by Lei Velasco

BeautyKol developed the following article to serve as the definitive guide to fabulous lips. We start with an introduction to what makes lips so very special, and then continue onto tips, tricks, and advice to achieving your greatest lips possible.

Celebrities with perfect lips

Angelina Jolie:

There is no surprise why she tops the list. Angelina Jolie’s bee-stung lips are as iconic as water is wet. She has hit the point where even when voice acting (Shark Tale), the animated character she portrays has to have her lips. Jolie’s lips started the history of killer-sultry pout.

Scarlett Johansson:

Another popular pair of lips, this actress’s pout is so easy to love because of how refined it looks combined with the rest of her facial features. Her lips have helped her pull off such roles as a man-devouring alien, a demure noblewoman, and of course, a seductive ex-Soviet superhero.

Brigitte Bardot:

So she might not be too popular these days, and if you perform a quick google search, you might wonder why an 81-year old woman is mentioned here. Well google her pictures when she was in her early twenties, and you’ll know why. Her lips are classy, working perfectly with her poise; and somehow, the black-and-white photography of the forties and fifties only emphasizes that.

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Marilyn Monroe:

Another pop culture classic, it was Monroe who put the red lipstick craze where it is. Some would argue that she “wasn’t the prettiest,” and that can be debated depending on who you ask. But there is no arguing that those lips are part of the foundation of Hollywood history.

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Rihanna:

Rihanna is the type of celebrity to cross the line between adoration and full-on hate from pop culture fanatics like a six-year old with finger paint. Love or hate her though, she does have physical features that just tug on your attention in the best of ways. And if we could take any of them for ourselves, it’d be those cupid bow lips.

Kylie Jenner:

Ah, yes. How can we have a list on the best lips in the world without including Kylie Jenner? Granted, she has admitted to the use of lip augmentations; a point that affects her place on this list, but that doesn’t change the fact that she has become almost legendary for her skill with lip liners, lipsticks, and everything in between. Neither does it change the fact that her name is practically synonymous with “plump lips.”

 

Why are plumped lips sexy?

So why is a plumped pout so important? A lot of people are beautiful without it, right? The answer is in the human brain’s ability to derive meaning from symbols. Sex is a drive designed to propagate a species. Men are sexually drawn to women with wide hips because it is ingrained in our species that wide hips signify readiness to bear children. Men are drawn to women with plump lips because it is also ingrained in our species that kissing is an intimate act that feels good. The human brain interprets plump lips as an indicator of being a good kisser. Personalities such as those mentioned in the previous section play a role in it as well. These celebrities are adored by masses, and this plays on self-esteem. People want to be adored, so many of us identify traits celebrities have and apply them to ourselves. For us women especially, this includes wardrobe and cosmetics; which in turn includes lip care.

What a perfect pair of lips actually look like:

People generally consider two qualities to be attractive when it comes to lips: volume and symmetry. As mentioned before, volume is important because it adds emphasis to the idea that the person feels good to be intimate with. Symmetry on the other hand, is believed to be a good indicator of a well-built jawline, which in turn is a sign of good genetic health. There is also the psychological effect of symmetry: people are attracted to patterns, and symmetry is the simplest pattern found in nature.

 

How to achieve a perfect pair of lips

Immediate/instant Lip enhancement techniques

Types of non-cosmetic Lip Products:

Lip Scrub: A lip scrub is essentially an exfoliating product for the lips. They typically have a grainy feel, and are mildly abrasive in order to remove layers of dead tissue from the lips.
Moisturizer: These are usually creamy products designed to lock in moisture and prevent chafing. Lip oils usually fall under this category.

Lip Balm: These are gels or waxes used to treat texture issues on the lips. They may also be used as moisturizing products, depending on the formulation.
Lip Mask: A variation on leave-on facial masks, but formulated to be food-grade, and designed specifically to prevent chafing and/or sores as well as to moisturize lips.

Types of cosmetic lip products

Lipsticks: These are inarguably the most common lip cosmetic products. They come in solid or liquid form, and serve to emphasize lips, making them appear fuller and more striking.
Lip gloss: These products are used to moisturize lips, or more typically, to add sheen to base coats. Some lip glosses are formulated similarly to sunscreens, with spf 10-15 for daily use, or water resistant with up to spf 30 for swimming.

Lip liner: While they may be used as standalone products, they are more commonly used to alongside lipsticks. Lip liners fill in uneven spaces along the edges of the lips. They also serve as an excellent base to smooth out the application of most lipsticks.

