Lipstick is a beautiful addition to any makeup look. It comes in a variety of colors and varieties. Whether you’re someone who loves a nude lip with a dab of lip gloss or the person who can’t go out without a bold red lip, it is inevitable that you’ll have to reapply your lipstick throughout the day after eating a greasy food, leaving remnants of it on the rim of a coffee cup, or just wearing it for long durations of time and allowing the lip color to fade.

However, there are ways to prolong the look of lipstick and maintain a colorful smile throughout the day:

1. Preparation is key
Dry lips covered in dead skin, as well as very oily lips, create an environment for lip products that is uneven and flaky. Make sure to exfoliate the lips before applying anything. While there are a variety of lip scrubs on the market, you can also make one at home with sugar and olive oil. Rub the mixture on the lips gently with your finger or a toothbrush, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and wipe it off with a damp washcloth to reveal smooth lips. Immediately put on a lip balm of your choice afterward to lock the moisture in.

2. Use a lip primer
Just like a face primer, a lip primer is used to protect the lips and keep lipstick in place for longer durations of time. For those who are prone to dry lips, a primer is also beneficial in adding a bit of moisture in order to keep the lips soft and smooth under lip products.

3. Incorporate lip liners
A lip liner keeps the colors of lipstick from fading throughout the day. Using lip liners to fill in the lips before applying a lipstick or a lip gloss not only preserves its original color, it adds a layer of definition and can create beautiful gradient effects that add to your look.

4. Go with matte lipstick
Matte lipsticks are widely popular for their staying power and aesthetically pleasing look once they have dried down completely. Their dryness allows them to stick to the lips for greater periods of time before having to be reapplied. However, this is also a double-edged sword and can dehydrate the lips significantly. For this reason, it is essential to prep the lips accordingly so that they maintain their moisture and do not crack, which can cause the lipstick to look flaky.

5. Set with a finishing powder
Just as finishing powder serves as an extra layer to keep your face makeup looking beautiful and untouched for hours, it can be used to do the same for lipstick. A small amount of your favorite translucent powder applied all over the lips will keep the lipstick enacted and as well as preventing it from becoming cakey over time. Make sure to moisturize and prepare your lips properly beforehand to prevent the powder from drying out your lips.