When it comes to skin care, lips are often overlooked or tended to as an afterthought. Embrace a full-face of care and give lips the service they deserve. Take these lip tips into consideration for your best pout yet.
AVOID MATTE LIPSTICKS
The first lip tip is to avoid matte lipsticks, especially in the winter. Matte lipsticks are unnecessarily drying and can irritate your skin in the drier months. If you choose to wear matte lipstick, make sure to exfoliate your lips and apply a balm before adding a matte finish. Avoid licking or wetting your lips because it will ultimately end up making them drier.
APPLY NATURAL OIL BEFORE BED
Natural oils are great multi-functional products that people can use on their hair, skin, body, and even lips. It is recommended to use either apricot or coconut oil on the lips to keep them hydrated. Natural oils have long-lasting health benefits that many traditional lip balms do not. Plus, oil can be used to tame frizzy hair, remove makeup, and keep skin soft. Win, win, win!
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CHOOSE HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS
It’s important to know that not all products are created equally, and what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body. Make sure to look for clean products made with high-quality ingredients. Avoid lip balms with a wax base because, while they provide temporary relief, they will end up drying your lips out. Also, stick to makeup that will benefit your skin instead of simply masking imperfections.
SPF, SPF, & MORE SPF
People often forget to apply sunscreen, especially in the winter months. However, applying sunscreen is critical year-round. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, rainy, or even snowing, make sure to apply sunscreen multiple times during the day and especially on the lips. Try a lip balm with sun protection factor or buy a tinted sunscreen to help you remember.
EXFOLIATE WITH A SUGAR SCRUB
Exfoliating is critical in keeping your lips happy this winter. Not only does it remove dead skin so new cells can grow, but it also keeps your skin soft. Mix two tablespoons of sugar with one tablespoon of coconut oil to create a DIY sugar scrub at home. Follow this with a heavy balm or oil to help the new cells lock in moisture.
HYDRATE YOUR LIPS & YOURSELF
The top tip this season is to hydrate yourself inside to help your skin and lips thrive on the outside. If you’re someone who struggles with drinking water, fill up a water bottle and add herbal tea bags for extra flavor to keep yourself hydrated.
USE VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is a great supplement to keep your lips hydrated and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Look for lip products that include this ingredient.
ALWAYS CARRY A LIP BALM
Always have your favorite lip balm with you. Keep one in your car, your purse, and your bathroom so you can easily reapply it throughout your busy day. Using one with a slight tint can remind you when you need to reapply, but there are many options to choose from.
KEEP YOUR LIPS CLEAN
When you take your makeup off at the end of the day, make sure to care for your lips, too. Wash them with oil to remove all the dirt and debris that accumulates on skin during the day.
DOUBLE UP WHEN YOU SLEEP
After removing your makeup and cleaning your lips, make sure to apply either a heavy balm, a lip mask, or oil before bed. Your skin will absorb the moisture during the night, and you will wake up with hydrated, luscious lips.
During the winter months especially, your lips get dry frequently. Combat this and other lip concerns with the best tips for lip care.
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Christina Flach is a celebrity makeup artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who founded Pretty Girl Makeup and is working on a new cosmetics line for men and women. She has an extensive clientele consisting of notable celebrities, big-name brands, and designers. Flach believes in the importance of inner beauty, wellness, nutrition, and manifestation. She is also featured on NBC’s California Live as an On-air Beauty Expert and an outspoken advocate for Sepsis Awareness and education.