Lip stain: Also known as lip tint, these come in liquid or semi-liquid form. Lip stains have less coverage than most lip products and usually just give a hint of color. These give a thinner, more youthful or innocent impression compared to lipsticks.

Temporary Lip Tattoos: These are technically lip stains, but are applied differently. They are made of a gel-like substance, and are applied to the surface of the lips in a similar fashion to leave-on masks. When peeled off, they leave behind a layer of colour

Dealing With Dark, Wrinkly, or Dry Lips

5 Effective Ways of Dealing with Dark Lips

Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice is actually strong enough to make it an effective bleaching agent. Rub a little lemon juice onto your lips after exfoliating to take advantage of this effect. Just be sure not to do it too often, and try to moisturize afterwards, as acids are terribly drying.

Cucumbers: This popular skin lightening agent has the same effect on the lips as it does everywhere else on the surface of the body. Squeeze out the juices by pressing a thin slice between your lips. Do this for up to five minutes each day.
Aloe vera: While the debate continues on what Aloe vera can and cannot do, one of its guaranteed effects is skin bleaching. Enzymes in the plant naturally whiten skin. It is also easy to use; pick a leaf, mash it, and apply the resulting paste on your lips once per day.
Strawberries: Strawberries are also acidic, much like lemons. The difference though, is their red pigment caused by pelargonin and cyanin. Mash a strawberry to get the most of its juice, and mix a tablespoon of the liquid with two tablespoons of honey or petroleum jelly. Apply it in a similar fashion to lip balm, and you can borrow some of that pigmentation and transfer it to your lips for a pinkish natural look.
Honey: This sweet, sticky fluid is actually acidic, giving it some bleaching properties. It also has content that makes it a moisturizing agent however, so it is nowhere near as harsh on the lips as lemons or strawberries. Dab your lips with just a drop and let it sit overnight. If you want to get creative, mix in a drop when applying lip balm.

5 Effective Ways of Dealing with Dry Lips

Sunscreen: There are actually food-grade sunscreen products on the market today. Sunscreen prevents moisture from leaving your lips due to radiation. Pick a product somewhere between spf 10 to spf 15, and you should be good to go.
Lip Balm: Lip balm is designed to lock in moisture and aid in healing cracks in your lips. Vitamin-infused lip balm is also popular at the moment, so consider spending a little extra for the benefits they offer. Remember that healing of any part of the body has to take place at a cellular level.
Lip Oil: The rule is that oil floats on top of water.Creating a layer of lipids on your lips prevents water molecules from crossing it and evaporating. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to what oil the product’s base should be. Olive oil, petroleum jelly, and emu oil are good options.
Shea butter: Good quality shea butter is expensive, but is a go-to ingredient for most cosmetic products looking for emollients or moisturizing properties. Rub a little bit on your lips as part of your morning ritual, and feel the effects.
Humidifiers: Humidifiers are to your lips as a scabbard is to a sword; they provide protection from the elements for the duration that you stay indoors. Keep the humidity in your house at 30% or above to make sure your lips stay moist every minute you stay home. Just be sure you clean it every so often though.

5 Effective Ways of Dealing with Wrinkly Lips

Pepper: It may seem counterintuitive to use pepper on wrinkly lips. After all, wrinkles usually follow dryness, and peppers can cause dryness. However, peppers contain capsaicin, which increases blood flow to localized regions. This dilates blood vessels, increasing volume, and making wrinkles and creases appear shallower. Just deal with the dryness by applying moisturizer afterwards.
Cinnamon: This acts in a similar manner to pepper, but is not usually as drying. Avoid inhaling when applying this on your lips though, as it can and will irritate your throat if you breathe it in.
Lip and Facial Creams: Several creams contain the same boosters used as lip augmentation fillers. La Roche-Posay has an excellent cream laden with hyaluronic acid. Olay also has a powerful facial treatment with the same effects.
Exfoliants: By removing layers of dead cells on your lips, you reduce the overall depth of wrinkles. Exfoliate every evening before going to bed in order to rid your lips of any accumulated dirt and dead skin.
Fish Oil: Supplement your diet with fish oil. This contains high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which maintain skin quality. There are also facial products that include Omega-3 fatty acids in their ingredients lists for a more direct approach.

Trending lip care/makeup products and procedures

Permanent Lip Tattoos: This involves placing precise amounts of ink beneath the skin of the lips, essentially granting a permanent lip liner. It is a popular method of enhancing one’s pout, though it comes with all the risks that regular tattoos are associated with.
Lip Augmentation: While this term generally covers all clinical procedures that give fuller lips, it is most often used to refer to dermal injections in the lip area. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler, though collagen injections are also available.

