The versatility of lip balm extends far beyond its primary function of moisturizing lips. Regardless of the price point, lip balm can effectively deliver softer, smoother lips. The degree of softness and smoothness achieved, however, depends on the specific product used. With the following lip balm hacks, you can achieve desirable results whether you opted for a high-end or an affordable option, leveling the playing field for achieving kissable lips.
Preparing Your Lips for Optimal Results
The preparation of your lips is as crucial as the lip balm you choose. Similar to facial skincare, your lips require regular exfoliation. Makeup artist Jenny Patinkin advises, "Use a sugar scrub on your lips to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and then immediately apply a balm on top." This practice ensures that lips remain soft and prevents them from drying out quickly. You can opt for a homemade version using brown sugar and honey or select a pre-made product like Fresh Sugar Lip Polish.
Enhancing Lip Hydration
As the season for chapped lips approaches, it is beneficial to begin increasing hydration proactively. Jenny suggests, "Rub a little moisturizer, any moisturizer, onto and around your lips at bedtime. Then rub a heavier balm, like Aquaphor, on top." This creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss, allowing the moisturizer to penetrate the lips effectively without evaporating. This technique can be viewed as an overnight mask specifically for your lips.
Exploring Versatile Applications of Lip Balm
Lip balms can generally be utilized as all-over balms for various needs. Jenny notes, "In the winter, when your skin is super dry, you can use it on your cheeks to make them look hydrated and dewy, on your cuticles to soften them up, and on scabs or dry patches to help them heal faster." While some balm formulas might be too heavy for daily moisturizing, they are suitable for chapped or compromised skin.
Using Lip Balm on Eyes for a Glossy Effect
Eye gloss is a popular trend backstage in the fashion industry, but achieving this look does not necessitate purchasing a new product. At the Jason Wu spring/summer 2017 show, makeup artist Yadim Carranza applied Maybelline’s Baby Lips Lip Balm in Quenched to lightly contoured eyes, imparting a subtle sheen and catching the light. This demonstrates how lip balm can effectively double as a makeup product for a desirable glossy finish.
Identifying and Avoiding Irritating Ingredients
More important than selecting a specific lip balm is understanding which ingredients to avoid. Jenny warns, "Avoid balms that have a minty, camphor, or cinnamon-y flavor to them." Such ingredients can cause irritation and discomfort, negating the benefits of the lip balm.