PHOTOS: WANT TO MAINTAIN THAT CUTE POUT ALL DAY? SIMPLY FOLLOW THESE STEPS!

There are few things prettier than the perfect red lipstick —unless it smudges or bleeds and becomes a Joker-esque smile. Luckily, there are some oh-so-simple tips and tricks you can try to ensure your lip look lasts for hours.

1. EXFOLIATE
Using a toothbrush, or some  handy lip scrubs , gently slough the dead skin off of your lips for the smoothest surface to start with.

2. MOISTURISE 
Apply a hydrating balm to make your pout extra supple and to fill in any small lines or cracks. Pick one with SPF to prime and protect your lips.

3. PRIME YOUR POUT
Using a makeup sponge, pat and blend a bit of foundation or concealer around the edges of your lips. This makes your lip color "pop" and helps it to stick.

4. DEFINE YOUR LIP
Lip liner acts as a sort of seatbelt, keeping your lip color from budging — without it, feathering and smudging can more easily occur.

5. FILL THEM IN
 

To give your lipstick a drier surface to "grip" to — and to have a bottom layer that will look even and consistent even if your lipstick fades — fill in your top and bottom lips with the liner.

6. APPLY THE LIPSTICK
At long last, you can apply your lip color ! If you have trouble getting it precisely within the lines, try using a thin lipstick brush.

7. POWDER AND BLOT AT THE SAME TIME
Now for a step you probably haven't tried before — and it's one of the most important. After you've applied your lipstick, place a single ply tissue across your lips, then use a fluffy brush to dust translucent powder overtop. Your lips will get just enough powder to set it without diluting the color or making it unintentionally matte.

8. ENJOY YOUR LOOK
Eat, drink, give somebody a kiss — your lipstick is sure to last through the night.











Comments