You can own every shade of lipstick in existence, but if your lips are dry, cracked, or peeling, no colour will sit beautifully. Great lip makeup starts with great lip care. Here's the routine I use on every client before applying any lip product.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Once or twice a week, gently exfoliate your lips to remove dead skin. You can use a dedicated lip scrub or simply a soft toothbrush with a tiny amount of honey. This reveals the smooth skin underneath and allows lip colour to apply more evenly. Never scrub aggressively — lips are delicate.
Step 2: Hydrate Daily
Apply a hydrating lip balm every night before sleep. This is when your skin repairs itself, and lips are no different. Look for balms with shea butter, vitamin E, or natural oils. Avoid balms with menthol or camphor — they feel tingly but are actually drying long-term.
Step 3: Prep Before Colour
Before applying any lip colour, apply a thin layer of balm and blot off the excess. This gives lips a smooth, hydrated surface without creating a slippery base that causes lipstick to move around.
Step 4: Line First
Always line your lips before applying colour. Use a pencil that matches your lipstick shade (or a universal nude liner works for most colours). Line the entire lip — not just the edges — as this creates a base for the colour to hold onto and significantly extends wear time.
Step 5: Apply Your Colour
Apply lipstick from the center of your lips outward, following the shape of your liner. Press your lips together to distribute colour evenly. For a defined, precise finish, use a lip brush rather than applying directly from the bullet.
Step 6: Blot and Build
Place a single ply of tissue between your lips and press — this removes excess product and sets the base coat. Apply a second coat for deeper colour and significantly better staying power.
Explore our full range of lip colours — from nudes to bolds, there's a shade for every mood.
