Get those lips ready for their close up…

Find the Balm for You: There are a million lip balm mixes on the market, and finding the one that’s right for you requires a little trial and error. Many balms and ointments are based on petrolatum, a slightly controversial ingredient. Proponents say it enhances it works as a protective shield, preventing moisture loss. Others insist that, because the lips don’t have their own moisture system, balms are better off containing ingredients that infuse moisture in – say, lanolin, butters, waxes and oils.

Take a Skincare Approach:* For best results, consider adding the following to your lipcare routine … A scrub. Used weekly, it will help slough off scaly skin and allow moisture treatments to sink in more effectively. Try The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ, $29.95, from The Lip Scrub … A serum. Slicked on prior to balm, you’ll drench your lips with much-needed extra moisture. Try Shizen Lip Hydrating Serum, $24.95, from Adore Beauty … Some anti-ageing. Simply dab your eye cream around your lipline daily, to help control those crinkles … And SPF. If you’re spending extended time outside, swap your usual balm for a protective one, such as Nivea Lip Care Sun, $3.98, from pharmacies.

Decode Dryness: Dehydration could be due to a number of things … Lip licker? Stop it at once… Been out in the elements (wind, sun)? Give your lips extra TLC (as outlined above)… Not drinking enough water? That’s right, your lips suffer just as much as your skin… Checked off the above and your lips are still chapped and sore? Then your dryness could be symptomatic of a more serious issue, say a vitamin deficiency, or certain medical conditions, so speak to your nutritionist and GP.

The No-Pain Plump-Up: Lip plumpers can not only over-stimulate delicate lips, they can have limited long-term results. And not everyone has the budget – or the stomach – for a needle. Enter a few nifty makeup tricks for enhancing the look of lips. First up, outline and colour in lips with a pencil in a shade close to your natural lip colour. (Optional next step: brush on two coats of lipstick). Next, to really define the cupid’s bow, dab some light-reflecting concealer above the lipline. Finally, take a little golden shimmer powder and trace it along the bow, then press some more into the centre of lip – this creates to illusion of a puffier, not to mention more polished, pout. Try Stila All Over Shimmer Eyes in Champagne or Gold, $36, from Mecca Cosmetica.

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