1. Exfoliate and Hydrate
Removing dead skin from your lips creates a smoothe canvas for any lip product. Some
suggest using a toothbrush or a nubby washcloth. I like using my facial scrub.
Gently massage over and around your mouth for a few seconds after you're done with your face. Be sure to follow with a lip moisturizer or lip balm worn alone or under your lip color. I like Burt's Bees ($3) all natural lip balms and creams designed to repair, heal and moisturize. Worn day or night they are the ultimate in hydration.
2. Color Inside the Lines
Dramatic liner is passe. Instead, fill in your lips after you've outlined. It reduces feathering,
creates a soft look and increases the staying power of your lip product. Choose a color that
matches your own lip's
natural tone and you can literally wear it with everything. Try MAC Lip Pencil in Stripdown or Cork ($13). It glides on easily with no unnecessary tugging.
3. Matte Must Have
Matte doesn't have to mean dry anymore. The latest matte lipcolor formulations are smooth and creamy and won't cause dryness and peeling. One to try: Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Matte Gloss ($20). Feels sheer as a gloss but goes on matte. It even comes with its own lipbrush.
4. Get Your Shine On
Glossy lips are never out of style. Worn alone over lip liner or to spice up your lipstick, you can't go wrong with sensuous, romantic shine. One of my favs Carol's Daughter All Natural Candy Paint in Grown and Sexy($13.50). Shea butter, aloe vera extract and vitamin E all work to condition, protect and soothe your lips. And you get that sexy, elegant shine to boot.Follow these rules of thumb and you'll always have a perfect pucker! Until next time.
Karol
