Smudged lipstick is a common problem affecting anyone who wears makeup. Whether it’s from drinking a glass of wine, smooching your partner, or simply fading throughout the day – dealing with transfer and feathering can be annoying.

Fortunately, with the right products, tools, and techniques – you can master the art of long-lasting lip color. This article will explore tips to prevent fading and transfer, recipes for DIY setting products, plus techniques for flawless reapplication – so you can rock your perfect pout confidently!

What Causes Lipstick Smudging?

Before we dive into solutions, let’s look at a few reasons why lipstick smudges in the first place:

• Ingredients – Most formulas contain waxes and oils that move around easily. They may glide on smoothly at first but don’t stay put very well.
• Not Transfer-Proof – Many traditional lipsticks aren’t designed to be budge-proof. Without long-wearing polymers, they slip and slide throughout the day.
• Too Much Product – Applying layer after layer can overload the lips causing excess to transfer elsewhere.
• Dry, Flaky Lips – Lipstick clings to dry patches on chapped lips, making them look cracked and over-lined.

Now that we know the culprits behind lipstick troubles – let’s talk about real solutions!

Choose a Transfer-Resistant Lipstick

Start with a formula made to last. Matte, liquid lipsticks contain binding agents to keep color locked into place. Look for these terms when shopping:

• Transfer-proof
• Budge-proof
• Smudge-proof
• Kiss-proof
• Long-wearing

Stay away from shiny or sheer options as they likely contain more slip-inducing waxes and oils. Creamy lipsticks wear off faster too.

Top long-lasting lipstick brands:

• Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
• Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick
• NYX Professional Makeup Soft Matte Lip Cream
• Anastasia Beverly Hills Matte Lipstick

Apply Thin, Even Layers

Heavy applications almost guarantee smudging and feathering problems. Sheer out layers using less product and blotting in between:

1. Apply a single, thin layer of lipstick directly from the tube.
2. Press lips together to evenly distribute product.
3. Use a tissue to blot gently, absorbing excess.
4. Apply a second sheer layer if more coverage is needed.

This creates an even base without gooping up the lips.

Blot After Application

Blotting removes the top layer of excess lipstick that would otherwise end up smeared across your face later.

Gently press a tissue or a small piece of clean cloth against your lips to soak up extra product. Don’t rub back and forth or tug at delicate lip skin.

Blotting also helps matte liquid lipsticks self-set while drying down.

Use Lip Liner

Lining and filling in lips with pencil first gives lipstick something to grip onto. So it stays between the lines rather than bleeding or feathering outward.

Choose a liner in the same shade as your lipstick or slightly darker. Trace along the edges of your lips then fill in fully before applying lip color directly on top. The waxier texture helps the top coat adhere better.

Apply Setting Powder

Translucent setting powder like you use on your face can also lock in lipstick. Just a light dusting over your finished pout seals in moisture while removing any tackiness.

Use a fluffy brush to pick up a tiny bit of loose or pressed powder. Lightly sweep over lips in a pressing motion – don’t rub back and forth. The starch in powders instantly binds to lipstick for smudge-free wear.

Our next section features recipes for DIY setting products using ingredients from your kitchen!

Make DIY Setting Spray

Whip up your own finishing spray to instantly increase longevity – works for lipstick, face makeup, eye looks, and more!

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 4 ounces purified or distilled water
• Small reusable spray bottle

Directions

1. Add vegetable glycerin and water to spray bottle. Shake vigorously to combine.
2. Mist over completed makeup look holding 8-10 inches away.
3. Let dry completely before touching makeup.
4. Store remainder in fridge for up to two weeks. Shake before each use.

The glycerin provides a tacky base to adhere powder or glitter to bare skin. Plus it mixes with other makeup products already applied to create a budge-proof barrier.

Variations

• Use aloe vera gel instead of glycerin for smoothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Add a few drops of rubbing alcohol as a preservative.
• Infuse with tea tree, rose, orange or other extracts for aromatherapy benefits.

Make DIY Setting Powder

Homemade finishing powder absorbs excess oils for a matte, faded-resistant finish. Customize the tint to match your complexion or lipstick shade.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder or mica powder (for tint)

Directions

1. Thoroughly mix arrowroot and dusting of cocoa/mica powder.
2. Apply over lipstick with a fluffy brush pressing into skin. Avoid rubbing.
3. Store remainder in sealed container for future use.

Arrowroot soaks up moisture and lipids in makeup products and on the skin itself. The tinted powder camouflages shiny areas for smooth, photo-ready makeup.

This edible ingredient means you can use my homemade recipe without worrying about chemicals absorbed by the body. It saves money too!

Touch Up Makeup After Eating/Drinking

You can take preventative steps but realistically, lipstick will come off a bit after eating greasy, salty, or oily foods. Drinking hot coffee, tea, and cocktails smears things around too.

When dining out, bring makeup for quick touch ups. Concealers disguise stained edges or uneven fading. Mini lipstick for reapplication makes your color look fresh again.

Add these to your purse, desk drawer, glove box so they’re always on hand after meals!

Exfoliate and Moisturize Lips

Smooth away flaky skin for the perfect canvas to apply lipstick onto. Dry bits cling to lip color accentuating lines and cracks.

Gently scrub lips once a week using either:

• Honey + sugar crystals
• Petroleum jelly + wet washcloth
• DIY lemon + sugar lip scrub
• Store-bought lip masks with nourishing oils

Follow exfoliation with a hydrating balm containing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid. Let it soak in fully before applying lipstick so there’s no slipping or sliding.

Dealing With Smudges Gracefully

Despite your best efforts, lipstick still winds up places it shouldn’t sometimes. Keep your beauty routine tidy using these techniques:

• Keep cotton swabs or pads + makeup remover handy in your bag
• Use a small concealer or lip brush to fix feathered edges
• Gently blot smudges – no rubbing to avoid further spreading
• Apply lipstick smoothly following the contours of your mouth
• Be prepared for accidents by keeping Backup lip color on you

Take a deep breath and remember – when in doubt, blot it out!

Conclusion

While stubborn, faded or bleeding lipstick can certainly be frustrating, there are many ways to prevent it from ruining your look!

The tips above help create a strong base for long-lasting color payoff using smart product selection, application techniques, powder setting, lip prep, touch ups, and more.

Practice makes perfect when mastering a transfer-proof pout. Play around with mixing formulas, liner combos and setting tricks to create your customized smudge-free routine.

With the right arsenal of products and a few extra minutes prep, you can confidently wear any bold lip all day without worrying about disastrous smudging or fading.

Now you can pucker up without fear – your perfect pout won’t budge an inch! So feel free to eat, drink, kiss and wear that red lipstick as long as you want.