Pucker Up
Nothing says “kiss me” more than a set of luscious lips. Full, moist lips with a perfectly defined Cupid’s bow (yes, that’s the real name for those little lines from your nose to the points of your top lip!) scream youth and beauty but after a cold winter, it’s hard to get them in good shape.
So, what can you do to keep your lips looking beautiful and soft for Valentine’s Day and beyond? Some people swear by fillers, but not everyone wants to spend hundreds of dollars at a plastic surgeon plumping their lips. Instead here are some natural ways to get that kiss me glow.
- Stay Hydrated – The skin on your lips is more sensitive to dehydration than other parts of your face, and if you are dehydrated, it will show. While there isn’t a predetermined amount of water each person should drink, the more water you do drink, the less chapped your lips will get. The water you choose is important, too! Try to pick something with a high pH, as this will be absorbed by your body quicker and easier.
- Protect With Sunscreen – Use sunscreen to protect your sensitive lips from sun damage that can age them prematurely. There are many lip glosses that contain SPF to protect your precious pout. Try to find a lip gloss that has an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply several times per day. Even if you work inside, wear a good SPF as the sun can damage your lips even through a window or driving in your car.
- Use Hyaluronic Acid – Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance that adds moisture, volume, and shine to your lips. There are several lip gloss brands that contain HA, and regular use of these products can actually increase the volume in your lips. You might have a slight tingle from the product at first, and after a few days will have full, hydrat- ed lips. It’s best to have an a.m. and p.m. formulation so that you get plump- ing at night with sun protection during the day.
- Exfoliate – Just like your face, it’s important to exfoliate your lips on a weekly basis with a gentle natu- ral exfoliant, like a sugar scrub. This will remove dull, dead skin on the surface and encourage the production of new skin. Getting rid of the dry surface skin also allows products to penetrate easier.