Fact: No lipstick or lip gloss, no matter how expensive it is, can give you a sexy pout, if your lips are in bad shape.
If your lips are dry, cracked or chapped, it is unlikely that your lip colour will look good, or stay on for long. In fact, your lips may look worse off than ever, especially when the color bleeds or gets into the cracks on your lip. As much as we’d like to ignore this fact, lip care is crucial if you wish to have a pout that turns heads! So, read on to see how some TLC for your lips can make a huge difference.
We have very little oil glands in our lips, hence they tend to dry out quickly. Our lips also lack the ability to filter out damaging UV rays, which means that they are virtually unprotected from dryness as well as from the sun’s UV rays. Dry air, sun, wind all these spell trouble for our lips, causing them to chap, crack and peel.
Preventing the 3 C’s – Chapping, Cracking, Cold sores.
Chapping
Almost everyone alive has experienced this issue, for it is the most common of lip problems. Using a good quality lip balm a few times a day on a daily basis will definitely help keep this problem at bay. It would be a bonus if your lip balm contains Vitamins A, C or E and AHAs, and offers sun protection.
Cracking
This condition usually occurs following over-exposure to dry air, most often during the night. To remedy this, try a deep moisturising lip balm prior to going to bed. In addition to that, you can also try using an air humidifier to retain the air moisture levels in your bedroom.
Cold Sores
Cold sores are mostly brought about by viral infections. If you happen to have open scabs on your lips, or if your lips look blistered, you probably are experiencing a bout of cold sores. With cold sores, the most common issue is getting re-infected, for it’s really easy to happen. To prevent re-infections, use cotton buds to apply lip balm, lipstick or any other lip products, without dipping/touching the product with the used bud. Do this until the cold sores have healed completely.
For any or all of the lip problems mentioned earlier, regular use of lip balm will offer the fastest remedy and relief. Lip balms are generally made from waxes and they may also contain oils, such as jojoba or olive oil. Some formulas also contain menthol or camphor to soothe raw, exposed skin and stinging. They may also contain skin-healing ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera and essential oils like lavender, rose or ylang-ylang. These days, many brands also include sun protection factors as well as an added value to their product.
Looking For a good lip balm? Here are some we really like. Check them out to see which will be your favourite!
Suvana Paw Paw Honey Balm
This 100% Natural paw paw ointment is made in Australia with Organic Coconut Oil, honey, paw paw extract, Vitamin E among other ingredients. It also contains enzymes to reduce inflammation and speed up healing from burns and chaps.
NIVEA Original Care Lip Balm
If simple, basic yet effective care is what you seek for your lips, then this product will do nicely! Formulated with shea butter and panthenol, it provides long-lasting moisture to keep your lips soft, smooth and smoochable all day.
Avène Cicalfate Lips Repair Balm
Made using Castor Seed Oil, Avene Thermal Spring Water and Beeswax, this luxurious lip moisturising balm nourishes your lips with daily use.
SKINEATS Moisturizing Lip Balm
Formulated with organic ingredients such as Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Shea Butter, as well as Vitamin E, it keeps lips kissable and adequately hydrated all day.
Une Olive En Provence Lip Balm
Made in France using Extra virgin Olive Oil, Castor Seed Oil, Almond Oil, Olive Squalane, Shea Butter Oil, this super-hydrating lip balm keeps even the most dry and sensitive lips happy and moist all day long!
BURT’S BEES Tinted Lip Balm
Available in several flattering shades, they keep your lips moisturised up to eight hours, with a hint of healthy-looking, natural color.
LUXY Bath & Co Lip Balm
Handcrafted organic lip balms that provide deep conditioning. They are available in two variants: Organic Beetroot infused with Lavender essential oil; and Organic Raw Honey infused with Lemon Orange essential oil.
