If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the Fall 2012 fashion shows, it’s this: bold lips are in. But before you go bright red or deep burgundy or any shade of wine-stained (how about StudioMakeup’s Rich Hydration lipstick in Vibrant Wine?), do as any make-up artist worth his or her brushes would tell you and freshen up your lips. Here’s how.
STEP 1: EXFOLIATE
Use a granular lip scrub to gently buff away dead skin without irritating. We love Fresh’s Sugar lip polish because it smells amazing and the brown-sugar formula is almost good enough to eat (seriously). If you need extra help, use a soft toothbrush to get rid of any remaining flakes.
STEP 2: CONDITION
It’s not just your face that can benefit from a mask—applying a lip mask for a few minutes will leave lips smoother and more hydrated. June Jacobs Lip Masque has kaolin clay to draw out any impurities, plus antioxidants, algae extract, and wheat protein to condition and boost elasticity in the skin. Warning: this step will make you look a little strange. Either hang out in the bathroom with a magazine for a few minutes or be prepared to launch an explanation of new trends in “extreme lipstick.”
STEP 3: HYDRATE
Finally, you want to lock in the moisture on your newly soft lips. First things first: Check the ingredients on your lip balm. Petroleum jelly and menthol (minty, but drying!) are common, though they aren’t best for keeping lips hydrated long-term. Balmi lip balms combine natural moisturisers like jojoba oil and shea butter with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, adding SPF 15 and UVA protection to boot. Plus, they come in yummy flavours (blackcurrant; coconut), and we can’t get enough of the bouncy-ball shape.