Lipstick is dear to most women. Sure, you need a great foundation and concealer, but there’s something about a lipstick that can transform your look from simple to stunning instantly. Having your signature lipstick on gives you the confidence and feeling of greatness all day long. However, if you think that the magic of lipstick is not working for you, you need to avoid making these common mistakes.

Not Exfoliating First
The skin on your lips might be thin and delicate, but they need exfoliation as much as your cheek or forehead skin. Dead cells building up on your lips can create fine lines, dry spots, or dry patches, which can make your lips look ugly. Moreover, it can make even the simple application of lipstick difficult. If you desire that smooth and even sheen, you have to avoid making this common lipstick mistake of not exfoliating your lips before applying the lipstick. You can prepare your lips by exfoliating with a sugar scrub or a simple toothbrush.

Applying Right After Lip Balm
Another mistake women tend to make is applying lipstick immediately after applying lip balm. If you do this, you will notice that the color of your lipstick does not fully transfer to your lips. Moreover, you will end up spreading your lip balm around the mouth. Avoid this common mistake by making lip balm application the first step in your makeup routine and lipstick application, the last. This way you’re giving the lip balm enough time to soak into your lips. However, if your lips still feel a little sticky, use a tissue to wipe out the extra balm.

Not Using a Liner
Using a lip liner is crucial for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it prevents your lipstick from spreading outside the skin of your lips. Secondly, it helps your lipstick to remain a few hours more on your lips by giving it something to adhere to. Also, a proper lip line makes your lips prominent. However, you must make sure to not overdo it. It’s also very important that you select the right shade of the lip liner. Experts recommend picking a shade that is just slightly darker than your lipstick shade.

Multilayering
Overapplication of lipstick is yet another common mistake women must avoid if they really want that gorgeous appearance. Multilayering or over applying lipstick makes your lips appear shabby. If you multilayer your lips with a matte lipstick, it will become very hard. A creamy lipstick, on the other hand, will appear cakey with several applications, and also make your lips look cracked after some time.

Choosing the Wrong Shade
If you’re doing everything right but still not satisfied with how your face looks after applying lipstick, then it can only mean one thing — the color of your lipstick is wrong. You must know that different shades look good on different skin tones and lip shades. Experts say that dark, matte lipstick color makes your lips look thinner, while lighter shades make the lips fuller.