How to Apply Lipstick Like a Pro

There is something truly transformative about a swipe of your favorite lip shade. Whether you’re preparing for a romantic dinner or simply want to feel a bit more 'put together' for a busy Monday morning, knowing how to apply lipstick with precision is a total game-changer.

At No7, we believe that makeup should be a tool for confidence, not a chore. With over 85 years of expertise, we’ve mastered the art of the perfect pout. Follow our expert guide to achieve a professional-looking finish that stays put from your first coffee to your last cocktail.

How to Put on Lipstick: 5 Expert Application Tips

Mastering your lip look is all about the preparation and the technique. It’s not just about the color; it’s about creating a smooth, long-lasting canvas. Here is our foolproof guide on how to apply lipstick correctly.

1. Prep and Smooth

Just as you wouldn’t paint a wall without sanding it first, you shouldn’t apply lipstick to dry, flaky lips. Use a gentle lip scrub or a soft, damp flannel to gently exfoliate them. By doing this, you’ll help to remove dead skin cells and ensure your lipstick glides smoothly rather than clinging to dry patches.

2. Hydrate (But Don’t Overdo It)

Next, apply a thin layer of hydrating lip balm to lock in moisture. The key here is to let it sink in for a few minutes while you do the rest of your makeup. Right before you reach for your lipstick, give your lips a quick blot with a tissue, so they are left soft, not slippery.

3. Map Your Shape: How to Apply Lip Liner

Using a lip liner that matches your chosen lipstick (or your natural lip tone), start by defining your Cupid’s bow and lining the centre of your bottom lip. This will provide a roadmap for the rest of your application and help to prevent the colour from wandering outside the lines.

The No7 Precision Edit Lip Liner has been designed to effortlessly shape, line, and define your lips. With an ultra-fine tip for precise applications and a creamy matte formula, it’s the key to a professional-looking pout.

4. Apply Your Color

Now for the main event. Start applying your lipstick from the centre of your mouth and move outwards toward the corners. For a bit more control, you could use a lip brush, but applying straight from the bullet works perfectly, too.

Developed by experts, the No7 Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick is a makeup bag staple. Combining intense pigmentation with a hydrating, non-sticky finish, it delivers a beautiful finish with every swipe.

Different shades require a slightly different touch to truly pop. Whether you’re reaching for a high-impact crimson for date night or a subtle ‘your-lips-but-better’ shade for the office, here is how to master the two most iconic lip looks:

How to Apply Red Lipstick

A red lip is the ultimate confidence booster; it’s classic, powerful, and undeniably sophisticated. To get it right, precision is your best friend.

After lining your lips, apply your red lipstick in thin layers, building the intensity as you go. If you make a tiny mistake, simply use a Q-tip dipped in a little No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Cleansing Water to tidy the edges.

The result? A crisp, show-stopping pout that’s ready for anything.

How to Apply Nude Lipstick

The secret to a great nude lip is finding the right undertone for your skin. If you have a cool complexion, look for pinky-nudes; if you’re warmer, go for peachy or caramel tones.

Always use a liner that is one shade deeper than the lipstick to give your lips extra definition; otherwise, you may risk looking a bit washed out.

Not sure which color to pick? Check out our guide to finding your perfect lipstick shade.

5. Blot and Set

For a finish that truly lasts, the 'blot' is your best friend. Press your lips together on a clean tissue to remove any excess oils.

For extra longevity, place a single ply of tissue over your lips and lightly dust the No7 Pro Artist Set the Scene Loose Setting Powder through it. A finishing touch used by makeup artists, translucent setting powder is the secret to long-lasting lipstick.

Our Lipstick Tips and Tricks

We know that even with the best intentions, lipstick can sometimes be a bit daunting. Here are our expert answers to your most common lip dilemmas.

How to Stop Lipstick from Bleeding

Lipstick 'bleeding' or feathering into fine lines often happens when the product migrates. To stop this, ensure you use a lip liner as it acts as a physical barrier. You can also apply a tiny bit of concealer around the outer edge of your lip line to create a ‘dam’ that keeps the pigment exactly where it belongs.

How to Apply Lipstick on Thin Lips

When it comes to applying lipstick to thinner lips, it’s all in the light. Avoid very dark, matte colors, which can make lips look smaller. Instead, use a liner to slightly trace just outside your natural lip line before adding your lip color.

Finish with a touch of gloss in the very center of your lips to catch the light and create the illusion of fullness.

How to Apply Lipstick Without Lip Liner

If you’ve forgotten your liner, don’t panic. You can use the sharp edge of your lipstick bullet to carefully outline your lips first.

Alternatively, dab the color onto your lips with your ring finger for a trendy, ‘blotted’ stain effect that looks effortlessly chic and doesn't require a crisp edge.

How to Apply Lip Gloss Over Lipstick

Lip gloss adds a lovely, youthful glow to any look. To keep it from becoming messy, apply your lipstick as usual, then dab the gloss only onto the center of your upper and lower lips. Press your lips together to spread it. This gives you the shine without compromising the wear time of the lipstick underneath.

How to Define a Cupid's Bow

A well-defined Cupid’s bow is the hallmark of a classic beauty look. Use your lip liner to clearly define your Cupid's bow, following the line down to the corners of your mouth.

If you want a bit of extra ‘oomph’, a tiny dot of highlighter on the very top of your upper lip will make your pout pop.

How to Overline Lips

For a more dramatic lip, overlining is a brilliant technique. Using a lip liner that matches your natural lip shade, focus on the very centre of your Cupid’s bow and the middle of your bottom lip. Gently trace just a hair’s breadth outside your natural line, then taper the liner back to your actual lip shape as you reach the corners. This provides a fuller look in a defined, natural way.