Rose-Marie's Tricks To Prevent Lipstick Feathering

Lipstick feathering (also called lipstick bleeding) is one of the most frustrating beauty dilemmas, and possibly our most asked question for Rose-Marie. Whether you’re wearing a bold red or a subtle nude, color that creeps into the fine lines around your lips can quickly take your look from polished to messy. But don’t let this be the reason you rule out lipstick—RMS Beauty founder and legendary makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift has decades of experience dealing with lipstick feathering and she's sharing her tips.

Below, her tried-and-true techniques for keeping your lipstick exactly where it belongs.

1. Use a Lip Liner—But Make It Natural

Lip liners can help keep your lipstick in place, but the key is choosing the right shade. Many people instinctively reach for a liner that matches their lipstick shade, but Rose-Marie recommends a more subtle approach.

"Most women will usually line, or even alter the shape of their lips, using a pencil which is the same color as their lipstick. This often looks fake and harsh. As the lipstick fades, it leaves behind a bright colored line of pencil around the mouth—not the best look and very aging for naturally thinning lips."

Instead, choose a pencil that matches your natural lip tone.

"You can enhance the lips by using a pencil that matches your natural lip color, and will help prevent the lipstick color bleeding into the feathered lines around the lips. From there you can apply the desired lipstick color over it, and it will look much more natural as it fades, without leaving behind the stenciled lip outline."

RM NOTE: There is an exception to this rule, and that is for red lipstick. In that case, use a red lip liner for consistency.

2. Set Your Lip Line with Powder

This simple step can make a huge difference in preventing lipstick from migrating.

"Line your lips, then take UnPowder on your finger and just trace it over top of your liner. Then go in with the lip liner brush (on the other end of the Go Nude Lip Pencil), and blend it even more."

This creates a soft, diffused edge that locks in color and blurs harsh lines. The powder also acts as a barrier, helping prevent bleeding into fine lines.

3. Layer Your Lipstick Like a Pro

Once your liner is set, apply your lipstick in light layers. Start with a thin coat, blot gently with a tissue, and reapply. This builds color while minimizing the chance of movement.

Rose-Marie preferred tissue blotting method:

"Fold a tissue in half, then hold it across your lips while you use your finger to rub your lips over top of the tissue. It looks like you have a beautiful, soft, voluptuous mouth without any harsh lines on the outside."

5. Choose the Right Formula

Lipsticks that are too slick can easily migrate, while those that are too matte may crack and flake—also leading to feathering. Instead, look for formulas with a satin or cream finish that offer hydration and staying power.

RMS Beauty’s lip formulas are designed to be clean, comfortable, and long-wearing without slipping into lines.

Recommended Products:

• Go Nude Lip Pencil (choose a shade close to your natural lip color)

• Legendary Serum Lipstick (bold, long-lasting color that keeps lips hydrated)

• UnPowder (to lock in your lip line)

Find Your Perfect Lip Shade

Ready to choose your signature lip color, but not sure where to start? Book a FREE Artist Advice Session and one of our Makeup Artists—trained by Rose-Marie Swift—will help you find your perfect match.