I don’t know about you, but for us, lipstick is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Despite the fact that we all know how to apply lipstick (usually on the go while vaguely looking in the mirror, then pressing our lips together), if you want it to last all day (or night) you need to know a few secrets.

It’s actually quite a lot to consider – the lip line, whether the colour will bleed, if you’re wearing the right shade, whether you need more than one coat.

Here are a few tips from one of our makeup artists bluffajo on how to apply lipstick like a pro if yours often goes patchy, feathers or completely comes off after your morning coffee.

One

Apply your favorite lip balm to prepare your lips. It will have plenty of time to absorb if you apply it while applying your base. Blot your lips with a tissue to absorb any excess liner, and if you have a lip primer, apply it – this will make your lips feel slightly tacky, and your liner will last longer.

Two

Using your lip liner, draw a diagonal line from the peak of your cupid’s bow to the bottom of your top lip (on both sides), crossing the second line you draw over the first to create an ‘X’ shape.

Three

Start by feathering the pencil inward using short strokes from the outer corner of your top lip. Repeat on the other side and then on your bottom lip (starting from the outer corners will make your lips appear fuller).

Four

Fill in the rest of your lips with your lipstick. Work your way inwards from the outer corners. If there are any gaps, dab some lipstick on your pinky finger and lightly plot it onto your lips. Clean up any edges before lightly pressing your lips together.