During a recent dinner out I noticed that the young couple at the next table kept looking over at me. Was my hair askew? Something in my teeth? Did they think I was someone they knew?

6183_thumbThe man finally approached and said, “Excuse me, my girlfriend has talked all through dinner about your lip gloss. We’ve watched you drink wine, eat your meal and talk constantly and she says it looks exactly the same as when you arrived. Could you please tell her what it is so we can talk about something else?”

I happily obliged and rattled off my five-step process, the result of lots of trial and error.

I have very dry, full lips and have tried every cream, lotion, and gel for hydration. My favorite and the one that lasts a very long time is Qtica Intense Lip Repair Balm ($9.60). The key for long-lasting lipstick is to apply cream to dry lips and let that permeate before applying color.

The key for long-lasting lipstick is to apply cream to dry lips and let that permeate before applying color.

  1. Apply foundation around lip. Dust light covering of powder over lip (I use loose translucent).
  2. Apply lip pencil.
  3. Apply lip crème inside pencil line over lip. Use lip brush if preferred. Allow it to permeate before applying lipstick.
  4. Apply lipstick.
  5. Apply lip gloss.

My favorite is RENOIR from Boyds Beauty Supply in New York. The color French Crystal ($19.50) is light — almost clear — and takes on color of lipstick.

Most important of all, put on a happy face. Pouts may smolder, but nothing’s sexier than a winning smile.

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