If you usually prep your lips with a balm, try holding off until after you’ve applied your liner. “For staying power, I like to line on drier lips,” Brown says. “If lips are too hydrated or have too much slip to them, it prevents the waxy liner from creating a bond with the lip. It will sort of float on top of the emollient lip balm.”
Draw along the perimeter of your lips.
You may feel inclined to try heavily overlining (and if that’s your look of choice, you do you!), but Brown recommends following your natural perimeter and drawing ever-so-slightly above your natural line. “On the sides of the lip, top, and bottom, sketch the liner inwards towards the [center] of your lips,” Brown shares. This helps to blend the color versus creating a distinct border.
Blend out the color.
If you used a liner that was too sharp or applied too much product, grab a small, angled makeup brush to soften the liner color towards the center of the lips. “I think it looks more artful, glam, and a tiny bit lived in,” says Davy. “Your lips will look luscious and full.”
You can also follow this step to ensure a smooth base before applying your lip color over top. “When I’m doing a bold lip look, this helps get a [consistent] color across the entire lip,” says Brown.
Layer lipstick or gloss on top.
When applying your next product, Brown suggests applying a small amount on the center of the lips and blending outward rather than smearing all over. “This ensures that all the beautiful shadowing I’ve done with the brown lip liner doesn’t soften too much,” she says.
For a little extra oomph, “Pop a lighter shade in the center of your lips for a little more dimension,” adds Davy.
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?