Who knew that the weather is not the only culprit when it comes to chapped, dry lips? During winter, we automatically reach for the trusty lip balm to help soothe and moisturise our dry puckers. But recent studies show there is more to dry lips than just blistery weather.
To keep lips looking great all the time, use a homemade sugar scrub: one teaspoon sugar and half a teaspoon olive oil, make into a paste and use on lips. Some elbow grease always comes in handy.
Alternatively, use a dry toothbrush to “brush” your lips. In addition, apply lip balm sparingly as you should need only a thin film to protect your lips.
We all have our tried and true lip balms but these I have found are remarkably hard-working and keep lips kissably perfect.
Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips (15ml, $28) Yes, it was invented as a nipple balm for breastfeeding women but it has gained cult status as a lip balm. I just love the unctuous texture that remedies dry lips in a jiffy; you need only the tiniest amount.
Ren Vita Mineral Lip Balm (15ml, $20) I am a huge fan of this brand and this new lip balm ticks all the right boxes.
La Mer The Lip Balm (9g, $95) It may be cost-prohibitive to most, but its legion of fans approve of how the balm treats their dry lips.
Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment (7ml, $24) This green tube has a lot going for it – the texture, the emollient ingredients, how it treats dry lips and how glossy lips look with no stickiness whatsoever. A firm favourite.
Out Of Africa Shea Butter Lip Balm unscented (4.2g $4.99/ 7g, $8.50) Made with 30 per cent pure refined shea butter and other beneficial natural ingredients, it should be your go-to lip balm this season.
Stockists » Australis, Covergirl, Rimmel, Rock Beauty | Priceline Clinique Myer, David Jones Jane Iredale | www.margifox.com.au La Mer | David Jones NYX | Target Out Of Africa | www.perfumery.com.au Dr Lipp, Nars and Ren | www.meccacosmetica.com.au
Here are some things that could be making your lips drier:
– Ingredients such as propyl gallate (found in lipsticks) and guaiazulene (found in toothpaste) can cause allergies and your lips usually suffer.
– Sodium lauryl sulphate in toothpaste may also be a concern, as can phenyl salicylate, commonly found in lip-care products.
– Citrus juice can irritate your lips and, in turn, make them susceptible to sunlight.
– An allergy to nickel can surface on the lips.
– Red dye found in sweets, mouthwash, and toothpaste, and cinnamates (which give a cinnamon flavour) are also known culprits.
– Too much vitamin A can also make dry lips flare up.
– There are other causes, too, related to lupus, thyroid conditions, psoriasis and sleep apnoea. Don’t try to self-diagnose these – leave the diagnosing to a doctor.
THE LINER HAS IT
The eyeliner trend is not subsiding anytime soon. The look has been a steady presence in just about every runway show since the early noughties.
There can be fear and confusion when it comes to actually applying the dark flick just above the lash line. But there is no right or wrong way to apply the artful curve that has made the likes of Bridget Bardot, Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn and Lisa Fonssagrives famous.
Try a few ways to see what works for you. Follow these easy steps:
Apply complexion product and set the eyelid with a nude shadow. I find black liners have the most impact but pick a colour that takes your fancy. Liquid or gel is my chosen medium but a creamy pencil is equally good; test to make sure the pencil does not drag the skin.
The easiest way to a faultless line is make a few dots along the lash contour and then connect them to form a line.
To get the flattering flick, do not just flick the line at the corners of your eyes but extend it slightly upwards to your brows and bring the line down to the lash line in a slightly triangular shape; fill this shape with liner too. Set with a translucent powder.
If you think this is too difficult but still want a liner, use a dark powder eyeshadow and a flat brush. Place the brush on shadow and press it along your lash line. Voilà, instant liner.
EYELINER TOOL KIT
1 Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, with brush (2.4g, $12.95)
2 Jane Iredale Cream To Powder Eyeliner (2.8g, $54)
3 Australis Curve Ink Eyeliner ($14.95)
4 Rock Beauty Eye Rock Liner Trends – temporary liner decals for easy use ($5.50)
5 NYX Natural Shadow Palette ($12.95)
6 Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner ($14.95)
7 Nars Push eyeliner brush ($44)
