7 Liquid Lipstick Mistakes You Could Be Making

Just like perfectly pointed wing tips and beautifully sculpted cheekbones, liquid lipstick looks gorgeous when applied with patience and care. Rush it and it’s a whole different result altogether, though. To help you apply liquid lipstick like a pro, we’ve rounded up the top mistakes you could be making along with what to do instead. Once you’re done reading (and you've made your way through your skin care routine so that you're ready to apply makeup), try the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick in Shake Down, Deeply Disturbed , Cowboy, Stirred, and Kitten Paw, which are some of our favorite shades from the collection.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #1: You’re Not Exfoliating First

Exfoliating before applying lipstick is always a good idea because it can help create a smooth surface. It’s particularly beneficial when it comes to liquid lipsticks, since many formulas have a matte finish. Since matte lipsticks look flat and non-shiny when they’re on your lips, they can draw attention to any dryness you might be experiencing. So, take a minute or two before applying any liquid lipstick color to gently massage on a lip scrub to exfoliate dead skin cell buildup from the surface of your lips.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #2: You’re Not Moisturizing Beforehand

Just like you use moisturizer after exfoliating your face, you should do the same after scrubbing your lips. Apply a hydrating lip conditioner to your pout once you’ve wiped away your lip scrub.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #3: You’re Applying Too Many Layers

When it comes to applying your liquid lipstick of choice, you really only need one layer. Most liquid lipsticks are incredibly pigmented, so one coat should give you the perfect coverage, whereas multiple layers could end up looking cakey.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #4: You’re Doing It In the Wrong Order

You might think that going from top to bottom is the most logical way to apply your liquid lipstick, but it turns out that’s not actually the case. Instead, you should start with your bottom lip. Since more color will be on the brush when you first pull it out of the tube, it’s best to go straight to your lower lip so that you have more room for mistakes in case the color feathers out. Once you’ve filled in your lower lip, use the remaining color on the wand to fill in your upper lip, starting in the center and working your way out.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #5: You’re Not Using Lip Liner

Ever wonder why your liquid lipstick looks perfect at the start of the day but ends up in all the little lines surrounding your pout by noon? Chances are, you forgot to use lip liner. When you border your lips with a complementary shade of lip liner, this can help keep your liquid lipstick color confined to your lips. And if you coat the entire surface of your lips with liner, this can actually serve as a great primer, allowing your liquid lipstick to wear more evenly.

Liquid Lipstick #6: You’re Not Applying Your Lip Liner Correctly

When it comes to your lip liner, you want to remember what you learned in kindergarten and keep it inside the lines. After tracing the outer edges of your lips, use a lip brush to blend it in towards the center of your mouth to create an ombré effect. This way you’ll be able to hide that you’re wearing lip liner while still getting the major benefits of rocking it. Try the L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Matte Lip Liner in a shade that matches (or is close to) your liquid lipstick color.

Liquid Lipstick Mistake #7: You’re Rubbing Your Lips Together

Back in the day, when you first learned how to wear lipstick, your mom probably told you to put it on, rub your lips together, and pucker up for a perfectly filled in pout. When it comes to liquid lipstick, that advice is outdated. Liquid lipsticks typically dry quickly and come with precision applicators, so there’s no need to rub your lips together to disperse color.

Next up: Get your glitz and glam on by reading our article, 5 Metallic Lipstick Looks for Fall.