Lipstick ads make it look so easy – one swipe with lipstick, and you are done. That does work, but with a few lip color tips from beauty professionals, you can get more bang for your buck. Lip color is the perfect finishing touch that brings your makeup and looks together. So, it deserves a little extra attention. Once you master these tips, they hardly take a minute but make a huge difference.

1. Prep and maintain your lips
Lipstick looks best on lips that are well prepared. There is a world of difference in how lip color looks on chapped lips vs. smooth ones. Apply a lip balm to the lips making sure to cover the margin as well. Let this sit on your lips until you have finished the rest of the makeup. Then wipe off the excess balm and start with the lip color. Exfoliating your lips regularly is a good idea. A damp toothbrush can be used gently on the lip surface.

2. Experiment with liner
There are almost as many liners available as there are lipsticks. But one of the valuable lip color tips from beauty professionals is to try using concealer as a lip liner. It helps create a base for the lip color to sit on. Then use a lip liner with special attention paid to the cupids bow. If you are going to trace outside the lip line to emphasize the shape choose one area to do so to get the maximum effect. Lip liner prevents the lip color from feathering. It also defines the lip much better than a lipstick alone would. Line the outlines first and then fill the lip surface. One of the practical tips from beauty professionals is to tilt your face backward before lining the lower lip. This makes the lip line easier to see.

3. How much is too much
Glossy lip colors are best applied with a brush, while mattes are easier applied directly from the tube. Don’t be afraid to add a layer to create color intensity. But too many coats will smudge and smear later on and look bad. It is important to experiment and find that perfect balance.

4. Mix and match
Not every color looks exactly as you envision when applied. One of the lip color tips from beauty professionals is to use a tiny bit of another lip color mixed in to get the exact look you desire. Think of yourself as an artist, and do not be afraid to try this. A shade that is too bright can always be toned down by applying a neutral color to it.

5. Choose wisely
Regardless of the trends, choose your lip color to suit your lips. Very dry lips would do better with the use of highly moisturizing lip color every day. Semi-matte lip color is a compromise between both worlds.

6. Try concealer and highlighter
Concealer and highlighter can be used to make your pout look even better. Lip color tips from beauty professionals include applying these products with a small brush after you have done your lips.