Lip Care

Prepping Your Lips for Long-Wear Lipstick

January 3, 2026 9 min read

Beautiful Lips, Beautiful Colour

The secret to lipstick that lasts all day isn't just in the formula—it's in how you prepare your lips. Think of your lips as a canvas: the smoother and more hydrated they are, the better your lip color will look and last. Here's your complete guide to prepping your lips for the Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick.

The Lip Prep Routine

A proper lip prep routine sets the stage for flawless, long-lasting colour. Once your lips are prepped, mastering your application technique will help you get the most from your Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Exfoliate

Start by gently exfoliating your lips to remove dead skin and flakes. Use a dedicated lip scrub or make your own with sugar and honey. A soft toothbrush also works—use gentle circular motions. This creates a smooth surface for your lipstick to glide onto evenly.

Step 2: Hydrate

Apply a nourishing lip balm at least 10-15 minutes before your lipstick. This gives it time to fully absorb, leaving lips soft without a slippery layer on top. Look for balms with shea butter, vitamin E, or coconut oil—ingredients that hydrate without being too greasy.

Step 3: Blot Excess

Before applying lipstick, gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess balm or moisture. Too much residue creates a barrier between your lips and the lipstick, causing it to slide, smudge, and wear off faster. Your lips should feel soft but not slick.

Step 4: Line Your Lips

Use a lip liner that matches your chosen Super Lustrous Ultra shade. Outline your natural lip line, then fill in the entire lip. This creates a base layer of pigment that extends the wear of your lipstick and prevents colour from feathering outside the lip border.

Step 5: Apply Your Lipstick

Now apply your Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick. The ultra-rich formula with Murumuru Butter and Orchid Extract delivers single-stroke full coverage. For even longer wear, apply one layer, blot with a tissue, then apply a second layer. For tips on making lip color last in hot weather, check out our dedicated guide.

Timing Is Everything

Apply your lip balm at the very start of your makeup routine. By the time you've done your eyes and complexion, the balm will have fully absorbed and your lips will be perfectly prepped for lipstick—no waiting around.

Choosing the Right Prep for Your Lip Condition

Dry, Flaky Lips

  • Gentle sugar scrub 2-3 times per week
  • Rich, emollient lip balm with shea butter
  • Overnight lip mask treatment
  • Hydrating lip liner as a base
  • Try Everyday Nudes like Cashmere or Tulip for comfortable wear

Naturally Smooth Lips

  • Light exfoliation once a week
  • Lightweight lip balm for maintenance
  • Quick blot before application
  • Lip liner for defined edges
  • Go Bold & Beautiful with Heatwave or Bermuda

Uneven or Pigmented Lips

  • Gentle exfoliation to even out texture
  • Concealer or lip primer to neutralise pigment
  • Lip liner in a shade close to your lipstick for true colour payoff
  • Super Lustrous Ultra's single-stroke full coverage handles the rest

Sensitive Lips

  • Skip harsh scrubs; use a soft cloth instead
  • Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lip balm
  • Patch test new lip products before full application
  • The Murumuru Butter in Super Lustrous Ultra is gentle and nourishing

The Night Before

What you do the night before directly affects how your lipstick looks the next day:

  • Remove all lip makeup: Use a gentle oil-based remover or micellar water to ensure no residue remains
  • Exfoliate gently: A quick scrub before bed lets your lips heal and regenerate overnight
  • Apply a lip sleeping mask: Thick balms, lip masks, or even a layer of honey lock in moisture while you sleep
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day—dehydration shows on your lips first
  • Avoid licking your lips: Saliva actually dries lips out further, creating a vicious cycle of chapping

Common Lip Prep Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-exfoliating: Scrubbing too hard or too often irritates the delicate lip skin. Two to three times per week is plenty
  • Applying balm right before lipstick: The slippery layer prevents your lipstick from gripping. Always allow 10-15 minutes of absorption time
  • Skipping lip liner: Liner is the single biggest factor in lip color longevity. Never skip it with bold shades like Blackberry or Fireside
  • Using heavy gloss as prep: Gloss belongs on top of lipstick, not underneath. A balm and liner are your true prep tools
  • Ignoring lip SPF: Lips are vulnerable to sun damage. Use a lip balm with SPF during the day to protect them

The Overnight Test

Apply a thick layer of lip balm or petroleum jelly before bed and check your lips in the morning. If they're still dry, your daytime hydration needs work. Increase water intake and switch to a richer lip treatment until your lips are consistently smooth.

Quick Lip Prep for Busy Mornings

When you're short on time, these are the non-negotiables:

  • Quick scrub with a damp washcloth to remove any flakes
  • Swipe on lip balm while you do your eyes and complexion
  • Blot, line, and apply your Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick

With the right lip prep, your Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick will perform at its absolute best—delivering ultra-rich radiant colour that lasts. Find your perfect shade at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay, and leading retailers across South Africa. Why be Extra? Be Ultra.

Limited Time Offer

NEW LAUNCH: SUPER LUSTROUS ULTRA

Revlon Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick is now available at leading South African retailers. 10 ultra-rich, moisturising shades.

Shop Now
Share this article: