wear lipstick or apply lipstick

[L N Pappu]

Hello everybody,

Which is correct or rather better expression -- wear lipstick or apply lipstick , that is to say does one say that she applies lipstick or wears lipstick. Native speaker preference may also be given
Thanks

[Barb_D]

They mean different things. When you put it on, you apply. Once it's on, you are wearing it.

[Amigos4]

Welcome to the forums, L N Pappu!

[Tdol]

Like Barb_D, put lipstick on sounds natural- I would use it rather than apply.

[BobK]

Like Barb_D, put lipstick on sounds natural- I would use it rather than apply.

Although 'apply' would work in some contexts (say on the packaging: 'Do not apply if you have a peanut allergy.'

Other verbs could be used too 'She was wearing so much lipstick she must have laid it on with a trowel.' But I agree that most people just 'put it on'.

b