Lip makeup – a complete guide for the perfect effect

Lip preparation – is it really that important?

Short answer: yes, absolutely. The skin on lips is one of the most delicate parts of our face. It is thinner, more sensitive and lacks sebaceous glands that naturally protect the rest of the skin. If you neglect preparation, lipstick will apply unevenly, visible dry flakes will appear, and the entire effect will look unfinished – in short, you will ruin your entire makeup. That is why it is especially important to perform a gentle exfoliation before makeup that will remove dead skin cells and prevent highlighting dry flakes.

What you should do before makeup:

• Gentle lip scrub (2–3 times a week) – helps remove dead skin, evens texture and prevents highlighting dry flakes
• Care cosmetics such as balm or nourishing lipstick – moisturize lips and prepare them for makeup
• Gentle drying – the final step before applying colored products

Remember that the delicate skin of lips requires special care and proper care to avoid chapping and irritation. Hydration is especially important for people with dry lips because it affects the comfort and durability of makeup.

Sounds simple, right? And it really is. If lips are soft, moisturized and smooth, the rest of the work will be much easier.

Lip scrub – a home recipe that works

You don't have to buy expensive scrubs. A tried and tested home recipe is mixing fine-grained sugar with honey or coconut oil. Gently massage your lips with this mixture for a few minutes – sugar helps remove dead skin cells, and honey naturally nourishes and has antibacterial properties. The effect of a gentle scrub is not only smoothness and softness of lips, but also evening out their surface, which makes subsequent makeup application easier. After the treatment, lips are ready for makeup.

If you value convenience, you can reach for a ready-made lip scrub in a stick. This form of the product allows for precise and quick application, and practical stick packaging minimizes the risk of spilling or leaking the cosmetic.

Use the scrub regularly, but don't overdo it – two to three times a week is enough. Too frequent scrubbing can dry out and irritate lips.

Moisturized lips – the key to their beauty and health

Always apply lip balm after scrubbing. Ideally, it should contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, which supports hydration and regeneration of delicate lip skin, or argan oil. Apply it every day, especially in the evening before bed – lips will be able to regenerate overnight. If lips are very dry, apply a thicker layer of balm and leave it overnight – in the morning they will be perfectly moisturized.

A small but important detail: choose a balm with UV filter. Sun protection is not only a matter of beauty but also health – lips are especially exposed to the effects of the sun.

Lip primer – do I really need it?

Yes, if you want your lip makeup to last longer and look even. Primer is a product that is usually omitted in lip makeup, and that's a big mistake. When you apply foundation, concealer or special primer directly to lips, you create a smooth surface that allows colored products to work much better.

A small amount is enough – you lightly pat a little foundation or concealer with your fingertips or a small brush into every part of your lips. Then wait a moment for the product to absorb and dry (it will only take a few minutes), and voilà – you have the perfect base for lipstick or gloss. The lipstick will lie evenly, and your makeup will last twice as long.

Perfect lip contour – the secret to fuller lips

Contouring is the technique that can completely change the look of your lips. Contouring allows you to correct and highlight the shape of your lips and lip shape, so you can achieve the effect of perfectly sculpted lips, regardless of their shape. Don't be afraid to do this, but it's really not as difficult as it seems. The idea is to draw a thin line along the natural contour of your lips, and if you want – gently extend it to optically enlarge your lips.

For contouring, it's best to choose a lip liner with a precise tip that allows you to paint lips with a lip liner accurately or paint lips with a pencil. Pencils and lip pencils help achieve the perfect lip contour and highlight their shape, which affects the durability of makeup and the final effect.

Which lip liner for which lips?

The lip liner should be in a color similar to the natural shade of your lips or lipstick. Ideally, you should choose a lip liner in the shade or same color as your lipstick, which will allow you to achieve a natural and cohesive lip makeup effect. If you choose one that's too dark, the effect will look artificial. For light skin tones, lip liners in nude, soft pink or subtle plum shades are ideal. If you have warm skin, check out lip liners in brown, terracotta or muted coral.

Choose a lip liner with a long-lasting formula – so it's waterproof and won't smudge during the day. A small but important detail that changes everything.

How to draw the perfect contour

Below you will find lip makeup step by step that will help you achieve the perfect effect.

