How To Wear Lipstick With Braces As An Adult
Still think braces are just for teenagers? Think again. These days, more adults than ever are exploring braces for adults to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. In fact, over 50% of new orthodontic patients are adults, proving that it’s never too late to invest in your confidence with orthodontic braces.
Of course, adult braces come with their own set of challenges, especially if you love wearing lipstick. From smudges to stains, navigating lipstick with braces can feel tricky at first. And if you already struggle with lipstick looking awful on you, braces can add another layer of frustration.
In this post, Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares easy, real-life tips for wearing lipstick with braces because How To Wear Lipstick With Braces As An Adult isn't just possible, it is essential.
Preparation Is Key
While the end result is worth it, there’s no denying that braces and adults together can change parts of your beauty routine. Lipstick, for one, requires a little more care when you’ve got brackets involved.
If you’re wearing clear braces, be mindful when applying lip products. Lighter lipstick shades are less likely to stain the ceramic material, which can be difficult to clean once the color sets in. For traditional metal or adult teeth braces, the same idea applies. Preparation is everything. Braces can stretch the lips slightly, which often leads to dryness or an uneven surface.
To get the best application, start with a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate, then follow up with a nourishing balm or lip oil. Creating a smooth, hydrated base makes it easier for lipstick to stay in place and look polished.
Choose Your Lipstick Shades Wisely
You’ve probably already the best lipstick colors for your skin shade, but it’s worth reassessing once you have braces. Certain colors can either enhance or distract, depending on the type of orthodontic braces you wear.
Neutral tones tend to work best with metal braces since they keep the focus on your smile, not the hardware. Clear aligners can smudge easily, so softer shades are less likely to leave noticeable marks.
If you love bold colors, don’t worry. You don’t have to give them up. Just make sure your lips are well-prepped and lined, and keep a mirror handy for quick checks.
Prevent Lipstick Smudges
Let’s be honest: One of the biggest fears with lipstick and braces is having them smear or get stuck in brackets. One minute you’re channeling grown-up confidence, and the next you’re flashing back to Ugly Betty season one, with lipstick on your teeth and a smile that’s doing too much.
To avoid that kind of cringe, matte or long-wear lipsticks are your best bet. They stay put and are less likely to shift into your brackets. If you’re more of a gloss girl, don’t worry, lip gloss and braces can still be friends. Just make sure to use a layer of primer first and apply gloss sparingly to avoid any unwanted transfer.
And seriously, toss a compact mirror in your bag. A two-second check can save you from hours-long of embarrassment.
Define Your Lips
Braces can slightly change how your lips move, which sometimes causes lipstick to feather or bleed outside the lines. This is where definition becomes your best friend.
Use a lip liner close to your natural lip shade to shape and hold your color in place. You can also blend a bit of concealer around your lips with a small liner brush to clean up the edges and add a bit more control.
Even with orthodontic braces adults wear, a little definition helps keep things polished without drawing unwanted attention.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been considering getting braces as an adult, you’re in great company. And no, they don’t mean the end of your lipstick era. You might need to tweak your routine, but there’s no reason to ditch your favorite shades—or your shine.
With a little prep, the right products, and a backup mirror for peace of mind, you can totally pull off braces and lipstick like a pro. The only real difference now? You know what works for you, and you’ve got the confidence to own it.
So smile big, swipe on that lipstick, and rock those braces like the grown-up glow-up they are. You’ve earned every bit of that bold, beautiful energy.
And if you are looking for some other lipstick tips. Check out this article on lipstick 101, including how some lipstick can make your teeth look yellow, Oh know, no one wants that!
