Beauty spot

How to

Make your colour last

FOLLOW THESE EASY STEPS TO PUCKER UP WITH CONFIDENCE

WORDS CHARLOTTE BRUNDRETT

It’s all about the base

No one wants to kiss sandpaper, so here’s what you need to know to take your lip texture from rough to smooth. ✔ Regular water consumption is a must as fl aky, dry lips are a sign of dehydration. ✔ For smooth, supple lips, use a lip scrub or soft toothbrush; apply with a light hand using circular motions. Regardless of your tool of choice, handle with care because the skin on your lips is very delicate. ✔ For added hydration, apply an emollient lip balm when needed. Look for products containing hydrating ingredients such as lanolin, vitamin E, beeswax and shea butter.

WE LIKE Chapstick Total Hydration Soothing Vanilla & Lip Scrub, $11.99

STEP 1 Layer it up

Start with a light lip balm or lip primer, which helps prevent your lips from drying out.

Blot lightly with tissue to remove any balm residue. Apply lip pencil of choice; gel formulations are typically longer lasting. Line the perimeter of your mouth or its entirety, which will extend the overall wear of the lip product.

WE LIKE Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Lip Liner, $10.49

STEP 2 Choose wisely STEP 3 Clean up

A bright lip is great for making a statement, but not so much if it’s date night and you’re anticipating some lip locking. That’s not to say you should avoid colour, but stick to liquid lipstick formulations, which are less prone to transferring.

If you would prefer a lipstick formulation, a nude or natural lip tone is a safer bet and will look less noticeable if it does transfer.

WE LIKE Rimmel Provocalips Lips I’ll Call You, $15.99; Flower Petal Pout Lip Color in Spiced Petal, $9.99 When you want to remove the lip product, try a lipstick eraser, which helps break down liquid lipstick that refuses to budge.

WE LIKE Maybelline Superstay Liquid Lipstick Eraser, $14.99

Final touch

To further kissproof your lips, try this ingenious top coat. With a clear, shiny finish, it can be worn over long-wear lip products, while its conditioning formula prevents chapped lips.