[Idiom] wear lipstick or apply lipstick

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L N Pappu

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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
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Barb_D

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

Amigos4

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Welcome to the forums, L N Pappu! :up:
 

Tdol

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

BobK

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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
 
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