How to keep your lips ‘kissable’

MANILA, Philippines - “You can’t have your cake and eat it, too,” so they say. But when it comes to kissing, as you’re pretty much devouring each other’s lips (let’s face it), can this so-called rule still stand true?

Okay, so maybe you can’t have the whole cake but you certainly can enjoy a hefty slice than have none at all! Besides, successful relationships are the ones where both meet each other halfway, right? So, it’s all about finding that middle ground of sporting your pretty painted puckers while your partner enjoys your luscious lips at the same time.

Here are some surefire ways to keep your lips smudge-proof:

1. Ladies, skip the gloss.

Guys actually hate how it looks oily, sticky or like “you just ate some lechon!” Wetter formulations mean they run faster and rather than looking hot, you’ll end up looking like a hot mess!

2. Matte is what matters.

Matte formulations, though drier, mean, they stay on longer and are even harder to remove — perfect! Better reason to keep those lips glued? Try MAC’s Russian Red.

3. Make your own matte lippie.

Creamier, satin formulations still have some oil content in them. Your objective is to remove as much oil as you can while retaining the pigment on your lips.

a. After you’ve applied a layer of lipstick, blot with tissue until lips feel a bit drier.

b. Dab a small amount of loose powder using a small, clean, eyeshadow brush all over lips to make them matte-looking. Don’t apply too much or your lips will look “cakey.”

c. Finish with one last coat of lipstick then blot again.

So you’re thinking, that’s just too tedious! Hey, the vain don’t complain!

4. Stain those sexy lips!

On a low-key date where you want to look effortless (a.k.a. “I wake up looking this amazing, duh!”), lip stains are your go-to gal. Think of them as subtle magic markers for your lips. Then let the magic begin with Covergirl’s Outlast Lipstain in 415 (a berry hue closest to the lip’s natural color).

Then again, there’s nothing like sticking to the basics of au naturel. So make sure your lips are locked in with moisture for ultra-kissable softness by swiping on Colour Collection’s Lip Therapy with Argan Oil.

So here’s to kissing those smudge fears goodbye! Mwah!

Photo by Sara Black • Model: Margo Midwinter of W Talent • Hair and makeup by Bianca S. Valerio