Applying dark lipstick

Here’s how to carry off blood reds, tangy oranges and vampy purples with elan...
Prepping up
Lips like the rest of your face must be primed before you apply lipstick. You can use a concealer or a foundation to cover your lips. Let it dry and then set it with loose powder. This step is crucial since it is the base that your lipstick will adhere to. It also helps lipstick last longer.
Lining is a must
Although lip liners are redundant since they can look a little stark and made up, it makes sense not to skip it when sporting dark lipstick.Dark lipsticks have a higher chance of bleeding. Needless to mention, bleeding colour looks tacky. Line your lips with a lip liner that is closer to the shade of your lipstick but not darker than it. Make sure you don’t exaggerate your cupid's bow. That looks very extreme.
Brush it
This is especially helpful if you are not used to applying dark lip colours. You have much more control over the application and besides you can apply thin layers of the colour. Applying thick layers of dark lipstick is a no-no.
Blotting
After you apply your first coat, clamp your mouth shut with a tissue between your lips. Blotting the first coat keeps your lipstick in place such that it won’t bleed, fade or transfer.
Layer
Applying a second coat of colour with a lip brush is absolutely important. You don’t have to blot this layer though.