How To: Make Your Lipstick Last

I have a core belief when it comes to lipstick.  Bright or dark lipstick is a commitment.  You have to keep checking yourself in a mirror or ask your BFF (or a complete stranger, whatever) if your lipstick is ok.  With a natural lip color, when it starts to fad, it's no big.  Bright or dark lips, however, are obvious when they begin to fade.  They can also look weird and patchy.  It's annoying, y'all.  But there is a way to make your lipstick last longer.  This tip works with any lipstick color, but it works best with satin or matte lipstick.  Here what you will need:

A matte or satin lipstick and co-ordinating lip liner.  For this I used Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 09 and Milani EasyLiner Retractable Pencil for Lips in Sugar Plum.

Step Numero One: 
Start with prepped lips.  I usually just make sure that my lips aren't flaky and then put on some lip balm.

I never thought my lips had a funny shape until I started
taking pictures of them.  Blissful ignorance.

Step Numero Two:
Line and fill in your lips completely.  This is very important.  I never understand when people just line their lips.  When the lipstick fades, then you are left with a single line around your mouth.  Lip liners are slightly waxy.  They are designed to stay on a long time.  When you fill in your lips entirely, there is no line left over.

Don't mind me.  Just casually filling in my mouth.  While
also taking a photo.  Completely natural.

Step Numero Three:
Put on that lipstick.  If you don't feel comfortable putting it on directly from the tube, then use a lip brush.  You do you.  Just make sure the application is even.

Oooo, vampy.

Step Numero Four:
This is the critical step.  Blot your lips.  When you blot your lipstick, you take away most of the moisture and shine.  By doing that, you have sort of created a stain.  This stain is the base layer that keeps the color there.

I am using double ply here to blot.  Do what works for you.

Step Numero Five:
Final Step!  Re-apply your lipstick.  That's it!  See, that was easy right?  

Ready to do something fancy, like eat ice-cream in my jammies.

Now go and drink and eat some stuff.  You'll see that your lipstick will stay on much longer and you have to touchup less often.  Who has time to keep touching up lipstick?  Those crabcakes aren't going to eat themselves, amirite?

Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor: Swatch and Review

I was really jazzed about this lipstick when I heard about a few months back on Refinery29.  I thought, "Oooo, blue lipstick?  Fancy."  The rebellious teen in me wanted to check it out, but as life progressed, I forgot about it.  Last month while perusing through Urban Outfitters, I saw it and convinced someone to buy it for my Christmas present.  When I tried it on though, I was a little let down.  It's not a lipstick.  Lipstick Queen claims its a sheer lipstick.  And by sheer, they mean practically clear.  Let's go from the beginning.

I love packaging design.  I'll admit that I am a sucker for packaging, and this packaging is so cute.  Look at it!

 So cute right?

Then there is the tube itself:

Lipsticks from Lipstick Queen all come in these lovely metal tubes with a satin finish.  For me, the whole thing just screamed unique and funky.  But then I tried it.

Can you see it?  Can you see it?  No?  Weird.  Oh, wait a second.  It's almost clear!  This slightly bluish hue that you see on my skin is with several back and forth swipes.  It makes my lips slightly darker than they naturally are.  I would show you a picture but you can't actually see anything.  I just wanted more for the price ($25.00 F.Y.I.)  I wanted a lipstick and this isn't it.  This is a lip balm.  Sure, it's moisturizing but I could have found a "blackberry" tinted lip balm for much cheaper.  Sadsies.  If you have the 25 buckaroos to spend and want a novelty item, then go ahead and spend the money.  But, if you want more bang for your buck, then skip it.  Adorable? Yes.  Would I repurchase (Or get someone to repurchase as a gift)? No.