2020 is the year of the lip with new products such as masks and scrubs surfacing daily.
There’s nothing worse than dry, flaky, chapped lips, which is why most of us have dozens of pots and tubes of lip balm lying around the house and in the bottom of our bags. Factors like sun exposure, hormonal changes, and dry air all lead to chapped lips that feel like sandpaper, and according to leading aesthetic doctor Dr Esho, lips are the second most important facial feature. “First people notice the eyes, then it’s straight to the lips,” he says. “That’s why it’s not only important to take care of your lips, but also feel confident about them.” So, whether you’ve just finished your favourite lip balm or you’re looking for an even more nourishing solution, we have you covered.
SCRUBS
Scrubs are great for buffing away dry skin but stick to natural ingredients like salt and sugar for a more gentle approach. Dermatologist, Dr Patel warns against artificial microbeads due to their environmental impact. In addition, “crushed shells such as walnut and apricot pits could actually cause more micro-tears on the lips, and therefore are not recommended.”
Ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, beeswax, lanolin, and pure petrolatum help coat and protect exfoliated skin, she adds. Like the skin on your face, you don’t want to over-exfoliate your lips. For best results, Dr Patel recommends exfoliating your lips once a week.
INC.redible Just Kinda Bliss Hemp Hydrating Lip Scrub
Powered by cannabis sativa seed oil, this magic lip scrub works to renew dry, chapped lips. The dual exfoliating formula gently lift impurities and hydrate. The encapsulated pigment will burst and dissolve onto the lips leaving behind a beautiful balmy soft tint. Protect chapped lips against daily environment stressors whilst looking cute. Your lips will love you!
LIP MASKS
Overnight treatments are rich and hydrating and are designed to reinforce your lip moisture barrier for a softer and smoother feel, while sheet masks that mould to your lips offer a quick-fix and are intensely hydrating.
Kiehl’s - Buttermask for Lips
Wake up to smoother looking lips with an overnight lip treatment. Rich and hydrating, this lip mask smooths on and helps to rehydrate lips while you sleep. Formulated with fairly traded coconut oil and wild Mango Butter, apply a generous layer at bedtime or use throughout the day as desired. This lip mask can also be used as a 15-minute preparation for a daytime lip balm. Let your dry lips feel nourished and softened while you sleep!
Rituals: The Ritual of Holi Lip Mask
Pucker up and give your lips some love. This bio-cellulose lip mask from The Ritual of Holi creates a luscious look and is great for all skin types. Enjoy its delicious scent right under your nose and let the aloe vera quench your skin's thirst. Gently unfold and remove the two protective sheets and apply the mask onto cleansed lips. Leave on for as long as you can keep your mouth closed, but aim for 15-20 minutes. Remove the mask and gently massage any excess product into the skin. Works as a great primer before lipstick or lip gloss.
BALMS
Lip balms have always been a handbag must-have, but lately, the options seem limitless with various scents, colours and promises to protect and nourish the lips.
La Mer The Lip Balm
The refreshing La Mer The Lip Balm contains the brand’s famous skin-regenerating Miracle Broth, and is still a worldwide best-seller even after ten years. Refreshing at first touch, this mint-scented, velvet-soft balm infuses the lips with intensive moisture, leaving them supple, smooth and plump. Crafted with cell-renewing Miracle Broth™, this essential treatment calms, restores and conditions skin, transforming with the most tender touch.
Lipstick
The majority of matte lipsticks can be drying on the lips, especially liquid ones that also crack as the day goes on. If you have naturally dry lips you may need to apply a lip balm first. When picking a lipstick, choose one that offers hydration and moisture as well as a hint of colour. If you're still not sure about the matte look, opt for a gloss or oil.
DIOR Addict Lip Glow Oil
This nourishing glossy lip oil enhances, intensifies and protects the lips, providing long-lasting wear that brings out their natural colour. Its non-sticky, non-greasy texture enriched with cherry oil provides the comfort of an intense lip care, the mirror shine of a gloss and the colour of a lip balm.
