These 12 lip primers guarantee long-lasting color
In our humble opinion, lipstick is perhaps the most transformative makeup around. Not to mention that even if the rest of your face is bare, a bold lip will make you look polished and polished. The only problem? Eating, drinking, kissing your partner, even generally going about your daily business, all of these things can cause your lipstick to peel off. Enter the lip bases.
Much like a primer you would use over your face foundation, they are meant to be layered under lipstick, instantly increasing their longevity and wear. And it doesn’t stop, lip primers can also do everything from hydration to feather prevention to plumping up your lips. So basically, whatever your lips need, there’s a primer for it.
final verdict
Lipstick lovers, listen up: a lip primer just might be the secret to the super long-lasting color you crave. The MAC Prep + Prime Lip (seen at Ulta) is one of the best of the best, a fan favorite, loved by consumers and makeup pros alike for its hydrating formula and top-notch hold. The Maybelline New York Lip Studio Prime It Up Multi-Benefit Lip Primer (see on Amazon) and the Milani Anti-Feathering Lip Liner (see on Amazon) are good affordable drugstore choices, the latter being more of a precise pencil that particularly helps good at avoiding feathers. And if you’re looking for a multi-tasking formula, try either the Cl de Peau Lip Glorifier (seen at Nordstrom), which has a color tint and tons of treatment properties, or the
What to look for in a lip primer
Some primers only increase moisture and are mislabeled because they are lip moisturizers and not primers, Cantor warns. Be sure that it will increase the longevity of your lip products. He adds that a real lip primer will also help prevent smudging and smudging.
What are lip primers for? The main function of lip primers is to keep your lip products on your lips, Cantor explains. (Yes, it’s as simple as that). By providing an adhesive base to sit on, they prevent products from spreading onto the lip area, increasing wear time and helping to prevent smudging during bleeding, he explains, adding that they are a particularly good choice for those who like overdrafts. Some lip primers can help camouflage fine lines and wrinkles and/or make lips appear smoother, he adds.
The main function of lip primers is to keep your lip products on your lips, Cantor explains. (Yes, it’s as simple as that). By providing an adhesive base to sit on, they prevent products from spreading onto the lip area, increasing wear time and helping to prevent smudging during bleeding, he explains, adding that they are a particularly good choice for those who like overdrafts. Some lip primers can help camouflage fine lines and wrinkles and/or make lips appear smoother, he adds.
How do you apply lip foundation? According to Cantor, there are two different ways to do it. Option 1: Apply as you would lipstick, also in all areas where you want to outline the lip. Second option: apply it only around the edge of the lip, as you would with a lip liner. The choice you choose is a matter of personal preference, but be sure to only use one method at a time. According to Cantor, there are two different ways to do this. Apply as you would lipstick, also in all areas where you want to outline the lip. Second option: apply it only around the edge of the lip, as you would with a lip liner. The choice you choose is a matter of personal preference, but be sure to only use one method at a time. Using both methods at the same time won’t work, he advises.
Are lip primers safe for sensitive skin? Cantor says most formulas should be, though it’s important to always check the ingredient list for any known allergens you may be sensitive to.
Why trust Byrdie?
Byrdie’s collaborator, Melanie Rud, has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites. She doesn’t regularly use lip primer (although she loves wearing the Cl de Peau product on this solo list), so she relied on input from a makeup artist and consumer reviews to compile the products in this list.
Bryan Cantor is a New York-based celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert. He brings his impressive knowledge of makeup products, skin care, application techniques, and professional tips and secrets to clients and businesses in New York and around the world.
