Makeup 101: How to Apply and Wear Lip Gloss

Calling all BUXOM babes: The time has come for the ultimate lip gloss master class. If you’re ready to achieve the perfect pout that shines no matter what you put it through (and we mean anything), this one's for you. Learn expert-level lip gloss tricks, from how to prep for gloss application to how to put on lip gloss that lasts all day long and everything in between.

Grab a pen, ladies, because BUXOM is going back to the basics with seven lessons for a flawless lip gloss application, each and every time.

HOW TO APPLY LIP GLOSS LIKE A PRO

That lip gloss you’ve had in your purse since 2008? Honey, that needs to go. Take a hint from your Fairy Gloss-mother and upgrade how you apply lip gloss with this three-step process.

1. PREP YOUR POUT

Flawless lip gloss application begins with a fresh base. For gloss that shines like glass, start by exfoliating your lips to remove any excess lip product or dry skin. BUXOM babes love the dragon fruit-inspired Power-Full Lip Scrub for this step, as the sugar-infused scrub stick makes it a breeze to coat the lips in nourishing papaya seed oil and moisturizing mango seed butter.

BUXOM BABE TIP: Complete your prep sesh with the Power-Full Plump Lip Balm in the shade of your choice. Apply when first starting your makeup routine, so your lips are nourished and plump by the time you’re ready for gloss.

2. LINE YOUR LIPS

Lip liner is a boss babe’s best-kept secret for how to keep lip gloss from feathering outside of your lip line. To prevent your lip gloss from shifting throughout the day, start with a lip liner similar to your natural lip shade or the shade of your favorite gloss. The more similar the shades, the more seamlessly you can blend the products.

For instance, the Power Line™ Plumping Lip Liner in HUSH HUSH HENNA is the perfect match for the Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss in SARINA. Use the top of the chisel-tip lip liner to define each side of your cupid’s bow, then use the rounded part of the pencil to fill in lips. Follow the natural curvature of your lips for a natural look, or line slightly outside your natural lip line for a fuller look.

3. APPLY YOUR GLOSS

With your lips polished and primed, it’s time to apply the gloss itself. There are a few methods for applying lip gloss based on your desired look. For a slight shine, dab a small amount of gloss on the middle of your bottom lip and use the built-in blender brush from your Power Line™ Plumping Lip Liner to blend. Avoid rubbing your lips together, as this can cause the gloss to feather.

For a high-coverage shine, apply your lip gloss more like lipstick instead. Use the pointed edge of the doe-foot applicator to swipe your gloss across both your top and bottom lip. The more gloss, the bolder the look — just steer clear of taking your gloss over your lip line.

HOW TO AMPLIFY YOUR LIP GLOSS ROUTINE

Now that your makeup 101 lesson is complete, it’s time to turn up the heat on your lip gloss looks. Here’s how to take your gloss from basic to bougie in two simple steps.

1. APPLY A MATTE LIPSTICK

Lip gloss after lipstick? Yes, please! Buxom Babes prefer matte lipstick, like the Full-On™ Satin Lipstick, to achieve maximum color payoff with minimum fading. Unlike shimmer or cream formulas, matte lipsticks pack a ton of pigment with minimal moisture. This increases the chances your gloss will remain vibrant and decreases the odds of your gloss shifting and feathering.

2. OUTLINE WITH CONCEALER

Achieve a lip line sharper than your winged eyeliner when you outline your lips with concealer. A concealer that is your shade or one shade lighter can clean up any lip liner mistakes for a perfect gloss application. This lip gloss trick is especially important if you’re going for a bold look, like the Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss in NATALIE, a cherry red shimmer.

LIP GLOSS TRICKS FOR A LONG-LASTING POUT

If you’re looking for how to apply lip gloss that lasts all day, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top two tips for a long-lasting pout.

1. SET WITH AN EYESHADOW

Eyeshadows aren’t just for adding a pop of color to the eyelids — they’re perfect for locking in a long-lasting lip gloss, too. Before swiping on your gloss, dab a small amount of eyeshadow across your lip liner or lipstick to give your gloss a better base. Opt for a matte neutral shadow, like the Single Eyeshadow Bar in CASHMERE CRAVING, or a fun metallic shade like the Single Eyeshadow Bar in MINK MAGNET.

2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT GLOSS

No two lip glosses are made the same — some are packed with pearlescent pigment and others are loaded with high-shine color. The one thing every BUXOM lip glosses has in common? They’re all long-lasting. For a gloss that glistens all day, opt for the cult favorite that was formulated with your needs in mind.

The Full-On™ Plumping Lip Polish Gloss is perfect for babes who want a high-shine, shimmering finish, where the Full-On™ Plumping Lip Cream Gloss is the go-to for a creamy, shimmer-free gloss. The mega-plumping clear formula of the Plump Shot™ Collagen-Infused Lip Serum can swipe effortlessly over any lip look.

IT’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO KISS AND TELL

There’s nothing better than a shiny, plump pout — except for a perfect lip gloss application you can guarantee every time. Now that you know how to put on lip gloss like a boss, stock up on your favorite BUXOM lip glosses to complete your look. And go ahead, tell a friend. These are tips you want to share.