An extension of your complexion, your lips need more care than just a swipe of lipstick. The payoff? A smoother, plumper and more youthful looking pout. Colour products like lipstick and gloss will also look better with a smoother, more hydrated base, meaning pigment won’t catch on those dry flaky areas.
If you’ve ever wondered if lip balm was really necessary, the answer is yes. Lips are particularly susceptible to irritation and dryness because of their delicate nature, when compared with other areas of the face. So regular use of lip balm, especially in the cooler months is advised.
But what other steps can you take to keep lips in great shape and minimise the impact of aging?
Here are five easy tips:
Add a mask before bed
We offer our face the occasional intense recovery and nourishment a mask offers, so why wouldn’t we do the same for our lips? Apply a lip mask, akin to a thick balm with added active ingredients, before bed. Massage the product over lips and slightly over the edges, there’s no need to wash off. Your pout should feel soft and supple in the morning. Here are some popular treatments and masks.
Exfoliate
Gently speeding the natural exfoliation process with a sugar scrub or damp face cloth will provide a smooth base for lipstick.
Add a tinted SPF
The natural pigment of your lips, particularly the perimeter, fades as you get older. Speeding the process? Sun damage, which also deepens fine lines. Keep a hydrating balm with SPF30 or above handy and reapply often. For a solution to that loss of pigment, lip blushing is a semi-permanent option that is gaining popularity.
Use an eye cream
A skin doctor’s hack we call on often? Although there are dedicated serums, using a little leftover eye cream over your upper lip at night will help skin stay supple and prevent the deepening of lip lines.
Create a barrier
Harsh environments can quickly dry your lips. Apply a gentle barrier like pure lanolin before heading out into very hot or very cold and windy weather. Here are some great options to try.
