How to Stop Lipstick from Feathering

Last Updated: December 31, 2022 References

It’s frustrating when your lipstick bleeds or feathers. Luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can keep this from happening. From basic lip maintenance to tricks you can employ with makeup, we’ve got you covered with the simplest and easiest solutions. Read on to learn everything you’d ever need to stop lipstick from feathering.

1

Exfoliate your lips.

Mechanical exfoliation will prepare your lips for lipstick. Dry lips will make lipstick color uneven and mottled. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the lips first.^{[1]
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2

Use foundation primer.

Cover your lips evenly in a light layer of your primer. Be sure to cover all parts of your lips evenly. Then apply a little foundation over the primer.^{[2]
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3

Moisturize your lips.

Apply a lip balm or moisturizing cream to prep dry lips. This step is optional but is helpful if your lips tend to be very dry; the balm helps the lipstick to glide on.^{[3]
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- Apply lip balm before applying lip powder.
- You can also apply your favorite lipstick a few shades lighter than the lipstick color on the center of the lips and diffuse out the edges to blend it with the lipstick color to create a plump lip look. Then apply a little lip powder.
- The last thing you can do is apply lip powder on top of another color to ensure a longer-lasting effect of the overall color.

4

Apply the lipstick.

Work carefully and clean up any mistakes as you make them. Do this under bright, good light, so that you can see what you're doing properly.^{[4]
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5

Add translucent powder.

This will keep the lipstick from smudging and feathering. Finish by patting over the lipstick with a translucent powder. The combination of foundation, balm, and powder will prevent the lipstick from feathering.^{[5]
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