I love a glossy lip but find that I often need to keep applying and keep applying all day. Applying a pigmented product on the go can be tricky and messy (I hate colouring outside the lines) so I find that using a couple of layers of sheer product makes this look effortless to maintain.

For this look I’m using two products from thebalm. Regular readers know that this highly underrated brand is one of my faves! 

The stain acts as the base colour which should last the day and then the gloss is a top up that is so pretty and sheer that it’s hard to get it wrong (and if you do it’s easy to clean up)

Step 1 – Use your favourite red

Liner to lightly line and define your lips.

You can skip this part if you want a more subtle look!

Step 2 – Apply thebalm stainiac in the shade beauty queen the same

way you would would apply a lip gloss, make sure to go to the edges of your lips and try to stay within the lines.. Remember it stains. It’s super smooth and looks sheer but it does stain. 

Step 3 – check in to see what @lipsticknlinguine is doing on Instagram while the stain dries. This is important as it will streak if it’s still wet. 

Step 4 – apply a generous amount of thebalm lipgloss in the shade spike my punch. 

And there you have it!  Bold colour and shine that won’t smear everywhere and is easy to top up during the day. The lipgloss is sheer so if you’re a bit messy with application it won’t look so terrible as if you wearing a highly pigmented lacquer or lipstick

Enjoy!