You probably already exfoliate your face on the reg, but did you know your lips can also benefit from a little buffing?
Not only will exfoliating your lips enhance the performance of your lip balm, it’ll also help prep your pout for that gorgeous bold lippie you’ve been wanting to try.
The goal? Soft, smooth, kissable lips that are flake-free and fabulous.
For best results, refrain from slathering on your favourite facial exfoliant (it’s most likely too harsh for your delicate lip area). Instead, try these gentler DIY lip scrub tips to help achieve a perfect pout…
With a soft toothbrush:
This is one of the easiest ways to exfoliate your lips. For best results, apply a thin layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or a basic lip balm, then use a toothbrush to gently slough the dead skin off. Rinse with your finger or a wet cloth to finish!
bh tip: Keep this toothbrush separate from the one you use to brush your teeth (you don’t want to rub toothpaste on your lips, nor put your exfoliating tool in your mouth).
Image credit: jojobali.wordpress.com/
Related: 6 effective ways to exfoliate your face
Related: The best make-up brushes to use for every skin type
Related: How to make your lipstick last longer
With a dedicated lip exfoliant:
A lip scrub has all the exfoliating benefits of the toothbrush method, while also nourishing your lips with moisturising ingredients. Lush Lip Scrub comes in three fabulous flavours and contains organic jojoba to keep your lips smooth and soft. e.l.f. cosmetics Studio Lip Exfoliator is also a big hit with our members (maybe because it’s shaped like an actual lipstick – so adorbs)!
With a DIY lip scrub:
If you already have way too many products clogging up your bathroom cabinet, you may prefer to make your lip scrub from scratch with some pantry staples instead. A little olive oil and granulated sugar is a simple, inexpensive combination that can be applied with your finger. Simply rub it into your lips gently and rinse off for best results. Half a teaspoon of baking soda and water mixed together can also be very effective – bh’s Sophia does this in the shower to minimise mess!
To finish:
Now that your lips are soft and luscious, it’s time to show them off. For a gorgeous, summery lip look, you can’t go past a subtle lip tint. Try MOR Rosehip Lip Tint in ‘Candy’ or Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in ‘Budding Blossom’.
For night-time, your pout is now prepped to pull off a matte lip – minus the flakiness. Try NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick and L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Moisture Matte Lipstick for a Kylie Jenner-esque pout!
Do you get dry, flaky lips? Which exfoliating method is your favourite?
Lush lip scrubs are my favourite, hands down. At the moment I’m using the Frank Body Cherry Bomb lip scrub. The scent and flavour is insane! But not as effective as the Lush one. I’ve also tried the Too Faced Peach lip scrub and hardly found it nearly as effective, especially for the price. I always follow up with Lucas Paw Paw ointment, its so thick and nourishing.
I use a soft toothbrush at times and it seems to work.
After shower (I use face exfoliator over my lips always) I rub damp towel over and smooth the lips even more.
Never thought of toothbrush!
I use a soft tooth brush, The Body Shop or ELF lip exfoliants, a bit of hyaluronic acid serum or glycerin and a coating of Aquaphor or Vaseline.