You pouted in front of your mirror – satisfied that you were looking selfie-ready – and walked out of your house feeling like a million Randelas. But then a while later, you were mid-conversation with a potential flame at a hot party only to realise it felt like your lipstick was flaking. Most of us have been there. So what can you do to keep your lips looking luscious and avoid facial fauxpas? Here are three tips that you can use regularly.
THEREIN LIES THE SCRUB
When TLC sang about not wanting scrubs, they might not have heard of this easy way to exfoliate your lips. The easiest way to get rid of dead skin cells and make way for new ones to grow is to exfoliate. Get a lip scrub – which, like the Lush Bubblegum range, is made of castor sugar and organic jojoba oil – and gently rub that on your lips for a smooth, renewed touch. Be sure to exfoliate before and after you apply the lipstick.
EVERYBODY LOVES THE SUNSHINE
By all means, enjoy the summer in the sun. Ke Dezemba after all. But in order to avoid sunburn – which can cause your lips to peel or crack – it is wise to use a lip balm that has at least a 15SPF rating sunscreen. Applying lip balm, or even vaseline, before you put on lipstick – particularly matte lipstick that tends to dry out as time goes by – helps to keep your lips hydrated and will ensure the lipstick does not have a caked-on effect.
SLEEP TIGHT, HONEY
One of the most common mistakes some women make when it comes to make-up is that they sleep with it on. It can be tempting to just hit the hay after a great party but leaving your lipstick on overnight can severely dry your lips out. So always use a damp cotton ball – with make-up remover or just plain water – to remove all traces of the lipstick. Then re-hydrate them using honey. Dab some honey on your lips and massage them for a few minutes before sleeping and the result will a softer, plumper pair of lips in the morning.
What are your top tricks to kissable lips? Let us know @IOL_Lifestyle on Twitter and Instagram.