INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This will get rid of all the dead skin sitting on top of your lips that prevents the lipstick sinking in. It will also create a smooth, blank canvas for the lipstick to ensure even application.  Use a lip scrub. Many brands offer these types of product.  You can also make your own with sugar, honey, and olive or coconut oil.  Gently scrub your lips with a soft toothbrush.  Don’t go too hard, you just want to remove loose dead skin. Use a damp washcloth on your lips, moving it in soft, circular motions to lift the dead skin. This ensures that the lips are moisturized.  Applying lipstick to dry, cracked lips, especially a matte formula, can make lips look patchy and flaky.  Use a balm with waxy consistency not a slippery or oily one which will cause the lipstick to move around.  Allow some time for the lip balm to absorb before going on to the next step.  Make this the first step in your makeup routine and do the rest of your face while the balm is absorbing. Lip liner typically has a drier consistency than lipstick, so it serves as a layer for the lipstick to grip onto.  Get a sharp cupid’s bow by drawing an x in the center of your top lip. Draw around the outline of your lips.  Use the point of the lip liner pencil for this. Fill in the whole lip.  This step is important because if the top layer of lip color wears off it won't reveal a sharp line.  Use the side of the lip pencil to fill in the whole lip area. You can do this either straight from the tube or with a lip brush. Using a folded tissue, open your mouth and place it between your upper and lower lips, then press down on the tissue. This removes any excess product and keeps lipstick from transferring onto your teeth or clothing. Professional makeup artists use this trick to set the lipstick without moving any of the color.  Get a tissue and separate the layers out. Place just one thin sheet over your lips and apply loose, translucent powder with a big fluffy powder brush on top of the tissue. You can apply powder directly to the lips to set if you don't have any tissues on hand, but be aware that overdoing it could result in a dry or discolored result. Repeat the previous steps of blotting and setting with powder.  This should give your lipstick real staying power.  Finally, you can use a setting spray if you have one.

SUMMARY: Prep your lips by gently exfoliating. Apply a hydrating lip balm. Apply lip liner as a base. Apply a thin layer of lipstick. Blot the lipstick with a tissue. Apply a light dusting of powder to set. Apply another thin layer of lipstick.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you want to live with them, you can't realistically micromanage everything the narcissist does or says. You also can't just let them treat you however they please. So, where's your middle ground? Figure out what narcissistic behavior you can't tolerate.  For example, you may be able to tolerate them dominating conversations, but you are not able to accept when they insult you. Narcissists are infamous for walking over people and abusing their goodwill, so you need to know your limits. Once you've identified your boundaries, make a list of the situations in which the narcissist tends to violate them. By writing this out, you will know which contexts you need to be wary of.  For instance, the  narcissist may be more likely to manipulate you in front of a group. Noticing this pattern can help you learn which scenarios to be on guard against. It also helps you figure out how to phrase your boundaries. Now that you know what you can not tolerate, communicate those boundaries when the offensive behavior happens. You might say, “I can see that you're angry, but I will not tolerate insults. If you continue to insult me, I will leave.” State your boundaries with confidence, lifting your chin, making eye contact, and keeping your voice strong and steady. That way, the narcissist knows you're serious. Narcissists will cross every line you make, so it's important that you actually follow through with consequences. If you've said you'll end the conversation, disengage. If you've threatened to leave, do so.  Setting consequences doesn't have to be the end of the relationship, you can tell the narcissist “I'll be happy to continue talking when you are able to communicate without insults.” Keep in mind that enforcing consequences may not cause the narcissist to change their behavior. More than likely, the narcissist will still test your boundaries, no matter how strongly you set them. Stand firm despite any pushback.  For example, the narcissist may insult you anyway just to see if you will actually do anything about it. If this happens, you must enforce the consequences to show them you mean what you say. If you waiver on setting boundaries, the narcissist won't respect you. True narcissists think highly of themselves, but they are also entitled. They believe they deserve attention and admiration and may not care who they hurt to get it. They cannot tolerate criticism, but may regularly belittle or demean others to make themselves look better,  Being a little self-obsessed or high in confidence is common, but these traits are different from full-blown narcissism. Pay attention to who they spend their time with. Narcissists tend to be in relationships with people who won't speak up and stand up for themselves.

SUMMARY:
Identify your  boundaries. Make a list of the things your narcissist does that cross the line. Voice your boundaries with confidence. Enforce consequences as needed. Expect pushback, but stand firm. Know how to  identify a narcissist.