Achieving the perfect pout that is lush, full, and kissable takes a bit of effort. With the right products, tools, and techniques, though, you can get that enviable lip look. Read on for eight tips and tricks to take your pout from drab to fab.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating your lips is a critical first step in prepping them for other treatments. Use a lip scrub 2-3 times per week to slough off dead, dry skin and reveal the smooth, soft skin underneath. Gently rub the scrub over lips in a circular motion before rinsing.
Hydrate
Keep lips hydrated with balms, oils, and masks. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera that nourish lips and lock in moisture. Apply hydrating products generously throughout the day and concentrate on applying them heavily before bed so they can work their magic overnight.
Define with Liner
Liner helps create the illusion of fuller lips by defining the shape and keeping lip color from feathering. For proper application, start by outlining your natural lip line and then fill in the edges. Opt for waterproof, long-wearing formulas that won’t budge.
Plump with Gloss
Glosses make lips appear juicier due to their high-shine, light-reflecting finish. Look for plumping glosses containing ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint oils that irritate slightly to increase blood flow to the lips.
Apply gloss to the lip’s fullest part or in a gradation effect with more in the center and less on the outer edges.
Overline Slightly
Carefully overlining lips just outside the natural lip line can create the appearance of a fuller pout. Use a lip pencil in a shade slightly darker than your natural lip color and apply starting from the cupid’s bow, moving to the outer edges. Blend with a brush to smooth the edges.
Repair with a Lip Treatment
If your lips are perpetually dry and chapped, they need some extra TLC. Repairing lip treatments like the ones from the Dennis Gross Skincare collection can heal sore, cracked lips while providing deep hydration. Look for vitamin E, shea butter, and natural oils like coconut, olive, almond, and avocado.
Try an Overnight Lip Treatment
Letting intensive lip treatments work while you sleep ensures maximum hydration.
Slather on reparative balms, masks, and oils before bed and wake up to softer, smoother lips in the morning.
Use Lip Scrubs
Gently exfoliating with lip scrubs also helps rejuvenate dry, flaky lips. Look for scrubs containing oils, butters, and waxes to remove dead skin while moisturizing. Or, you could even consider making your own by combining brown sugar with olive oil or coconut oil. Gently scrub your lips 1-2 times per week for healthier lips.
With consistent prep and TLC for your lips, you can flaunt a perfect, camera-ready pout. Take the time to exfoliate, hydrate, and repair your lips along with smart makeup application and you’ll be sporting enviable lips in no time.