This Genius Lipstick Hack Will Make Your Lip Color Last All Day

You carefully apply your lipstick, do the napkin dabbing trick, and the go about your day. But when you catch yourself in the mirror an hour or two later the color’s almost entirely gone or, worse, you’ve got that weird-looking ring of lipstick without any color on the interior. It’s a tale as old as lipstick.

A genius makeup hack by content creator Isha Sutaria has changed the game, though, and it legitimately works. The trick is to use concealer and powder on your lips before applying lip liner and then either lipstick or lip gloss. Here’s the full how-to.
What Causes Lipstick Fade?
Lipstick fading usually comes down to three things: hydration levels, natural oils, and texture on the lips, explains Alexa Persico, celebrity makeup artist and brand founder.

She says, “Oils from food and drinks can break down pigment, and if your lips aren’t prepped properly—like if there’s dryness or uneven texture—then lipstick won’t adhere smoothly and will fade faster.”

While applying post-meal makes sense and is often required, having to re-apply throughout the day is super annoying and a sign that something’s not quite right.

How to Make Your Lip Color Last All Day
Taking just a few extra minutes to apply your lipstick with this genius hack will change the way you get ready forever. Best of all, it’s not overly complicated and literally anyone can do it. Follow these four simple steps.

1. Prep Your Lips
Before you reach for that lipstick tube, Persico says that preparation is a must. It’s the same idea as prepping your skin with a primer before makeup. “Exfoliate gently to smooth away dryness, then hydrate with a thin layer of balm,” Persico advises.

2. Apply Concealer
This is the gamechanger. Persico recommends using a concealer that’s hydrating, but dries down to a matte finish. “That balance means it won’t feel cakey, but it still gives your lipstick a base to hold onto,” she says.

Just be careful to not overdo it. “The key is thin, even layers and formulas that are lightweight but effective.” Dabbing just a tiny bit on with your ring finger, as shown by Sutaria, is best.
3. Set With Powder
Next, set your thin application of concealer with powder. Persico says, “Press a finely milled, translucent setting powder on top to lock in that concealer and create a velvety surface.” Again, less is more.

4. Apply Your Lip Liner and Lipstick
Finally, apply your preferred lip liner, then follow up with a matching lipstick or gloss. “Both matte and satin formulas both work beautifully with this technique,” Persico says. You could also apply the lipstick first, then a hint of gloss on top if you want that shiny look.