Achieving a flawless and enduring lip look, especially under the demanding conditions of stage performances or film sets, requires specific techniques. Makeup professionals share their trusted methods to ensure lipstick stays put, avoiding common pitfalls like transfer or stickiness.
The No-Fail Routine for Stage-Ready Lips
For Grammy nominee Katy Perry, maintaining lipstick integrity during performances is a crucial part of her beauty regimen. Her makeup artist, Jake Bailey, outlines a simple yet effective routine that guarantees longevity.
Step-by-Step Application for Maximum Wear
- Fill the entire lip area with lip liner: This creates a base and defines the lip shape.
- Go over with a matching lipstick color: Bailey notes that Perry's favorite is a bold crimson shade, No. 54 by Nouba.
- Blot with a tissue: This removes excess product and helps to set the color.
- Set the color with powder: A light dusting of powder can further enhance the lipstick's staying power.
“It’s simple, but it always works,” states Bailey. He also mentions the use of lip stains as an alternative, but expresses caution regarding glosses. “I also use lip stains but never gloss. It can run off on the microphone, or her hair gets caught in it.”
Lip Stains: The Performer's Preferred Choice
The importance of long-lasting, non-transferable lip color is echoed behind the scenes of popular television shows. On the set of Fox's hit musical *Glee*, which received multiple Grammy nominations, the same beauty rules are applied.
Why Lip Stains Excel in Performance Settings
Eryn Krueger Mekash, head of makeup on *Glee*, highlights the advantages of lip stains for actors involved in demanding choreography. “Lip stains are long-lasting and not drying or sticky - we can’t have hair sticking to lips during the dance numbers,” she explains. Mekash uses Tarte Lip Stain in Envy on actresses Dianna Agron and Lea Michele, ensuring their makeup remains impeccable throughout filming.
Avoiding Common Lip Color Mistakes
Beyond application techniques, makeup artists also advise on common errors to avoid. One such mistake is overapplying lip color, which can lead to unwanted transfer onto teeth.
Tips for Even Application
“You’ll end up with lipstick on your teeth,” warns Bailey. To ensure an even and precise application, he recommends using a lip brush or your fingertip to blend the color seamlessly into the lips.