Products are selected by our editors, we may earn commission from links on this page.
Lipstick can pull your whole look together—until it fades halfway through your coffee. Keeping color in place feels like a guessing game some days. The good news? A few easy tweaks can make your favorite shade stick around a lot longer.
No fuss, no complicated tricks. Just real tips that work. Whether you love a bold red or something barely there, these lipstick habits help your color last through anything your day throws at you.
Why Does Lipstick Fade Quickly?
So many things mess with your lipstick—sometimes it disappears before lunch. Natural oils on your lips break down the color. Eating and drinking? That wipes it off fast. Dry spots don’t help either, since lipstick can’t grab onto rough patches.
You’re not doing anything wrong. Lips just go through a lot during the day. Once you know what’s making your color fade, you can tweak a few habits and start seeing a big difference.
Tip 1: Exfoliate your Lips
Flaky lips don’t hold color well, so a quick exfoliation makes a big difference. Just grab a lip scrub or mix sugar and honey at home. Buff gently, then rinse.
You’ll notice your lips feel smoother right away. Lipstick goes on better and stays put longer. Do it once or twice a week—no need to overdo it. After that, swipe on a balm so your lips stay soft and ready. Smooth lips really help the color stick around.
Tip 2: Line Your Lips
Lip liner keeps everything in place, so your lipstick doesn’t wander outside the edges. It gives you a cleaner shape and helps the color stick around longer. Start at your cupid’s bow and follow your natural line. You can fill in the whole lip too, for extra grip. Choose a shade close to your lipstick or go with a nude. It’s quick, easy, and makes a big difference.
Tip 3: Apply Multiple Thin Coats
One swipe won’t cut it if you want your lipstick to last. Go with thin layers instead. Start with a light coat, then blot with a tissue.
Do another coat, then blot again. You can stop at two or go for three if you want more color. Each layer grabs on better and stays put longer. It also helps the color look smoother. So don’t rush it—build it up slowly, and your lipstick will hang on way longer.
Tip 4: Top with Translucent Powder
Once your lipstick’s on and looking great, there’s one more easy trick. Grab a translucent powder and a fluffy brush. Lightly dust it over your lips. You don’t need much—just a soft layer to help lock everything in. It gives your lipstick more grip and reduces any extra shine, allowing for a more matte finish. It also helps the color hang around longer. Quick step, big payoff. It’s the kind of habit you’ll want to keep.
Tip 5: Use Tissue for a Diffused Lip Tint Look
If you love that soft, lived-in lip look, a tissue is all you need. Dab your lipstick on instead of swiping. Then press your lips with a tissue to blur the edges and tone down the color. It gives that diffused finish without needing a brush or liner. Want it to last longer? Add a bit of matte balm right on top. It’s super simple, super pretty, and just feels easy. Like you didn’t overthink it.
Tip 6: Know Your Nude Shades
Nude lipstick doesn’t have to be tricky. If you’re fair, soft pinks usually bring out a healthy glow. Medium skin tones tend to look great in peachy or orange-based nudes. Deeper complexions really shine in chocolate, rose-brown, or caramel shades.
Also, going one shade deeper than your natural tone helps everything look smoother. It’s a simple switch that makes nude lipstick feel more pulled together without looking heavy. Just the right amount of color, with the perfect balance.
Tip 7: Keep It Off The Teeth
Lipstick on your teeth is easy to spot but hard to ignore. So, here’s a quick trick: after applying your lipstick, place a clean finger in your mouth and gently close your lips around it to make a small “O.” Then, slowly pull your finger out. This removes extra lipstick that could sneak onto your teeth. It’s a simple step that saves you from awkward moments and keeps your smile looking fresh throughout the day.
Tip 8: Layer Up
Layering your lip products can really help your color stick around. Start by lining your lips and filling them in with the liner—this creates a base that stops lipstick from bleeding. Then, apply your lipstick on top. Another way is to apply lipstick, blot with a tissue, dust a little translucent powder over the tissue, and then add a second coat. These steps help lock in your color and keep your lips looking fresh for hours.
How to Choose a Long-Lasting Lipstick?
Choosing a long-lasting lipstick means looking for formulas that stay put without drying out your lips. Matte lipsticks tend to offer fuller coverage and can hold color for hours, but some formulas feel heavy or drying. Creamy or satin finishes usually feel more comfortable while still lasting well. Glossy lipsticks often need touch-ups, but can have stain-like formulas that add shine and stay longer.
Lock In Color and Feel Good Doing It
Long-lasting lipstick doesn’t have to be tricky. With a few simple habits—like layering the right way, blotting with tissue, and picking shades that suit you—you can stretch that color through the day. Keep lips smooth, stay hydrated, and find formulas that feel good on. Lipstick should feel like you, just a little more polished. So swipe it on, do your thing, and let your lips stay bold from morning to night.