- 1). Exfoliate your lips with a commercial lip exfoliator, damp washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently rub your lips with the washcloth or toothbrush. Exercise caution while exfoliating to prevent sloughing off too much skin and causing injury. Lip stains adhere best to smooth lips. Dead, dry skin is immediately magnified when coated with lip stain.
- 2). Moisturize your lips with lip balm. Apply a moderate amount that evenly coats the lips. Wait five minutes for the balm to absorb into your skin. Remove any excess balm by gently blotting your lips with a tissue after the five minutes have passed.
- 3). Line lips with a lip liner only if you desire perfectly outlined lips with a clear delineation between your lips and the area around your mouth. Avoid this step if you prefer a softer, more natural look. Use a liner that either closely matches the color of your lip stain or is a little lighter in hue.
- 4). Agitate the ingredients of the lip stain by shaking the container vigorously. Mixing the ingredients guarantees even flow and distribution during application.
- 5). Position the lip stain applicator tip over the center of your upper lip. Start the application at the middle of your cupid's bow. Work your way out to one corner of your upper lip. Repeat this process for the other side of your upper lip.
- 6). Blend the color with a clean finger, by sweeping it very lightly over the freshly applied stain.
- 7). Apply lip stain to the center of your bottom lip and work your way out to both corners.
- 8). Repeat the process for blending with a finger. Work as quickly as you can. Lip stain dries very fast and does not blend or absorb well after it has set.
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