Everyday routines to keep lips plumped/healthy (Dos and Don’ts)

 

DO:

• Breathe with your mouth closed. Health buffs will tell you to practice breathing in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Some will say breathe with your mouth closed all the time. This is because your nose filters the air before allowing it to enter your lungs. Coincidentally, it also cuts the amount of air passing over your lips by half, reducing the amount of dust that touches its surface.
• Monitor your diet. Stick to a balanced diet, and especially maintain your ratio of proteins and vitamin B and D. The former is used in building much of our body’s tissues, and the latter two improve skin quality.
• Check your labels. This should be a no-brainer. Don’t buy lip products based solely on popularity (though popularity is a sign the product is trusted). Read the label yourself. Every company claims to be the best there is, but you’re the only one who can judge them yourself by checking what really goes in their products. Do some research. Find out if it works, or if there might be side effects to watch out for.
• Exfoliate. It can’t be stressed enough that you need to keep your lips clear of dead cells. Skin cells are continuously dying and being replaced by new ones, and if you don’t exfoliate, this builds a layer of dust and dead cells perfect for bad bacteria to feed on. This can cause a chain reaction that leads to anything from bad breath, to mouth sores, to cracked lips, to plaque buildup on teeth.
• Stay hydrated. That minimum eight glasses of water a day trope means more than you think. Your body reserves the most of its supply of anything for the most vital organs, especially the brain. This includes water for cellular processes. This means if you don’t stay hydrated, your skin (and your hair) are the first to show the effects.

DONT:

• Lick your lips. Unless absolutely necessary, such as when no other moisturizer is available, or when there’s a last crumb of food on the edge, this is a habit best to avoid. The tongue is relatively abrasive, and digestive enzymes in saliva tend to dry out lips once the liquid evaporates.
• Smoke. Cigarettes stain lips a nasty shade of grayish purple, or sometimes yellow. They also expose your lips to a host of harmful chemicals. If you can’t break the habit, then you don’t have to stop smoking. Just don’t expect your lips to be the best they can be.
• Get desperate. Modern media plays on insecurity. Commercials display their definitions for attractiveness. Never buy lip products because companies tell you you are ugly without it. Instead, ask yourself if it will make you look better according to your standards. It doesn’t matter if you have a $100.00 lipstick; if you feel uncomfortable wearing it, the discomfort WILL show.
• Cut corners. Seriously, what is the point in doing anything if you won’t do it right? Applying lip balm to your lips as part of your morning routine only takes an additional ten seconds. It doesn’t sound like much, but there are people who decide to skip this altogether not because they don’t know how important it is, but because they feel an extra ten seconds is a hassle. By “don’t cut corners,” we mean the whole package. Brush your lips as well as your teeth, apply lip balm before going out, and don’t skip on that glass of water to keep hydrated when you’re done with your meal.
• Touch. You can expand the first “don’t” to a general “no touch” rule for your lips, in fact. Your fingers pose just as much of a threat to your lips as your tongue, especially if you do a lot of hands-on work. Avoid touching your lips unless you need to use them for cosmetic purposes. And when you do touch your lips, make sure your hands are clean.

 

Specifics to Users and Use

What lip shade to use for different skin tones? Perfect shade for every skin tone?

The general idea is that warmer tones work well on dark skin, and cooler tones work well on light. This does not always have to be followed though; for example, most bronze lipsticks can be worn by dark-skinned people if they have cool undertones, but they can also be used by those with medium skin and warm undertones.

What lip shade to use for different occasions/events? Perfect shade for all types of events? Perfect shade for daily activities?

When considering lipstick based on the event you plan on attending, the first thing to keep in mind is the dress code. The most basic example is how people try to avoid red at funerals, or how nude shades are typically common for weddings. Whether for formal or everyday wear, consider proper attire, and the right shade of lipstick will be easier to pick.
What time of day is the event going to be held? The daytime hours usually call for less aggressive colors such as pink or light terracotta, while late hours allow for stronger reds that can easily be picked up in the low light.