Start with the Cupid's bow (that characteristic "M" in the center of the upper lip). This is the most important place because here you set the direction of the entire work. Draw a thin line gently, relying on the natural contour. You don't go too far – subtle extension optically enlarges the lips, but overdoing it will look unnatural. It takes just a little practice to master the technique of drawing a lip contour.

From the Cupid's bow, continue contouring the upper lip towards the corners of the mouth. You work evenly on both sides – symmetrical lips are the foundation. Contour the lower lip in the same way, starting from the center and working towards the corners.

If you're afraid of too sharp an effect:

You can gently blur the edge of the lip liner with a soft brush or lip brush. The contour will still be visible but more natural and subtle.

A trick for bigger lips in seconds

After applying lipstick, gently apply a very light gloss in the very center of the upper lip. Using gloss in this place emphasizes the shape of your lips and optically enlarges them, giving them shine and volume. This technique makes lips look fuller and more plump, and glosses and other lip products such as lip liners can further highlight their surface and give lips a fresh effect. People don't talk about it, but all professional makeup artists do this – and now you can too.

Lipstick and gloss – a choice that will make you happy

After all the preparations, the moment you've been waiting for comes – finally color. Choosing the right lipstick, lip stain or other lip cosmetic is a personal matter, but it's worth paying attention to the various cosmetics and products available on the market. You can paint your lips with lipstick or lipstain, choosing from many shades – from natural color to intense reds, which are a trend for special occasions. By applying a thin layer of the product, you will achieve a natural effect and greater makeup durability, and for an intense shade you can apply a second layer. The right choice of cosmetic affects the durability of the lipstick and allows you to enjoy long-lasting makeup throughout the day. Pay attention to your lip color, shades and hues to match the product to your style and needs.

What formulas are trendy now?

Matte lipsticks have been the absolute top for years. They are still great – intense color, long lasting, perfect for photography. The problem is that many matte formulas dry out the lips and highlight dry flakes. That's why more and more people reach for glosses and gloss-type products that provide greater comfort, hydration and the effect of healthy, soft lips.

In 2025, satin lipsticks are definitely more trendy – creamy, soft, with subtle shine. They look fresh, elegant and don't dry out your lips. For everyday makeup? This is it.

The biggest trend this year is glow lips – the effect of a healthy, natural shine on the lips. You can achieve it by applying a tinted balm to your lips, gloss or lip oil. These are moisturizing formulas, comfortable to wear, ideal for those who want their lips to look natural and fresh. Glosses and gloss-type products work great as an alternative to matte lipsticks, especially if you want natural color and greater durability without the effect of drying out your lips.

How to apply lipstick like a professional?

With a lip brush or special brush. Seriously, it changes everything. Using a brush will allow you to apply lipstick or lipstain precisely and evenly, even in the most difficult corners. You start from the inside of your lips and work towards their edges, always staying within the line drawn with the lip liner. Painting your lips with lipstick is best done by applying a thin layer of the product, which provides a natural and lasting effect and prevents smudging.

For intense color, apply a second layer – the first one you rub gently, the second more precisely to achieve an even color. If you want to add shine, you pat gloss into each lipstick – the effect will be more natural and more lasting.

Lip makeup trends 2025

Trends in lip makeup have always been changing, but 2025 has brought some really interesting proposals that allow you to achieve perfect lip makeup regardless of their shape.

Ombré lip makeup – this is one of the trendiest techniques, involving creating a color gradient effect. Ombré lip makeup works great both on small lips, where it allows you to achieve a magnifying effect, and on narrow lips, optically highlighting them. It can also be applied to large lips to give them a harmonious and elegant look.

Two-tone lips – a lip liner in a more expressive shade than the lipstick. For example, a subtle plum lip liner with a light nude gloss. It looks modern and always works, especially when we want to paint small lips or paint narrow lips to give them a fuller shape. In the case of large lips, it's worth painting large lips with restraint to maintain proportions.

Blurred Blush Lips – naturally blushed lips with a gently blurred contour. The effect of a nonchalant, casual makeup. Perfect for everyday look – comfortable, natural, quick to do, and it works great on narrow lips and small lips, highlighting their natural color.

