Get Lippy: All About the Liquid Lipstick Trend

BY Amanda Gibbs

Image Source: Cruelty Kitty

Liquid lipsticks come in a lip gloss tube, usually with a doe foot applicator. The liquid formula of these lipsticks give a matte finish with a few swipes of the applicator. Some makeup companies make them smear-resistant, waterproof, and soft to the touch on your lips. Some of the lipsticks also come with a gloss covering over the base matte coat in order to make your lips shine.

Liquid lipsticks have been around for a while now, but only recently has their popularity taken hold. Liquid lipsticks are increasingly becoming a go-to makeup trend for daily and nighttime wear. More and more makeup companies are bringing liquid lipsticks to their collection.

There a lot of makeup lines out there making liquid lipsticks. You can find them online, in makeup stores, and in the drug store. Below are some suggestions of highly rated liquid lipsticks lines to try.

If you’re willing to splurge a little, try (over $10/lipstick): Anastasia Beverly Hills, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, BeautyBakerie, Kylie Cosmetics, Kat Von D, Stila, Lime Crime

If you want to save money, try (less than $10/lipstick): ColourPop, NYX, Rimmel London, Revlon, L’Oreal, Maybelline, Milani

While liquid lipsticks may never truly replace regular lipstick, liquid lipsticks are a strong alternative. They are increasingly becoming more popular because they’re easy to apply, less likely to become damaged, and work both as a matte finish and shiny gloss.

How-To Apply: 

1.      Exfoliate your lips

This first step is crucial if you want to have a smooth, matte lip. You can use a lip scrub or lip exfoliator that you can purchase at a makeup counter. You can also opt for a cheaper option, such as a natural home remedy, like a sugar and honey combo. Or use a wet washcloth to scrub your lips. Exfoliating your lips leaves your lips feeling baby soft and allows your lipstick to dry smooth and perfect.

You can find directions for several natural home remedies here.

2.      Optional: apply chapstick or lip moisturizer

This step moistens your lips after having been exfoliated. Whether or not this step is necessary is debatable, as some users think a layer of chapstick or moisturizer smears the lipstick application, while others find that the moisturizing helps the final look. It may depend on the lipstick brand, but everyone has a different experience, so the best option is to try it for yourself.

3.      Optional: apply lip liner

Whether or not you need lip liner will depend on the brand and color of the lipstick, as well as your personal preference. The best option is to try liquid lipstick with and without a liner to see what you prefer. If you do decide to use lip liner, make sure to line your lips in a similar color to the liquid lipstick you plan to apply.

4.      Apply liquid lipstick

Use the applicator to apply the lip color. A lot of beauty bloggers and makeup artists tend to apply liquid lipstick to the natural lines of their bottom lip first and then the sides of the top with the applicator. They then use a lip brush to fill in around their cupid’s bow for the most accurate application. Some people, however, find that a different method for applying liquid lipstick works better for them, so try whatever feels most comfortable.

5.      Let application dry

It’s important that for liquid lipsticks you let them dry without touching them for a couple of minutes. After they dry, liquid lipsticks look smoother and softer than they do when they first are applied. Touching up the accuracy of your lipstick application also becomes easier after the lipstick dries.