Buzz
Tired of leaving red lipstick marks on everything your lips touch? If you want red lips without leaving any traces, start by nourishing your lips to enhance their natural color. A lipstick made from berries or beetroot juice is a natural secret to maintaining lip color throughout the day. To keep your lips in the best condition, use sunscreen and moisturizer to ensure they stay bright and soft instead of flaky and dull.
Steps
Preparing to Nourish Your Lips
Use sugar to exfoliate. Dead skin cells on your lips can make them appear paler. To naturally bring out a rosy hue, exfoliate to reveal the fresh skin underneath. The easiest way to do this is by making a DIY lip scrub with ingredients you already have. Follow these steps:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey (or olive oil, if you don’t have honey).
- Gently rub the mixture onto your lips using circular motions.
- Rinse your lips and repeat until all dry skin is removed.
Use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips. If your lips are too flaky for regular exfoliation, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Wet the brush with warm water, gently place it on your lips, and scrub in circular motions. Spend 20 to 30 seconds on each area before moving to the next. Your lips will feel refreshed instantly.
Nourish your lips with serum. After exfoliating, you’ll notice the natural red tone of your lips. Apply a lip serum to maintain their brightness. Using serum before bed yields better results, leaving you with soft, naturally rosy lips in the morning.
- Look for a serum that combines hydrating oils with protective ingredients like wax or ceramide to lock in moisture.
Plump your lips for a natural color. Just like pinching your cheeks brings out a rosy glow, boosting blood circulation in your lips can give them a natural red and plump appearance. While store-bought plumpers are available, DIY methods work just as well. Try one of these natural lip-plumping techniques:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper with enough olive oil to form a paste. Apply to your lips for 5 minutes, then rinse off.
- Combine 5 drops of peppermint extract with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply to your lips for 5 minutes, then rinse off.
Warning: Since lip-plumping products work by causing mild irritation, use them sparingly to avoid dryness or peeling later.
Moisturize your lips. Keeping your lips hydrated is essential for maintaining their natural color, as dryness can make them appear pale. Use natural lip balms to prevent dryness. You can make your own lip balm with this simple recipe:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 3 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as peppermint (which also helps plump your lips naturally).
- Pour the mixture into an old lip balm container and let it set before use.
Achieve Natural Lip Color
Use fruit juice. After moisturizing your lips, dip a cotton swab into red-colored fruit juice. Apply it to your lips without going beyond the lip line and let the juice dry. Reapply for a deeper tint. You can seal the color with a clear lip balm. Any of the following juices work effectively:
- Cherry juice
- Cranberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Strawberry juice (for a pinkish hue)
Try a beetroot slice. Cut a fresh beetroot slice, ensuring the flesh is vibrant red. Rub the slice on your lips, gently squeezing to release the juice. Let your lips dry, then reapply for a richer color. Seal the tint with a clear lip balm.
- Beetroot powder also works as a great lip stain. Mix a small amount with olive oil to form a paste. Apply it to your lips and let it dry. Wipe off any excess and seal the color with a clear lip balm.
- Canned beetroot can be used, but the color won’t be as vibrant as fresh beetroot.
Use Kool-Aid powder. Red Kool-Aid powder has been used as a lip stain since the 1950s. Don’t believe a fruit drink powder can make it into your beauty kit? Grab a packet of cherry or strawberry Kool-Aid and mix it with olive oil to create a paste. Apply it to your lips and leave it on for 5 minutes before wiping it off.
- Kool-Aid powder can stain effectively but may leave a sticky residue and potentially stain clothing during application.
Make a portable lip stain. If you want a convenient lip stain for on-the-go use, you can easily create one using beetroot powder or Kool-Aid. Mix coconut oil with the powder for a blend that absorbs into your lips without needing to wipe off. Here’s how:
- Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Combine it with 1 tablespoon of Kool-Aid powder or beetroot powder.
- Pour the mixture into a small, airtight container.
- Apply it to your lips using your fingers or a cotton swab. Note that the stain may melt in hot weather.
Keep Lips Bright and Healthy
Protect your lips from the sun. Overexposure to sunlight can cause lip discoloration, including the formation of dark spots. Maintain your lips' natural color by using a lip balm with at least SPF 15. It’s best to apply sunscreen daily, even when the sun isn’t too intense.
Moisturize your lips. Hydration keeps your lips looking vibrant, preventing cracks and peeling, especially in cold or low-humidity weather. Follow these steps to keep your lips moisturized:
- After exfoliating, always apply a layer of lip balm to lock in moisture.
- If your lips tend to peel, try sleeping in a room with a humidifier.
Stay hydrated. Proper hydration reflects on your lips. Start your day with a large glass of water. For every cup of coffee or soda you drink, follow it with an extra glass of water to ensure your body stays hydrated.
- When consuming alcohol, drink plenty of water to avoid waking up with dry lips.
- Avoid overly salty foods, as they can dehydrate your lips.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can lead to lip discoloration and cause wrinkles, making your lips look dull. If you want naturally red lips, it’s best to avoid smoking altogether.
What You'll Need
- Lip exfoliator (sugar, honey)
- Lip plumping products (olive oil and cinnamon or cayenne pepper; a slice of ginger or chili)
- Lip balm (coconut oil or olive oil)
- Lip tint (berry juice, beetroot juice, popsicle sticks, or Kool-Aid powder)