Glow Lips and satin lipsticks – I already mentioned them. It's a return to naturalness, comfort and care. Instead of heavy, drying formulas, we focus on products that nourish and protect lips while allowing you to achieve an intense shade if that effect is desired.

Colors of the year – muted, warm shades. Mocha Mousse (Pantone color 2025, which is something between milk chocolate and coffee with milk), rose beige, muted raspberry, delicate plum and classic nude. These colors are universal, go beyond trends and will work at any time of year, regardless of whether you want to highlight small lips, even out the shape of your lips or add expressiveness to large lips.

Remember to keep your lip makeup consistent with your entire makeup – pay attention to your eye makeup, eyeshadow shades and the intensity of your eye makeup so the whole thing looks harmonious.

Lip care – well-cared lips are the most beautiful

Even the best makeup cannot replace healthy, moisturized lips. Remember that the delicate lip skin should be moisturized regularly and properly cared for to prevent dry flakes, irritation and chapping. This is not optional – it is important.

Lip balm should be your constant companion. Apply this cosmetic throughout the day, especially in dry weather conditions. In the evening, you can apply a more intensive balm or lip mask – products with aloe, vitamin E and natural oils work perfectly during night rest.

How to avoid chapped lips:

• Drink plenty of water
• Care for your lips regularly with balm
• Don't nervously bite your lips
• Avoid drying makeup formulas
• If it already happened, wait a few days for recovery

Chapped lips are not the end of the world, but it's worth preventing them. Makeup applied to chapped lips can irritate them even more.

Which products to choose? Practical guide

Lip liner – just one shade darker than your natural lip color, long-lasting, preferably waterproof. The choice of the right cosmetic, such as a pencil, affects the durability of the lipstick and highlighting the shape of the lips.

Lipstick – matched to your beauty (for fair skin, warm, muted shades are ideal; dark skin tones will work well in both light and dark tones). It's worth reaching for matte lipsticks or satin lipsticks that provide greater durability and natural color. A well-chosen lip cosmetic, such as lipstick, affects the final effect of the makeup.

Gloss or oil – for everyday makeup. Choose products with natural oils – argan, sweet almond or jojoba. Glosses and oils not only add shine but also care for and moisturize the delicate skin of the lips.

Lip balm – containing vitamins, natural oils and UV protection. Lip balm with vitamin E and UV filter protects against chapped lips and dry flakes.

You don't have to have expensive brands. Good cosmetics and lip products are available at every price – what's important is that the chosen cosmetic works for you and provides comfort and long-lasting results.

Permanent makeup for the more committed

For those who desire perfect-looking lips without makeup touch-ups throughout the day, there is the option of permanent makeup. This is a procedure performed by a professional permanent makeup artist who knows exactly how to properly perform permanent lip makeup, caring for precision and safety.

Permanent lip makeup is recommended especially for those who have a light natural lip shade, lips that are too narrow, asymmetry or a vague contour. The procedure takes about 1–2 hours and involves precisely applying pigment directly to the lip skin.

Initially, the color may be intense, but after shedding within a few days it becomes more subtle. After the procedure, proper treatment is very important – for a few days, lips may be swollen and sensitive, so you should avoid hot drinks, spicy food and intense sun.

After full lip healing (usually 2–3 weeks), you can normally use your favorite lipsticks and protective cosmetics. The effect usually lasts 1–3 years.

Summary – practical tips at the end

Lip makeup is a skill that every woman can master with a little practice. Here's what you need to remember:

1. Prepare your lips – scrub, balm, drying
2. Apply primer – this changes the durability of your makeup
3. Draw the contour – just one shade darker than your natural color
4. Apply lipstick – preferably with a brush, evenly
5. Add shine – gloss in the center of the lip for a magnifying effect
6. Care for your lips – daily, especially in the evening

In 2025, trends are moving towards naturalness, comfort and care. We focus on gentle, moisturizing formulas instead of heavy mattes. Two-tone lips, glow lips effect and blurred blush are trends that will dominate throughout the year.

Regardless of whether you prefer expressive makeup or a subtle, natural look – remember that the most beautiful lips are those that are well-cared for, soft and ready for makeup. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new colors and techniques. Makeup is a form of expression – have fun and enjoy your unique smile.