How to Apply Lip Stain

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Tired of having to reapply lipstick all the time? Use lip stain instead. It lasts much longer, and is also smudge-proof and waterproof. Applied correctly, it can also make your lips appear both full and smooth. This article will show you how to apply lip stain effectively. It will also give you a few tips and pointers on how to get that full, plump look as well.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Prepping Your Lips

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  1. A lip scrub will help buff away dead skin cells and make your lips appear smoother and plumper. [1] It will make applying the lip stain a lot easier. If you don't have a lip scrub at home, or don't have time to run out and buy one, you can make your own by combining 1 part honey, 1 part sugar (white or brown), and 1 part oil (almond, coconut, jojoba, or olive) in a small dish. [2]
    • You should only use lip scrub occasionally and as needed. It's great for sloughing off dead, peeling skin, but it can also damage the delicate tissue on your lips if you overuse it.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Apply the scrub to your lips using your fingers. Gently massage your lips using soft, circular motions. A few seconds is all you need. If you have very chapped lips, however, you might need to exfoliate them for up to two minutes. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Soak the corner of a clean, soft towel with warm water. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the towel, then gently wipe the excess lip scrub off your lips.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Use a clean toothbrush. This is great for circulation and can help make your lips appear more plump and full.
    • Consider getting a separate toothbrush for lip buffing purposes.
    • Don't both buff and scrub your lips. Buffing is the better option, as it's gentler.
  5. Take a soft towel, and gently pat your lips dry with it. You are now ready to start applying your lip stain.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Allow the balm to soak in to your lips for 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, allow it to soak in for at least a minute before wiping away the excess.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Doing the Basics

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Depending on how your lip stain is packaged, you may also need a lip brush. Lip stain can come in a bottle with an applicator, in a small jar, and in a small tube.
    • If the lip stain comes in a small jar, you will need a lipstick brush.
    • Even if your lip stain comes with an applicator, you'll have more control over it if you use a brush.
    • If you plan on doing some layering and contouring later on, choose a lighter shade.
    Kevyn Aucoin, Make-Up Artist

    Apply lip stain with a lip brush, starting at the center of the lips and blending outward. For a more intense color, apply a second coat after the first has dried. To prevent the color from bleeding, use a lip liner that matches the natural color of your lips.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Simply start at one corner of your lip, and drag the applicator or brush to the middle of your lip. Then, start at the other corner and slowly drag the applicator or brush to the middle to connect your line. Follow the curve of your bottom lip. Once you have your lip outline, fill the center part in with more lip stain.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Pull your lips inward, so that you can't see them, and then pop them. This will help transfer some of the excess lip stain from the bottom lip to the upper lip.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Start applying the lip stain at the top of your lip. Make an "X" to define your cupid's bow, then use your applicator or brush to trace from each corner to the "X". If needed, touch up the color to make sure the entire lip is covered.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Take a tissue or paper towel, and fold it in half. Place it between your lips. Close your lips and pull them inward. Open your lips and discard the paper towel. This helps get rid of any excess lip stain. It also helps make your lip stain look more natural. [4]
    • If you'd like, you can wear lip stain under your favorite lip stick, as long as the colors match. That way, if your lipstick wears off throughout the day, it won't look patchy. [5]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adding Depth and Shimmer

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  1. You will be applying brighter shade to the outline of your lips, to make them "pop." You will be applying the darker shade to the inner part of your lips to add depth. Combined, this will make your lips appear fuller and plumper.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Keep the lip stain inside your lip line, not outside. The innermost part of your lips should still have the lighter lip stain color. Outline the inside of both lips.
    • For a sharper, crisper look, use a lipstick brush to apply the lip stain—even if it comes with an applicator.
    • Follow the basic process discussed above, except when it comes to defining your cupid's bow. Instead of making an "X", trace it into a "V".
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Once you have outlined your lips using the brighter shade, go over your lips with a lipstick brush. Focus on the transition line, right where the two shades meet. This will create a smoother transition, and make your lip stain look more natural.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Apply Lip Stain
    Gently dab the lip stain on using a soft, tapping motion. Focus the color on the inner part of your mouth, and work your way to the center of your lips.
  5. This will help make your lips appear plumper. Choose a light pink, shimmery shade, and tap it onto the middle of your bottom lip. You can also add a dab to your cupid's bow. This will help give your lips that final touch of luscious fullness. [6]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How long do you leave lip stain on?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Lip stain lasts all day—at least 8-12 hours. But, if you are doing a lot of eating and drinking you may notice some slight fading.
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    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What is the difference between a lipstick and a lip stain?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A lipstick is a waxy product containing pigment that sits on top of the skin. A lip stain is a water- or gel-based product made of long-lasting pigment, like henna, that is absorbed by the skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 13
  • Question
    How do you remove a lip stain?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can massage your lips with oil or lip balm and wipe off, or cleanse your lips with micellar water. If the stain is stubborn, exfoliate gently with a mixture of olive oil and brown sugar.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
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      Tips

      • You may have to let the lip stain sit and dry for a few moments.
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      • When testing for a lip color in the mall or in a public place, do not apply the product directly to your lips. Try it on your wrist or the side of your hand instead.
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      • When your using a felt tip marker type of lip stain apply it inside to your lips then spread it out using your finger to achieve a just bitten look. Or if your using a liquid type of lip-tint dot it inside to your lips then close your mouth or spread outwards using your ring finger.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Lip stain (1 to 3 shades)
      • Lipstick brush
      • Lip scrub
      • Toothbrush
      • Soft towel
      • Paper towel or tissue

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      References

      1. ↑ Charina Redugerio. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
      2. ↑ http://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/natural-lip-scrub-cure-for-chapped-lips/
      3. ↑ http://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/natural-lip-scrub-cure-for-chapped-lips/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv7iqLyyP-8
      5. ↑ Charina Redugerio. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv7iqLyyP-8
      7. ↑ Charina Redugerio. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.
      8. Videos from ipsy
      9. http://makeupandbeauty.com/apply-lip-stain/
      1. http://www.magforwomen.com/learn-how-to-apply-lip-color-with-these-5-easy-steps/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To apply lip stain, drag the applicator or brush from one corner of your bottom lip to the middle of your bottom lip. Next, drag the applicator from the other bottom corner to the middle to connect the line, being careful to follow the natural curve of your lip. Then, fill in the center of your bottom lip and smack your lips together to transfer some of the stain to your top lip. Finally, finish filling in your upper lip by defining your cupid's bow and touching up any sparse areas. For tips on exfoliating your lips before applying lip stain, read on!

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