We all have that love-hate relationship with our lipsticks — we might love how they completely transform a look but how to keep lipstick from bleeding can sometimes feel like an impossible task.
You know you’ve successfully cracked the code to flawless lipstick application when it doesn’t bleed at all — but, unfortunately, that rarely happens. If you find yourself reaching out for tissues throughout the day ‘coz your lipstick just won’t stop bleeding, this story is for you.
Lipstick bleeding, or feathering, is when it leaks over the corners of your mouth. While you’re trying to achieve neat edges with utmost precision, it actually smudges (over time, if not immediately) and leaks out of the lip line. Scroll down to read about all the ways you can learn how to stop lipstick from bleeding and make lipstick last longer.
What causes lipstick to bleed and fade?
How to make lipstick last longer is an important question to address but an even bigger question is why it happens in the first place! There are 5 good reasons that may cause your lipstick to bleed: dry lips, lip balm, skipping concealer, not lining your lips and drinking through a straw. Read on to know what can be done about this.
Editor’s top hack on how to stop lipstick from bleeding

Invest in a multipurpose primer + matte lip colour
One of the easiest ways to make sure your lipstick is in place all day long is by wearing one that gives you great durability. Our latest obsession is the Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Liquid Lip Color which is a multipurpose lip colour to add a pop to your lips and make sure it stays. Thanks to its built-in primer, it stays all day long! Its features include intense matte finish, smooth application, rich colour payoff and a built-in primer. If that wasn’t enough, it is loaded with vitamin E and argan oil, perfect for keeping your lips smooth and moisturised. Worried about a matte liquid lipstick drying your lips? Well, no more. This collection is all about hydrating your lips and keeping them soft and supple with a non-sticky and lightweight formula.
The even better news is that it is available in 15 diverse shades across the colour spectrum. Whether you want something edgy and bold or glam yet natural, there is a shade for every mood and outfit from a ‘Fiery Scarlet’ to a ‘Hustling Nude’. So, there is no need to prep your lips before applying this lip colour. Simply swipe the wand across your lips and be assured there will be no need to reach out your purse for quick touch ups.
Other tips on how to keep lipstick from bleeding

Take off excess lip balm
It’s important to prep your lips with a hydrating lip balm like the Lakmé Lip Love Chapstick before gliding on your slipstick, but you don’t want too much. Keep it on till you do the rest of your makeup and when it’s time to do your lips, take a tissue or a cotton pad and wipe off the excess.

Switch to matte lipsticks
As much as we love our lip glosses and creamy lipsticks, it is best to switch to matte formulas as they’re transfer-proof and don’t smudge. The Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Liquid Lip Color does not even crease if you are worried about your lips drying. So, find your shades and invest in intense matte lipsticks to keep your lip colour going for hours.
Apply, blot, dust, apply again
Use this simple layering hack to make lipstick last longer. Apply your lipstick, blot with a tissue, dust some translucent powder on top and then apply again. This final layer will seal your lipstick and prevent it from smudging and bleeding. We recommend the Lakme 9 to 5 Naturale Finishing Powder – this first-of-a-kind finishing powder has extracts of aloe vera and green tea and will make your skin glossy and smooth all day long.
Setting powder to the rescue
Once you have applied the lip colour, place a tissue over your lips. Now, take some translucent setting powder on your brush and gently dab it over the tissue. Dust off the excess and gently remove the tissue.
Use a clear lip liner
When looking for the best product to use to stop lipstick bleeding, we suggest using a clear lip liner on the outer perimeter of the outline of your lips. Much like your regular lip liner, a clear one forms a barrier around your lips and stops your lipstick from bleeding through.



Pack it in with a concealer stick
A little bit of concealer around your lips not only makes them look well-defined, but it also stops the lip colour from bleeding. Use the Lakme Absolute White Intense Concealer Stick SPF 20 that conceals imperfections flawlessly and also has a built in SPF of 20.

Coat with a clear balm or gloss
While lip stains can be pretty reliable when it comes to colouring inside the lines, a simple hack can seal it in for even the hottest days. Once you are done painting your lips with your favourite stain, let it dry and coat with clean balm or gloss. It will hydrate your lips and you can stop worrying about how to stop lipstick from bleeding. Pick Vaseline Lip Tin – this tried and tested product locks in moisture for beautiful healthy lips from morning till night.

Don’t forget compact
Once you’ve applied your lipstick, hold a blotting sheet against your lips and apply some compact on it and then dust it off. Confused about which one to opt for? Go for the Lakmé 9-to-5 Flawless Matte Complexion Compact that will stay on your lips helping your lippy stay in place.
We hope this was helpful. Now make sure to follow these tips to bid annoying, bleeding lipstick goodbye!
Written by Anushka Shah on 2nd Aug 2022