How to Use Lip Powder

Co-authored by Anjuli Yera, MD

Last Updated: August 23, 2022 References

You’ve heard of (and probably used) lipsticks, lip glosses, lip stains, and lip liners, but lip powder is a lesser known beauty product on the market. While you won’t yet have a dozen different brands and shades to choose from in any given pharmacy, there are a few notable brands starting to roll out the product. While it’s not any more complicated than your average lip product, there are certain ways to prep your lips and apply the powder that will ensure your lip powder is beautiful and long lasting.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Prepping Your Lips

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Exfoliate your lips. Just like with any other lip color, it’s important to start with a smooth base. Dry, flaky lips will make the lip powder look patchy and uneven. To exfoliate your lips, you can purchase a lip exfoliator at a beauty supply store.^{[1]
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Research source} If you’d rather go the DIY route, you can whip up an easy batch of homemade lip exfoliator with some sugar (brown or white) and a bit of honey, coconut oil, or olive oil.^{[2]
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- Dab your exfoliator onto your lips, and gently scrub them with a clean toothbrush or your finger. Let it sit on your lips for a bit, and then rub it off with a damp towel.
After exfoliating your lips, it’s good to moisturize them with a thin coat of your favorite lip balm.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} This will also keep your lips looking smooth and nourished through your lip powder. Make sure to only apply a small amount, so that your lips are hydrated but not overly slick. If you do want to apply a generous amount, make sure to dab the excess balm off right before you’re ready to apply your lip powder.^{[4]
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It can be a bit tricky to achieve crisp borders with lip powder, but using a reverse lip liner can help you. A reverse lip liner is applied to the outer perimeter of your lips. When you go in with the lip powder, the reverse lip liner will act as barrier to prevent the color from budging outside of the lines. You can find reverse lip liners at beauty supply stores or online.^{[5]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Lip Powder

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Select your lip powder. The first thing you need to do is select the best color for you, which depends both on your natural lip color and the occasion. If you have light colored lips, look for colors like red and coral. If you have bright red lips naturally, try rocking bright pinks and oranges. Dark-lipped people look great in deep wine colors, as well as bright red.^{[6]
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- Typically, lighter shades work best during the day time, and the dark, bolder colors can come out to play at night.
Most lip powders will come with a doe foot applicator, the same applicators that typically come with lip glosses. Because this product is obviously a bit different than liquid or cream products you’ve used, you may want to swatch a bit on your hand before applying it to your lips. The “powder” is actually a hydrogel that turns into a creamy texture when it makes contact with skin, so get a feel for it.^{[7]
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^{[8]
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Expert Source

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.} Once you’ve loaded the applicator with product, it’s easiest to start applying in the middle. If there is any extra product, you will blend it outwards.^{[9]
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Research source} Carefully fill in the middle of your lip, using the very tip of the applicator to create a stark border, meeting the reverse lip liner you’ve already applied.
The best way to apply lip product is to work in small sections at a time. The trickiest place to apply lipstick is the outer corners of your lips. Get close to your mirror, and take time to apply it carefully all the way into the corner.^{[10]
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5
Even out the color with a second coat. Powdered lip product, like many lip stains and liquid lipsticks, can appear a bit patchy and uneven after one coat. If this is the case, apply a second coat just like you applied the first, focusing on areas that look light. If you are headed somewhere, throw the product into your pocket or purse for touch-ups.^{[11]
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- The last thing you can do is apply another coat of lip powder over-top another color to ensure a longer lasting effect of the overall color.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Anjuli Yera, MD
  Certified Professional Makeup Artist
  
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.}
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Question

Can I apply lipstick along with the lip powder?

Anjuli Yera, MD
Certified Professional Makeup Artist
Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.

Anjuli Yera, MD

Certified Professional Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

For sure! Apply a lipstick that you love and then follow that with a little bit of lip powder in a shade that's a few shades lighter, right on the center of the lips. Diffuse out the edges to blend it in with the lipstick, creating a plump look.

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