# For longer-lasting lip colour, apply lip pencil all over clean, dry lips using light, feathery strokes. Then apply your usual lipstick over the top with a brush.
# Apply lip liner in a shade identical to your natural lip colour. This prevents 'feathering' with an invisible line.
# Find a lipstick that works for you. There's no such thing as the wrong colour, only the wrong level of pigment. The perfect colour should have enough pigment to be noticeable, but not so much that it drains your face. It should glide on smoothly, but not dry lips out. The perfect pink lipstick is one that matches the colour of your gums.
# Buying a lipstick. At beauty counters, find a mirror and hold lipsticks up to your lips, rather than trying them out on the back of your hand.
# Nine times out of 10, a great lipstick should be balanced with a coat of mascara, otherwise your lips will appear too prominent.
# Stay-put party lipstick. Use a lip liner and fill in the entire lip area to give lipstick grip. Use a lip brush to apply lipstick. Build up layers by blotting with a tissue in between applications. Finish with a slightly pearlescent, satin-finish lipstick, which will be longer lasting and kiss-proof.
# Get a few more wears from your favourite near-empty lipgloss by popping the tube in a glass of warm water for 10 mins to melt the gloss from the sides.
