Look for lip products that are based on natural waxes, plant oils, Vitamin E, and earth oxides. Avoid exclusive use of products that contain an overabundance of synthetic or petroleum based chemical ingredients. Contact sensitivity, allergic reactions, headaches, irritation and other side effects are not uncommon. These side effects are often insidious and you would never make the connection between symptoms and a seemingly benign lip product. Keep in mind that natural ingredient products do not have the hardeners of most commercial products and need more protection from heat.
Keeping Lips Healthy
Remember that the lips have no sweat glands or oil glands, and thus are more sensitive to the environment.
Drink lots of water during the day to keep the lips hydrated along with the rest of your body.
Exfoliate your lips routinely. It will keep the surface smooth and soft. Adds Diane Irons, author of the The World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets: "Not only does it take away any chapping, but it plumps up the lip temporarily for that sought-after 'pouty' look."
Application Tips for Soft and Smooth Lip Colour A. Exfoliate your lips. Use an exfoliating, moisturizing lip product, a scruffing cleanser (Scruffing Milk Cleanser), or rub a rough facecloth across your lips. Alternatively, Diane Irons (The World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets) recommends brushing your lips with your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. This can be a bit rough though so be gentle because the bristles may actually tear the sensitive skin if care is not exercised. B. For the smoothest, most professional appearance, always apply lip color with a brush. It makes that much difference. Use a lip brush for all forms of color: dry or wet minerals, cream lip minerals, gloss, or any lip tube color. C. Don't make a habit of using long-lasting matte lipsticks. Matte lipsticks can be extremely drying (which is what helps these lipsticks stay put for so long). Use them sparingly, but especially when your lips are chapped. Instead, alternate use of them with moisturizing lip colors that contain Vitamin E and are not full of synthetics, or use a hydrating balm or gloss in place of lip color until your lips heal. If you just must use a certain matte color, precede its application with a moisturizing lip balm. D. For a sophisticated sheen, apply a swish of gloss across the middle lower lip. The glossy Lip Stains are beautiful, long lasting, and all natural. Mix with a slight touch of gold or silver mineral color for an elegant look. E. Increase the staying power of lip color: Apply as usual, place a tissue over your lips, lightly dust with loose powder, and then apply a second coating of color. F. Keep lip color from bleeding by applying a smooth base of Lip Plumping Balm, Flawless Finish Liquid Powder, or SuperMatte Antishine. How to tell if a lipstick has staying power: The more soft wax a lipstick has, the shinier and greasier the lipstick will be, and the harder it will be to keep it on. A lipstick that is too creamy won't be stiff enough to keep the pigment in place. Wax melts, so if it's a hot day, creamy lipsticks take a beating. To test whether a lipstick has staying power, run the lipstick across the back of your hand. Notice if it is very slippery and deposits a large amount of lipstick on the skin. If it easily smears on your hand, it will smear on your lips as well. The best lip colors glide on and leave only a modest layer of pigment behind. G. Smile. It is still your most beautiful feature.Comments will be approved before showing up.
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