How to Achieve Soft Lips

We all wish for soft, plump lips, but not everyone is able to get the perfect lips they dream of. If harsh weather or bad habits are affecting your lips, try the following tips to improve their appearance and softness.

Use lip balm to keep your lips hydrated all day long. Choose a lip balm with ingredients like shea butter or cocoa butter for the best results. Make sure to reapply it regularly when your lips feel dry (about every two hours).

• Apply lip balm every morning before using any other lip products, including lipstick, lip gloss, and lip stain (gel-type lip color that fades).
• Choose the right product for you. Some lip balms are certified safe, while others may contain strong mint extracts that could cause allergies. Always check the label before purchasing to ensure you're not allergic to any ingredients.
• Popular lip balm brands include: Burt's Bees, Blistex, Carmex, Chapstick, C.O. Bigelow, Nivea, Softlips, EOS, and Banana Boat.

Avoid lip balms that contain fragrances, flavors, or colorants. These ingredients can dry out your lips or cause an allergic reaction immediately in some sensitive users. Choose lip balms made with entirely natural ingredients.

Use moisturizing lipsticks.

Most cosmetic brands offer moisturizing lipsticks, including Clinique, Jouer, Dior, Benefit, Revlon, Bobbi Brown, and Laura Mercier.

• If you prefer budget-friendly products over mid and high-end options, simply look for lipsticks labeled as moisturizing on the packaging.
• Check the ingredients for shea butter or cocoa butter, as well as any hydrating oils like coconut oil and/or olive oil.

Use products with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips from sun damage. Your lips are very sensitive to sunlight, so always apply lip protection when outdoors.

Scrub your lips with sugar. You can use any raw food, but avoid using products like salt, as they can cause irritation and dry out your lips.

Exfoliate your lips using a mix of honey, sugar, and olive oil. Combine one tablespoon of honey with two teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of olive oil. Massage the blend onto your lips and leave it on for a few minutes.

Create a coconut oil-lemon balm by mixing 2 teaspoons of coconut oil, 3 drops of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of beeswax. Heat the mixture in a pan on low heat, stirring constantly until it melts. If you don’t have yellow lemons, green lemons work just fine. Pour the blend into a glass jar and let it cool until solid. Use this mixture like a regular lip balm.

Apply butter, neem oil, ghee (clarified butter), or cream on your lips before bed. These ingredients provide deep hydration, especially for cracked lips. Wash them off when you wake up.

Mix baking soda and water to create a paste, then apply it to your lips. Allow the mixture to dry and harden before rinsing it off with water.

Apply aloe vera gel to red, cracked, or sunburned lips. Aloe vera is especially soothing and can help heal skin damage caused by the sun.

Place slices of cucumber on your lips. The plant chemicals found in cucumbers help to tighten the collagen in your lips, making them plump and moisturized. Gently massage your lips for a few minutes with fresh cucumber slices.

Use a toothbrush with any of the above exfoliating methods for more noticeable exfoliation results. Opt for a soft or medium-hard toothbrush to avoid scraping your lips. You can simply use warm water or gently scrub with the brush.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. One of the best things you can do for your lips and your skin is to stay hydrated. Water not only nourishes your body but also promotes skin health and encourages new cell growth. In fact, dry lips may indicate that your body isn’t getting enough hydration.

Avoid licking your lips. While it may seem counterintuitive, licking your lips with saliva can actually dry them out.

Avoid biting your lips. If you tend to bite your lips when nervous or simply as a habit, try chewing gum to satisfy this tendency. Biting your lips can cause cracks and open wounds that may require antibiotic treatment.

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamins B and C are especially beneficial for your skin. Consider taking supplements if your diet lacks these vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, avocados, and almonds, are also great for your skin. You can also take Omega-3 supplements daily.