How to Get the Perfect Pout

If there's one beauty tip I've learned over the years it's not to skimp on your lips! Most of us spend tons of time focusing on our face, often times ignoring our lips or settling for a chapstick ointment to smooth things out. But, your lips are one of the first things on your face to show signs of aging. Think pesky lines, uneven pigmentation, and even loss of definition. With the help of a few key products I've begun to focus in on my lip routine and spend a little extra time treating my pout.

First things first, exfoliating lips with a light sugar scrub like Sara Happ's Lip Slip is a great way to remove dead skin and create a smooth base. Next, it's time to apply a treatment. I've been using a combination of masks from both Patchology and Kaplan MD.

Patchology is ultimately a sheet mask for your lips and adds extra hydration to the lips and surrounding areas. The flat packaging makes them ideal for throwing into your handbag or for travel. Kaplan MD's Lip 20 Mask set, plumps and protects in two easy simple steps. The mask is a cream-base that applies and soaks into the lips when applied before heading to bed. This is a great solution for curing dryness or preventing fine lines.

Once lips are set, it's time for color! Prep lips with a light chapstick, I'd suggest something with SPF like Lip 20 or Bite's Agave Lip Mask. Appling a thin layer of moisture before lip liner makes for a more seamless finished look. When applying lip liner do so with a light hand. start in the middle of the cupids bow and work your way out to the corners of the mouth. Remember not to cut the lines of your lips too much but, rather follow your lips natural shape.

Once lip pencil is applied, lightly blot on a tissue to remove any excess product. Follow with a like-color shade and apply all over the lined area. If you're looking for the perfect red I would highly suggest purchasing MAC's Russian Red. It's a classic bombshell of a color with blue undertones, that looks good on just about every skin tone!