5 Essential Liquid Lipstick Tips To Follow

2015 was the year of liquid lipstick, and the trend isn't slowing down anytime soon. While the warmer months are usually reserved for moisture-rich, glossy formulations, it looks like this year's spring and summer seasons will be filled with matte liquid lipsticks. But before you jump into the latest lip trend, here are the essential liquid lipstick tips to learn to ensure the product works for you and your beauty routine.

Liquid lipstick is a unique formulation that goes on like a liquid gloss but dries to a long-wearing, matte lipstick formulation. The formulas can range from mousse-y and liquidy to slightly tacky and very, very dry. Wearing liquid lipstick can be challenging, but even more so in the colder months since liquid lipsticks can be drying for some. Perfectly rocking a liquid lipstick requires a few tips that will keep your pout healthy and your lipstick on all day.

YouTube makeup blogger Nikkie Tutorials perfectly captioned the confusion of working with liquid lipsticks when she asked, "Do you need a lip pencil? Were precious unicorns harmed in the process of making them? Just so many questions on how to work with liquid lipsticks." We feel ya, girl. There are so many unknowns: Can you blend two liquid lipsticks together? Should you apply foundation to your lips first? Could you put a gloss on top? Here are my favorite tips when it comes to liquid lipstick.

1. Exfoliate First

Jeffree Star Velour Lip Scrub, $12, Jeffreestarcosmetics

Liquid lipstick always drys to matte, which can highlight any cracks or peeling in your lips. Before applying liquid lipstick, exfoliate clean lips with a toothbrush to remove dead skin.

2. Moisturize

Vaseline Lip Therapy Lip Balm, $5, A mazon

Moisturizing your lips starts on the inside by drinking plenty of water. In addition, you can use an expensive lip mask or something as cheap as Vaseline to coat your lips and moisturize before applying additional products.

3. Use A Lip Liner

Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner, $20, Macys

A lip liner helps your pout game in a number of ways. First, you can reshape your lips — you can make them appear fuller, more even, create or erase a cupid's bow to your heart's desire — the possibilities are nearly endless. Liner also creates a solid and complete foundation for the lipstick to adhere to without settling into your lip's natural crevices.

4. Stick With Light Shades

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Milkshake, $20, A mazon

As with all things in makeup, darker shades mean smaller features. If you want a full pout, stick to lighter and brighter shades.

5. Arm Yourself With A Good Makeup Remover

NYX COSMETICS Eye & Lip Makeup Remover, $10, Amazon

Liquid lipsticks, especially when they're matte, can be difficult to come off. Make sure you have a trusty makeup or lipstick remover to use that won't hurt your lips.

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