Making your lips look good can boost your confidence. Luckily, this is possible without botox or surgery! You won’t have to spend a fortune, either. But remember that pretty lips have a lot to do with good health and a little to do with the correct makeup technique. These 9 easy tips and tricks will help you get that perfect pout.
1. Drink Enough Water
Your skin reflects your body’s state of hydration. Drink less water and your skin will be dry and your lips will be dry and chapped. Because winter is particularly harsh for the skin, drink more than your usual 8 glasses of water during the winters. Avoid unhealthy sugary drinks and reach for plain water. If you need more flavor, consider infusing water with herbs or fruits.
2. Use Protection Against The Sun
We can’t stress this enough. Applying protection against the sun is important during the entire year – not just in the summertime. You probably already use a sunscreen with high SPF on your skin. But what about your lips? Choose a lip balm that has SPF or do it yourself. Just add zinc oxide for sun-protecting benefits. You’ll protect your pout from discoloration, drying, and damage from UV rays. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also shield your lips from the sun.
3. Exfoliate Your Lips
Scrubbing your lips will make your pout soft and supple! It will remove dead skin cells and expose a new layer. Using an exfoliator will also make your lips less prone to chapping. This will stop your lipstick from bleeding into dry lines, something no one likes to deal with.
Be sure to use gentle formula. To make a lip scrub, start with a base like honey, jojoba oil, or olive oil. Mix in a natural exfoliator like caster sugar, sea salt, or coffee. Store it in a small jar.
Use your scrub 2 to 3 times a week. To apply, place a pea-sized amount on a clean finger. Put it on your lips and massage in a circular motion. Be gentle around areas that are chapping or peeling. Let the scrub sit for 1 minute, then rinse or wipe off. Follow up with a good lip balm to lock in moisture.
2. Moisturize Regularly
Conditioning is just as important. It will act as a barrier by protecting your lips and holding on to moisture. It can make the cooler months more bearable! Of course, you don’t have to buy a fancy lip treatment. Olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil are all lovely choices to deeply moisturize your lips.
To use a moisturizer, spread it onto your lips with a clean finger or cotton swab. Focus on the spots that are extremely dry. After applying, try not to drink or eat for at least half an hour. Repeat as often as you’d like.
5. Do Lip Exercises
Doing some lip exercises will strengthen the lip muscles. It’s a great way to boost definition and fullness. For an easy exercise, pucker your lips and move them to the right. Hold for 5 seconds. Move them to the left and hold for another 5 seconds. Repeat the exercise 15 times.
Another option is to make a fish face. Suck in your cheeks and point your lips outward. Tilt them up for 5 seconds and then down for another 5. Your cheeks will add resistance to this move, helping strengthen the lips. Repeat 15 times.
6. Smile
Smiling has a lot of benefits. It will increase circulation to your skin and lips, making them look healthy. Even thin lines around your pout will start to go away. It also doesn’t hurt when you look (and feel) happier.
You can also do smiling lip exercises. Gently press your lips together and smile widely. Hold for 5 seconds. Next, pucker your lips in a kissing motion and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat at least 15 times.
7. Use A Lip Plumper
Plumping up your lips will make them look full and healthy. You shouldn’t use just any lip plumper, though. Do this naturally and safely by rubbing freshly grated ginger on your lips. Powdered cinnamon and cayenne pepper can also work. But don’t overdo it, because it might sting if you add too much.
You can also make a natural lip plumper by adding 3 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil to your moisturizer.
8. Use Lip Liner As A Base
If you wear makeup, try this popular trick. Use lip liner to fill and line your lips before applying lipstick. This will help the color stay in place throughout the day. You can even just add a dab of gloss to plump them up.
Prep your lips by exfoliating with a lip scrub. Even a toothbrush will do. Don’t forget this part! Otherwise, your lip color will settle into thin lines.
9. Add A Highlighter
To define your pout, use a highlighter. Apply a small amount on your Cupid’s bow, the curved area above the center of your lips. Powder, cream, and liquid highlighters all work well. For natural options, use pearl powder or mica. These ingredients are used in mineral makeup and are gentle on the skin. Plus, a little bit can go a really long way!
Remember, many lip products are full of chemicals and dyes. Keep your pout healthy by taking breaks from these products. You can also buy natural versions or even make your own.
