The Ultimate Beauty Guide

Whether you’re a lipstick pro or novice, everyone can benefit from a few tried-and-true expert tips. We’ve rounded up five insider tricks to help you pull off any lip color, from classic red to on-trend orange.


Trick 1: Make it Matte

The only thing better than a bright lip is a matte bright lip. You don’t have to buy a new lip wardrobe to embrace the texture, just dust your lipstick with translucent powder as the last step. “It won’t change the color,” celebrity makeup artist Georgie Eisdell told us at the shoot for our latest editorial. She used Laura Mercier’s Translucent Powder ($35) on Holland Roden’s lips for a shine-free finish.


Trick 2: Stop Imperfections

If you find your lipstick bleeding, try an invisible liner. The thick, clear formulas create a barrier to keep you favorite hue in place. We like Make Up For Ever’s Lip Line Perfector ($19) and Sephora Collection’s Universal Lip Liner ($10).


Trick 3: Start with Concealer

Try applying concealer to your lips before you reach for your lip color, which will help the color pop and last longer. We like Flower Beauty’s Lighten Up! Concealer Pen ($8) or Lancome’s Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer ($31).


Trick 4: Add Fullness

Want to make your lips appear fuller? Blend highlighter right above your cupid’s bow and in the center of your bottom lip as the last step. Try RMS’ Living Luminizer ($38) or E.l.f.’s Studio Shimmer Palette ($3).


Trick 5: Buff and Hydrate

Before you even think about picking up your favorite lipstick, make sure you exfoliate and hydrate to ensure a smooth texture. Use a scrub or a soft toothbrush to gently buff away dryness, then apply a thick balm. Wait five minutes, tissue off, and apply your lip color.

We like Fresh’s Sugar Lip Polish ($23) and Nivea’s Kiss of Moisture Lip Care ($3).