How to make cheap lipstains look amazing

Start with a blank canvas- just lightly apply a Chapstick, too much and the product won't stick.

Apply your lip stain evenly across your lips. Here I'm using a bright scarlet color by ELF.

Now find your lighter shade. This is 21, 'Parsons Pink', in NYC's Cityproof Lip Crayon.

Apply a single stripe down the center of your lower lip and an 'X' shape beneath your Cupid's bow.

Time for the shine! This is just a cheap, thick gloss I picked up from Aeropostale. Vaseline and a Q-Tip also works. Apply an even coat on your lips.

Shiny, dark, and beautiful! Works with most reds and a lot of similarly dark shades. The gloss tends to make it appear darker, so if you're worried about that go a shade lighter in the stain.