Lip care

Hey everyone,

Just a simple post today on a relatively neglected part of the beauty regime. Poorly cared for lips can reveal age and bad habits. Like your skin they are quick to show the effects of dehydration, sun damage, age and smoking. Its no wonder every year millions of dollars are spent by women (and men) seeking a young full lip with fillers. My suggestion would be to prevent the need for toxic chemical implants by providing your lips with some easy TLC.

Left: NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm
Right: Fresh. Sugar Lip Polish

Like your skin the two major aspects of lip care are exfoliation and moisturisation.

Lips are made of stratified squamous epithelium, which is really just an anatomical term for cells that are made to shed. Assisting the shedding process can encourage a healthy glow. My favourite exfoliator for lips is the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish. As you can tell below it is a sugary/grainy consistency, however unlike facial exfoliants it has an oily base which provides hydration. Over exfoliation can lead to blistering and irritation. I suggest gently rubbing the polish over lips in a circular motion before bed no more than 2-3 times a week.

This Fresh product is not surprisingly pricey. A cost saving alternative is the Lush Sweet Lips Sugar Scrub (bubblegum flavour is my personal favourite) which has slightly thicker grains but works just as efficiently. An even more affordable option is a home made scrub.


Home made lip scrub:
Brown sugar - one tablespoon
Olive oil - few drops

In a tiny bowl add small amounts of olive oil incrementally to a tablespoon of sugar until desired consistency is met.

I have tried this in the past and love the result but for me it is easier having a storeable product to keep in my bathroom cabinet.

Left: NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm. Right: Fresh. Sugar Lip Polish

Hand's down, my favourite lip moisturiser is the Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm. Not exaggerating, this stuff has been touched by angels. I am not sure about the science behind this, but somehow it is the most nourishing balm I've ever tried. I put it on at night and its consistency is that of a thick balm/wax. It smells a little bit of honey but certainly not overwhelmingly so. Waking up the next morning I have intensely plumped hydrated lips. It is great for wearing under lipsticks because its texture on the lips is not greasy and completely natural. Again it is a pricey product, the alternative I highly recommend is Nivea Lip Butter Unscented.

Lips after using the Fresh. Sugar Lip Polish and NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm

Some other tips I have for healthy lips:

• Minimise licking lips as this can precipitate chapping.
• Matte lipsticks and lip stains can be extremely drying; using a balm underneath can prevent cracks forming with long-wear.
• Drinking water hydrates lips from the inside out.
• Using a lip product with SPF in the sun prevents chaffed and burnt lips.

Let me know if you've tried these or similar products.
Wishing you all soft kissable lips!

xx
Beauty Doc