Although it may sound a little odd, applying lipstick with your finger works wonders when you want more of a soft lip look or natural lip color! This is great if you are in a hurry, do not have your tools with you or just love the blended look. Herein lies the answer to everything you need to know about using your finger to apply lipstick for a pout you’ll be glad you did.
Why Use Your Finger to Apply Lipstick?
And sometimes, the best beauty hacks are the most simple.
Using your finger to apply lipstick offers:
- A Natural Finish: A softly blurred lip is ideal for casual settings or day wear.
- On-the-Go Convenience: It has on-the-go convenience with no brushes? No problem! Your fingertips should always be available.
- Blending Power: Ideal for effortlessly creating professional-looking gradient/ombré effects.
How to put lipstick on with finger> Are You Ready To Your Hands On This Technique? Let’s dive in!
Applying lipstick with your finger may sound weird, but it has plenty of perks that make it a favorite hack among beauty lovers. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
Creates a Natural, Lived-In Look
Using your finger will get that lipstick mixed right into your lips, creating a soft edge for a blurred, no-fuss look. Ideal for lazy days or for that popular “just-kissed” look.
On-the-Go Convenience
Because there are times you just don’t have a brush or applicator laying around. It is also great for on the fly touch ups or when you are away from home since your finger is always accessible.
Better Blending Control
Your finger is warmer than the lipstick and allows it to melt into your lips a bit, which means adding more ease in blending and working out with the product. If you want to gradient, Ombre, or blend colors — this is the trick for you.
Minimal Product Use
Apply with your finger usually applies less product than applying straight from the tube or with brush. If you want a lightweight application, this is awesome.
No Tools Required
Not using a brush or sponge cuts down on your routine and the number of tools you need to clean.
Perfect for Layering
It helps you build the color up gradually, allowing free reign on how potent you want it to be. From a subtle wash of color to an intense lip, the fingertip allows for such gradual layering.
Ideal for Certain Formulas
As with the cream, satin and matte lipsticks are great for applying with your fingers. The formulas are effortless to dab and spread for an even finish.
How to put lipstick on with finger?
What You’ll Need?
Before you begin, these essentials only are to be collected:
- Lipstick: Cream, satin or matte texture is preferred for application with fingers
- Lip Balm (optional): Helps to moisturise your lips, creating a smooth base.
- Tissue (Optional): To absorb any excess of the product or to perfect the finish.
- Mirror: You definitely need it to be sure of your details.
Step 1: Prep Your Lips
Beautiful lipstick is all in the prep:
- Exfoliate: Use a lip scrub or rub your lips with a damp towel to dab away dry and flaky skin.
- Moisturize: Slather on some hydrating lip balm and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Remove the excess balm to avoid a slip-and-slide base.
Step 2: Choose the right Lipstick and Finger
- Lipstick Formula: Creams or satin lipsticks blend easily, mattes give a soft blended effect.
- The Finger Trick: The ring finger is your best friend because it does not really apply much pressure but has a lot of control.
Step 3: Apply the Lipstick
To create the perfect look for your lips, follow these steps with bioré.
- Pick up the Colour: Use your ring finger to touch on the lipstick bullet for a bit of product.
- Begin in the middle: Softly place the pigment on the middle of your lips which is the area where they are naturally plump.
- Blend Outwards: Tap or pat the pigment away from your lips. Which makes this a sort of soft, diffused effect.
- Build for Intensity: Run again to add additional shading as required.
- Blot (Optional): Take a piece of tissue and gently press your lips to set the color and tone.
Advantages of put lipstick on with finger?
Here is why you should incorporate this method into your makeup routine:
- Effortless Blending: Great for ombré and gradient style simulations.
- Soft Edges: No harsh lines but a more lived-in look.
- Convenience: Great for a ten-second refinish—no tools needed.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dab and Blend gently: Be gentle, because you don’t want to smudge or upset your lips.
- Mix Up the shades: You can mix two lip shades together to create a custom match.
- Your Hands Should be Clean: You should wash your hands properly to provide proper hygiene during the application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Prep: If lips are dry or chapped, lipstick will be uneven. Do not for get practically all feels leave to exfoliate and apply skin lotion prior.
- Putting too much product: Use a little bit at first, only use what is needed — This can cause the finish to look cakey.
- Ignoring Hygiene: Always touch your lips with clean fingers to save them from bacteria.
When to Use This Technique: How to put lipstick on with finger?
- Touch-Up On the Go: Ideal to reapply during the day.
- Effortless Looks: For days when you’re in a hurry or don’t wear makeup.
- On-the-Go Moments: when one does not have a lip brush or spatula.
Is finger application good for long-lasting lipstick?
It depends. It is ideal for a natural finish but does not hold quite as much product in comparison to when applied directly. For longer wear, blot your lips with a piece of tissue and dust with a translucent powder.
What if I have chapped lips?
Scrub your lips before lipstick and apply a moisturizer to treat any dryness. And if you put more than just a thin film of balm, dab off the excess so that your lipstick does not slither everywhere.
Can I use this technique for bold lip colours?
Yes but it will take more layers to get the full opacity. Use in low doses and build slowly as you can lose the reigns on a bold color quick.
What’s the biggest advantage of applying lipstick with your finger?
I think the biggest benefit is you get this naturally soft finish without much work. When tools are not available, it is also useful.
Should I clean my finger after applying each layer?
If you are using the same color for layering, then no need to clean your finger. If you are mixing colors, or want to avoid any product excess build up, wipe your finger on a tissue between applications.
Conclusion
Simply applying a lipstick on finger is so-simple & its extremely flexible to use. With a little bit of lip prep and choosing the right lipstick formula, along with some dabbing skills, you can get a look that is perfect for just about any occasion.
Ready to give it a try? Try it with your favorite lipstick shades, and share how it goes for you! Let us know your results or tips in the comments—we want to hear from you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yup, provided your hands are clean. Before you put your hands inside of the container, wash your hands to ensure that none of the dirt or bacteria will go in your lips. If you are out try using a make up wipe or hand sanitiser prior to apply.
Use creams, satin or matte lipsticks for easy blending. For glossy or liquid lipsticks, you can use those as well but take extra care so that it does not smudge.
The color payoff might be a touch less intense when applied with fingers since the product gets blended into the lips. That said, you can totter on the lipstick for a more vivid effect.
Absolutely! One of the best ways to blend two shades into one in order to get a custom color is by using your finger.
Yes, it does apply to all lip shapes with your fingers. This is particularly ideal for anyone who wants a softer, more natural effect as it softens harsh lines (like the one in the pair).
Use small amounts of product and build it up. Dab the lipstick on your lips instead of rubbing it, as it may get smudged.
Yes! For more definition, line lips with a liner first before smudging in the lipstick with your finger. This is a good method if you are working with gradients or ombré.
Image credit and courtesy: cottonbro studio
