I've always been conscious about my lips. If you haven't noticed, some of my lipstick reviews don't have a lip swatch because of this insecurity. It's uneven (top is thinner than the bottom) and pigmented. Given these flaws I have to work with, I just do what I can and exert extra effort in keeping it soft and..kissable. :)
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| Kiiiiiissss!! <3 |
This was requested by my friend,
Dyei. :) I really don't do anything drastic; just the good old stuff I've learned from my mom, friends, magazines, and personal experiences.
First Tip: Drink Enough Water
I've learned in school that one should drink 8-9 glasses of water. It doesn't just help in keeping your lips hydrated, it also helps in releasing toxins from your body. It works wonders to your skin and personally, it helps me sleep better.
(photo from redlineendurance.com)
Second Tip: Stop Biting 'em Lips
This is a habit that's hard to break, but really, you should. Biting them leaves a bite mark (or an impression of your teeth) which doesn't look sexy, at all.
(photo from beautysaloon.wordpress.com)
Third Tip: Licking 'em Won't Help
Now I don't get this habit. Seriously. I personally think this habit should be left to LL Cool J. If you're not him, STOP. It looks weird, awkward and borderline nasty. Urgh. Licking your lips will worsen it's dryness.
Saliva contains various digestive enzymes, two of which in particular (amylase and maltase) can be irritating. (source: medicineonline)
(photo from fanpop.com)
Fourth Tip: Exfoliate
Just like our skin, we need to exfoliate our lips. You can use a toothbrush for kids or a towel. I prefer using the latter. Don't be abrasive though, you don't want to overdo it or else you'll leave your lips in a worse condition.
(photo from makeupandbeauty.com)
Fifth Tip: Lip Balm is Your BFF
I've tried a lot of lip balms: flavored, scented, tinted, in a pot, in a tube, or with a wand. So far, my favorite is
Carmex in the original flavor.
(photo from scform.com)
This lip balm is just awesome. It hydrates my lips really well without the sticky feeling. It's clear and flavorless, which works better for me. I apply Carmex in the morning and before I sleep, or whenever I feel like my lips need it. I keep a tube at home and in my makeup kit. I especially need them now since I swatch lipsticks almost everyday.
There you go. These tips worked for me, I hope they'll work for you too. :)
