If you’re wearing a lipstick all of the time, you probably have those days where your lips look dull and lifeless. Especially if your go to product is a liquid lipstick, as these formulas tend to dry out the lips and make your pout look chapped and unhealthy. So, what should we do to bring our lips to life? How to make them look juicy and kissable?

Here are some ways to make your lips pop.

Exfoliate

The first step to soft, smooth lips is exfoliation. There are so many amazing lip scrubs out there that will do wonders for your lips. You can even find formulas that are edible - Jeffree Star Cosmetics create yummy lip scrubs in a variety of flavors and scents. Also, there’s always the good old DIY method – create your own scrub with just a tablespoon of sugar and a tablespoon of olive oil. Whatever type you choose, make sure you exfoliate before applying lipstick, or at least twice a week.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Moisturizing is key for healthy skin and this is probably the most important thing to do to get soft, juicy lips. Find a good lip balm that works for your skin and buy in bulk. Keep one in your purse, one in your office, your car, etc… Having a lip balm at reach at all time will help you prevent dry, chapped lips. Before going to bed, apply a heavy lip butter or lip oil that will soften your lips overnight.

Prep Your Lips

To make your lipstick pop, prep your lips before applying any lip color. Lipstick primers are often overlooked and don’t seem exciting at all as they’re usually transparent, balm like formulas. But using one can make such a big difference in your look! This product will create a smooth base on your lips, enhance the color of your lipstick as well as make it last longer.

Contour

As far as appearance goes, contouring is a must try technique that will make your lips pop. Apply a cream contour on the skin around your lips – focus above the Cupids bow and right under your bottom lip, above the chin. Blend it out to create a shadow that will make your lips seem fuller. Next, grab a lip liner and carefully outline your lips to make them look bigger. Lastly, apply lipstick.

Try Ombre Lips

There’s something about the ombre effect that makes the lips look stunning. Every makeup lover should give it a go! To create an easy ombre lip, you’ll need three products in the same color family – a lip liner, a darker shade to blend in over the liner and inward, and a lighter shade to bring focus to the center of your lips. This technique will give the illusion of fuller, plumper lips.

Add Shine

Is lip gloss a part of your makeup routine? If it’s not already, you need to get one asap! It’s a great way to finish off your makeup look and make your lips look full and juicy.

Be Picky About Your Colors…

There are no rules to colors in makeup – if you like something, wear it. However, some shades can suit your lip shape far better than others. For example, thin lips look beautiful with satin-finish lighter shades (nudes, pinks, mauves), while darker matte shades can make them look small and even thinner. Big, full lips look amazing with deep tones, while light shades can sometimes make them look washed out. So to make your lips pop, choose the best colors for your lip shape and skin tone!

…And formulas

Lipstick formulas play a big part in the appearance of your lips. Who wants a chapped, flaky lip? When choosing your lip products, make sure to read some reviews online and do some research on the formulas. Look for formulations that don’t dry out your skin, last long and don’t smudge or flake. Usually, the best performing lip products are expensive, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t find some amazing drugstore lipsticks (hint: Wet n Wild Liquid Catsuit Lipstick). If your lips are wrinkled, look for shiny, moisturizing lipsticks, as matte, dry formulas will settle in the lines of your lips and make them look even more mature.

Consider Lip Fillers

Getting your lips done is far more available and affordable than it used to be. If you’re into the full lips look, but don’t want to undergo a plastic surgery, fillers might be the right choice for you. This method is far easier and cheaper; also, not permanent and not as painful as surgery. It’s a great way to enhance your natural lips and make them look plump and juicy!