How to ....... Stop lipstick bleeding.

Hey there gorgeous glitterati :)

This post has been requested by a lovely friend of mine called Trina. It sparked a little idea though, I was hoping to do a little series of posts on my ideas on "how to" do certain things that some people can find particularly tricky.

Let me know in the comments below if there's anything you'd like me to do a blog post on "how to" do - I have a few ideas of my own, but I'm always here to help where and when I can.

Anyhow onto the topic for today ....... How to stop dark coloured lipsticks bleeding.

When I'm wearing a particularly dark shade and I want it to absolutely 100% stay put as long as possible, there are certain measures I take. I'll be honest and say I don't really have a problem with lipsticks bleeding on me, but I feel like these steps would definitely help those that do.

When I'm applying my makeup, I'll first pop a nice thick layer of lip balm on to keep my lips in tip top condition. My favourites of the moment are the Jack Black lip balms:

I got my lemon flavoured one for £7.25 from feel unique with free delivery - Click here to check it out.

I like to leave the balm to sink in while I do the rest of my face and this product is fab at sinking in over a period of time and keeping your lips super moisturised and supple.

Then when the rest of my makeup is done, I grab my favourite lip liner of the moment which when I'm wearing a red lip is currently MAC brick:

I use the liner to line my WHOLE lips, not just the outline. I literally just line the edges of my lips then scribble in the centre and spread the product out with my fingers to get a nice thin layer of colour. I find that the liner spreads easily and sinks in nicely after application of the Jack Black balm.

Next I take my favourite lipstick, which when I'm doing a red lip is MAC Kanga rouge:

I apply a thin layer of the lipstick with a lip brush, using it straight from the bullet will apply too much product and defeat the purpose of building up thin layers.

The next step for me is to blot my lips with a clean tissue and brush over a small dusting of translucent powder, my favourite at the minute is the Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder:

Only apply a very fine dusting of powder, the last thing you want to do is make your lips super dry and tight.

Then my final step is to apply a layer of lipstick straight from the bullet for added shine and depth of colour.

If I do all of these steps I promise you my lipstick does not bleed or budge - I just carry the actual lipstick with me to top up as and when necessary, but the base shade the lip liner has provided does not budge so your lips look fantastic all day / night long.

If this is just all too much for you though, why not try a lip stain ... granted the colour is not as intense, nor do you get the finish of a lipstick / gloss. That's when I'd point you in the direction of the new YSL glossy stains, my LOTD and mini review is here. These give you the look and pigment of a thick gloss, but they stay put for hours on end without bleeding or completely wearing off at all.

Maybelline have also just released their very own version of the YSL glossy stains called "Super stay stain gloss". I haven't tried these yet, so I can't comment on their likeness to the YSL version, but they're a fraction of the cost and 100% worth a try:

So that's it - Those are my top tips to help stop your lipstick bleeding. If you try my method out, definitely let me know how you get on :)

Take care and love to all xox