Since it is winter in these parts, and a few of my readers are complaining about dry lips, here are a few tips on making your pout more mistletoe-ready. Also, you may want to read this previous post on having more youthful lips. (The post on how not to show your age this holiday season is coming soon.)
Dry lips: In colder weather, lips and skin become dryer as the colder, dryer air draws moisture from them. Always, always wear a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater to prevent damage from dry air and UV light. This is particularly important if you are up in the mountains skiing, snowshoeing or boarding, when the stronger UV light and wind chill factor can result in dryness and peeling. Lip balm should be applied under lipstick, but you can use it to "touch up" your lipstick during the day if out on the slopes.
Remember that lipsticks containing pearlescence or sparkle are very drying, as are long-lasting formulas. Use creme formulas whenever possible and add a little gloss on the lower lip for shine.
Flaky, dead skin on the lips: Usually associated with dryness, this can best be resolved with gentle exfoliation. You don't need an expensive lip exfoliator. Simply mix soft brown sugar with a little olive or grapeseed oil and rub in a circular motion over the lips once or twice a week. Follow with lip balm. (It's best to do this before bed.)
Thin, undefined lips: Although loss of lip definition is a sign of aging, many younger women have poorly-defined lips as well. To better define your lips, apply a lip balm lightly, then dab foundation or concealer over this. "set" with powder. Apply a transparent lipliner (Such as Cargo's Reverse Lipliner) immediately outside the border of the lips to prevent feathering of lipstick and to enhance definition. Use a pencil to line your lips just on the upper edge of the raised boundary, known as the vermilion border. Blot lightly with a tissue or your finger, then apply more powder. Never, ever take the line to the corners of your lips as this will make you appear tight-lipped and is very aging unless you have a very full pout. Now fill in with your favorite lipstick. The darker the lipstick, the smaller your lips will appear so try to make your lips look plumper and more festive with a dab of gloss in the center of the lower lip, rather than using a deep red or burgundy color.
Lips that need plumping: Several readers have asked if there is a lip plumper that really works. Sadly, the answer is no. Even the new Jolie Lips gadget and balm is dubious (although the gadget might produce a temporary enlargement of the lips). However, the new Teosyal® Kiss injectable, made from hyaluronic acid, is working very well to provide a natural-feeling enhancement. The product is highly cross-linked to prevent it from breaking down so it lasts longer. Just don't have too much put in. Teosyal® Kiss is particularly good for enhancing the corners of the lips, and reversing the droop the often comes with aging. (If you live in the Vancouver area, check out Afterglow Medi-Spa, which is providing this treatment. I've seen some spectacular results.)
Finally, remember the models' trick of always "posing" your mouth a little open. This will make it appear fuller and way more sexy. Practise in the mirror many times before you go public as you don't want to look like you're snarling. You can raise your upper lip with your caninus and levator labii muscles. For details on this go to Ageless if we Dare and download Louise's fabulous book.
There you go! Happy kissing...
