How to Apply Lip Stain

Co-authored by Charina Redugerio

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 References

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
Find a lip scrub. A lip scrub will help buff away dead skin cells and make your lips appear smoother and plumper.^{[1]
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Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.} 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]
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- 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.
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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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
Buff your lips with a soft toothbrush as an alternative to scrubbing. 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.
Take a soft towel, and gently pat your lips dry with it. You are now ready to start applying your 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Doing the Basics

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1
Get out your desired color of 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.
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.
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.
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
Blot your lips with a tissue or paper towel. 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]
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- 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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  Charina Redugerio
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding Depth and Shimmer

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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
Start outlining the inside of your lips with the brighter lip stain shade. 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".
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.
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
Consider adding a dab of shimmer on the center of your bottom lip. 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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- You can also use a little bit of a glossy lip plumper right in the center of your lip, if you prefer.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Charina Redugerio
  Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.}

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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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.

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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.

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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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