Not positive I totally follow, but it sounds like you are using a virtual switch to trigger your lights?
I would start over… create a new virtual on off switch(see link below), and tie that virtual switch to your living room lights via Smart lighting. Then authorized that virtual switch to use IFTTT from the SmartApp in ST. Then recreate your IFTTT applet and see what happens, Make sure you watch your activity feeds as you trigger for ideas of where it might be broken.