There's nothing worse than applying a beautiful lip color only to find it on your coffee cup, your partner's cheek, or faded to a strange ring around your lips by lunchtime. The good news? With the right techniques and products, you can achieve truly long-lasting lip color that stays put through meals, drinks, and everything in between.
The Secret to Transfer-Proof Lips
The key to long-lasting lip color isn't just about the product—it's about preparation and application technique. Follow this step-by-step guide for lips that last from morning coffee to evening cocktails.
Exfoliate Your Lips
Start with smooth lips. Use a lip scrub or gently brush your lips with a soft toothbrush to remove any dead skin. This creates a smooth canvas that helps lipstick adhere better and prevents it from looking patchy or settling into fine lines.
Hydrate (But Not Right Before)
Apply a thin layer of lip balm at least 10-15 minutes before applying lipstick. This gives it time to absorb. Blot any excess before applying lip color—too much moisture will cause your lipstick to slide around.
Prime Your Lips
Apply a thin layer of foundation or concealer over your lips and blend with your finger. This neutralizes your natural lip color (so true-to-tube colour shows through) and creates a base for lipstick to grip onto.
Line and Fill
Use a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. Outline your lips, then fill in the entire lip with the liner. This creates a base layer of long-lasting pigment and helps prevent feathering.
Apply Lipstick in Thin Layers
Apply your first layer of lipstick, then blot with a tissue. Apply a second layer and blot again. This builds intense colour while removing excess product that would transfer.
Set Your Lips
Hold a single-ply tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder through it. This sets the color without making it matte or chalky. Alternatively, you can use a setting spray misted lightly over your lips.
The Finger Trick
After applying lipstick, put your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out. This removes any excess lipstick from the inner part of your lips that would transfer to teeth or cups.
Choosing the Right Formula
Not all lipsticks are created equal when it comes to longevity. Here's what to look for:
- Matte formulas generally last longer than glossy ones because they contain less oil
- Liquid lipsticks dry down to a long-wearing finish but can be drying—prep with lip balm
- Stains and tints leave lasting color that wears off evenly
- ColorStay lipsticks are specifically formulated for all-day wear with a comfortable feel
Touch-Up Tips
Even the best long-wear lipstick may need occasional touch-ups. Here's how to refresh without overdoing it:
- Blot with a tissue before reapplying to remove any oils or buildup
- Use lip liner to redefine edges that may have blurred
- Apply a thin layer of lipstick—you're refreshing, not starting over
- Keep a travel-size setting spray for quick touch-ups on the go
What to Avoid
Some habits can undermine even the best long-wear lipstick:
- Licking your lips – Saliva breaks down lipstick quickly
- Oily foods – Oil dissolves lipstick; blot lips before eating greasy foods
- Touching your lips – Natural oils from your fingers transfer to your lips
- Glossy top coats – While pretty, they reduce wear time significantly
Pro Tip for Special Occasions
For events where you need bulletproof lips (weddings, important meetings, dates), apply your lipstick 20 minutes before leaving. This gives it time to fully set. Do a final blot and check for any transfer before you go.
Ready to find your perfect long-lasting lip color? Explore the Revlon ColorStay lip collection at Clicks, Dis-Chem, and leading retailers across South Africa.