Things I Wish I Knew Sooner: This Hack for Move-Proof Lipstick

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(Image credit: @sarahayang)

If I had to choose, I think my favorite makeup buy would be lipstick. Or any kind of lip product, really—gloss, stains, tint—I'll take it all. That's because when it comes to my makeup looks, I rely on a statement lip to really pull its weight. In fact, as of my last count, I have about 25 different lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip stains. They range in hue from pink and red to coral and tangerine to aubergine and merlot. What can I say? I love variety.

But there used to be one hiccup to my lipstick love: It used to smudge or fade a little too easily. So I'd be reapplying product after every sip or bite pretty much. It got really annoying, and it was a waste of lipstick!

But recently, I learned a trick that changed things for me completely. I discovered the power of a lip primer. If you're not familiar, a lip primer provides a smooth base for your lips so the color can stick. Think of it as something similar to a face primer that you apply before you put on foundation or other makeup. And keeping your lipstick in place isn't all a lip primer does—some formulas also nourish and hydrate the lips. So it's like a two-in-one product, which is something that I can't say no to.

Ready for a flawless pout? Take a look at some highly rated lip primers below.

1. MAC Prep + Prime Lip Primer

2. Nyx Professional Makeup Lip Primer

3. Bite Beauty Line Define Vegan Lip Primer

4. Fresh Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer

5. Colourpop Lippie Stix Primer

6. Giorgio Armani Prima Lip Eye Perfector

7. Maybelline

8. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer

9. Urban Decay Ultimate Ozone Multipurpose Primer Pencil

10. E.l.f. Lip Primer Plumper

11. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster

12. Project Lip Matte Plumping Primer

More Products to Prep Your Lips

Managing Editor

Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.