Making Lip Gloss Last

Lip gloss is one of those staple cosmetics and one that can always dress up an outfit, bringing it from casual to semi-casual in a simple swipe of the application wand. The downside to lip gloss, however, is getting it to stay on your lips for an extended period of time. Sometimes it's not only difficult but seemingly impossible. How can you maintain that polished lip gloss look without having to reapply every thirty minutes? Here are a few tips to get you started.

The first step is to choose a good lip gloss—pick a quality brand. (You can never go wrong with choosing a name brand when it comes to cosmetics; however, if generic is the way for you, then don't hesitate—you can still make it work.) Within your lip gloss choices you have a handful of "long lasting" glosses, or glosses that are meant to stay on all day. If all-day lip gloss is your goal then go ahead and try out the gloss' brand promise. I've found that many claims of cosmetics have some validity to them.

When you settle on a lip gloss and are ready to apply, make sure your lips are already moisturized because if they aren't then your lips will probably just absorb what they can from the gloss leaving your lips glossless. Another trick I've found useful is to apply a couple different lip glosses on at the same time. (This is also a nice aesthetic trick). Pick colors that mix well together and the added layer of gloss and moisture will help your gloss to stay on longer. A plus is also the added dimension a color mix can give to your lips.

Just know that if you're eating or drinking anything, your lip gloss will definitely rub off faster than if you don't eat or drink, so don't be too upset if you have to reapply after a meal. Fortunately there are ways in which you can keep that sophisticated sheen of gloss on your lips for extended periods of time—you just need to know the right tricks!