By Chelsea Burns
A bold lip is fun and makes a statement...until it starts to smudge. So how do you get it to stay put? We called on New York City celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt to give us the scoop on how he makes a bright hue stay in place and last all night--and kiss your lip prints goodbye.
Prep
Your color won't be able to shine if it's flaking off. "Always exfoliate your lips first so they are smooth and ready to hold color," says Surratt. "I like to mix sugar and water for a quick DIY scrub in a pinch." Or you can try Fresh Sugar Lip Polish ($24; sephora.com).
Prime
Create a neutral base for your lipstick shade by applying a thin layer of your preferred foundation to lips beforehand. "This creates the best foundation--literally!--so your lip color will last," says Surratt.
RELATED: Get Glam Makeup in 10 Minutes
Powder
Separate a two-ply tissue into two pieces. After applying your lipstick of choice (I'm wearing Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Coral Pink ($27; nordstrom.com), blot your lips with one of the tissue pieces then apply another layer of lipstick. Take the second piece of tissue and lay it on your lips while brushing an invisible setting powder--I used Milani Prep + Set + Go Transparent Face Powder ($10; walgreens.com)--on top with a fluffy brush. "The powder will absorb the excess moisture so the color won't slip around as easily," Surratt explains.
Protect
To prevent the dreaded feathering from happening, Surratt suggests using a concealer brush to line the outside of lips with concealer. This creates a wall that prevents lipstick from running away. I used the Revlon Concealer Brush ($6; amazon.com) and Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer ($27; sephora.com).
Smile!
Whether you're going for a super-bright pink (like me!), a deep hue a la Ashley Benson or Kylie Jenner, or a chic, classic red, this technique guarantees the perfect pout. Pucker up!
More from Health.com:
5 Foundation Hacks to Prevent Winter Skin Woes
The One Beauty Product You Need for Perfectly Glowy Skin
The Best Short Cut for Your Face Shape and Hair Texture
Smudge-Proof Your Lipstick With This Makeup Artist's Trick originally appeared on Health.com.
Also on HuffPost:
