The Beauty A, B, C's: Lush Lips

This week we talk through three basic steps and the prods you need to bring your lips back to lush life!

Polish

The very first step to a lush pout is getting it soft and smooth. Summer can play havoc with your pout, as too much sun or windburn at the beach can easily cause irritated and chapped lips. If your lips are very irritated, start off by giving them a few days to rehydrate and use a nourishing balm (seen in step 2). This probably won't bring your lips back to life on its own, but it will help them to heal a little. Once your lips are simply a little dry (and not red and sore) you can exfoliate them. There are actual lip exfoliants on the market, but I've found rubbing a little of the natural yet regular kind for your face, onto your lips, works just as well! And you don't have to splurge on two separate prods if your budget is a little lower this month. Try the  SimuOlive Tebe Cleansing Face Polish, which contains Aloe Vera for moisture, and Manuka Honey to maintain it. Perfect! Simply rub a little back and forth over closed lips, whilst exfoliating the rest of your face, and wash off as you normally would (just don't open up and get any in your mouth!) You can also use a washcloth or a dry toothbrush to gently rub your lips and remove any dry and flaky skin that just won't give up and shift!

Prep

Next up, you need to get some moisture on to your lips stat! Polishing them will have removed the old, dead, dry skin, so now you want to protect the fresh and plump skin underneath that has been revealed. The best way to do this is with an amazing lip balm. Yes, before you get excited and reach for bold colour products, be sure you're giving your lips enough TLC with a balm like the Mox Botanicals Lip Butter. That's because they have a base of nourishing jojoba, coconut oils and all-natural beeswax, whereas some lippies, stains or glosses can actually have a drying effect on the lips, even if they give great pigment! Another reason we love the Mox balm range? They come in delish fruit, sweetly nutty or purely refreshing flavours, so there's bound to be one you find yummy. My pick? The coconut and almondine flavour. Delightful!

Pout!

The last step to lush lips? Finding a natural lip colour to smooth on for a carefree yet complimentary look. I am loving the blush rose tones of the Clinique High Impact Lipstick SPF 15. Not only does it blend in well to add just the right touch of natural colour and definition to lips, it also contains sun protection and moisturising properties to help keep your lips nice and soft. Exactly what you want after completing your lush lip makeover.

Tadaa! Your lips should be feeling smooth and looking good. Just remember to keep them this way with a little regular maintenance - especially heading into the cooler climate, which is sadly also no friend to plump, pouty lips. But luckily, now you have the tools and the tips to keep yours lush, no matter the season! Do you use any of the above products for fab looking lips? Any other tips? Let me know! - Lauren

(pic courtesy of thebeautymodel.com)