipstick goes on smoothly. You can use anything from Chapstick or Vaseline to Fresh lip treatment. Just be sure not to go overboard. Too much moisture will prevent the lipstick from staying on.  
3. Primer (OPTIONAL). Lip primers are supposed to work like eye primers. I use Urban Decay Ozone to prevent lipstick from sliding. It’s in pencil form which makes it more like a lip liner. 
4. Lip Liner. Lip liners are critical for women with full lips. They’ll ensure the perimeter of your lips is neat. Liners also help extend the wear of your lipstick. If your lips are different colors (like mine) liners can also help even the color. Just fill in your entire lip before applying lipstick. For nude lips, the liner should be close to the color of your skin or lips. For bright colors, liners should match the lipstick’s color.    
5. Keep your activity in mind. If you’re going to be eating, drinking or kissing you want to remember that when you’re choosing a lipstick. Mattes may be good for drinking because they won’t be left on the glass or straw. When it comes to eating or kissing you’ll have to decide what you prefer. Do you want something that will easily wipe off? Or, do you prefer something that will stay on?  
6. Know your finishes. Matte means dry. Mattes are the hardest to wear. If you don’t moisturize your lips properly matte lipstick will make them flake. Mattes may even dry your lips after application making them flake throughout the day (or night). Semi matte gives you the best of both worlds. It isn’t as dry as a matte but it isn’t crazy glossy. Cream-sheens, luster, satin and amplified finishes have the most moisture and are the easiest to wear. Amplified finishes from MAC go on most like glosses.  
7. Don’t forget alternatives. If you’re not ready to jump head first into fire engine red lipstick, think about alternatives like lip crayons, lip stains or boldly colored glosses. Many have the same color pay off as lipstick but not as much “hassle.”  
8. Have fun. Beauty is supposed to be fun! Buy a few colors from the drug store and experiment. When you figure out what works and what doesn’t then you can invest in more expensive brands.  

Products mentioned

• Bliss lip scrub
• Bite Beauty Lip Lab
• Too Faced Lip Insurance
• MAC Prep and Prime Lip
• Tarte

What are some things you do to ensure that your lipstick stays and won’t stray? Comment below and let me know!