When to use matte, satin and glossy lipstick?
Matte lipsticks tends to be drying (making them poor choices for women with naturally dry lips), but they last longer than sheer formulae. The great thing about matte lipsticks is their versatility; their natural look and feel can be used for almost any social event, for office work, or for casual wear. They also tend to be more resistant to drinks, so they are popular for gatherings where food and drink is involved.
Satin lipsticks often have a lustrous or seductive look. These are usually good for catching people’s eyes at large social gatherings, especially formal balls and galas. In contrast to matte products, these are designed to stand out from the background. The downside is that they do not typically last long, requiring the wearer to bring the lipstick all the time.
Gloss is easier to apply than matte, though the glossier it is, the shorter it lasts on your lips. The use of glossy lipstick varies. For instance, a semi-gloss look is a decent choice for working hours, while the shiniest formulations work great at night. Note that glossy lipsticks may not be advisable for women with naturally oily skin.

Lip Tutorials (Step by Step Instructions)

Secrets to make your Lips look more Luscious / Bigger / Plumper

Consider your skin tone: Determine whether you are fair-skinned, dark-skinned, or at some point in between.
Consider your desired effect: Do you want to have your lips look fuller, or thinner? Do you want to make them look larger, or smaller? Dark shades emphasize shadows, making lips appear smaller. Bright shades emphasize shape and form, making lips stand out more. Also note that the more sheen a product has, the more emphasized your pout will be.

Consider the purpose of your products: Lipstick is used to color lips. Lip gloss is usually used to apply luster to lips, or for moisturizing dry lips. Lip liners are used to fill in gaps, but may be used as a base coat on their own. Highlighters reflect light, adding flair to duller shades.
Choose complementary products: DO NOT simply mix and match. You will end up wasting your supply. Ideally, matte coats are combined with lip gloss to give a result that lasts longer than traditional gloss lipsticks, but at the same time, does not dry out as easily as traditional mattes. Lip liners can be used to form borders for lipsticks as well, giving a more defined shape. They may also be used as a base, resulting in a fuller look without looking overly done.The list goes on and on. Attempting to use lip gloss on already glossy lipstick can occasionally work. Done wrong however, it defeats the purpose of gloss lipsticks by making them harder to put on, while simply adding more shine to a product that already stands out on its own. Avoid going overboard with certain effects, such as applying lip liner on strong, glossy red products, and topping it off with lip plumpers such as cinnamon. Moderation is key. Also keep in mind the foundation you use for your face, as you want your lips to work with the rest of your makeup; not against.

Lip Contouring

Exfoliate: It is easiest to work on exfoliated lips because you will generally experience less flaking and chafing of dead skin cells. Plus, exfoliated lips feel good.
Apply a plumping agent: Some products naturally come with cinnamon or pepper extract, making this step unnecessary. However, if you wish, you may rub a small amount of plumping agent on your lips, mildly irritating it, and increasing blood circulation. This increases fullness to a certain extent.

Apply lip liner: Use a lip liner to trace the edge of your lips. Don’t be afraid to move a few millimeters outside your actual lip line. This broadens the appearance of your lips. Be sure to keep the curves natural.
Use multiple shades of lipstick: use darker shades along the outer edges of your lips, and lighter shades along the inner halves. The trick to contouring is to make the lighting work with the makeup.
Accentuate the shape: The first part of this step is to give yourself a strong bow or dip along the top of your lips. The second is by making the lipstick on the sides of your mouth end in a fine point.
Using Matte Liquid Lipsticks:
Use lip balm: Matte formulations are notoriously drying; and while the best products have some moisturizing effects, results vary wildly across women. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry, and prep your lips with moisturizing lip balm before applying liquid matte formulations.
Plan your borders: Use a lip liner or highlighter to mark out the boundaries you will be placing the lipstick on. Liners are more definite, and highlighters usually give a slight shimmer to the end result. It is perfectly acceptable to use both if desired.
Fill in your lower lip: Use a (usually included) brush to apply liquid lipstick to your lower lip. Keep it within the boundaries you have previously marked out.
Fill in your upper lip: Press your lips together to transfer some of the color to your upper lip, and start brushing liquid lipstick onto it as well.

Finish: Put a slip of tissue paper between your lips and press them together. This removes excess lipstick, and emphasizes the matte look. Use a Q-tip or cotton swab to wipe away any remaining mistakes before the formulation sets to avoid staining. It is also common practice to add a sweep of translucent powder on top of the lipstick to make the color set even longer.

Best Products: While the term “best” is oftentimes subjective, it is often agreed upon that – in the case of cosmetics at least – more repeat buyers translates to better value. A search on Amazon.com is the quickest way to find bestselling products. Alternatively, if no products of that type you want have made the bestseller list, referring to lists on staple lifestyle sites such as Cosmopolitan.com or Stylecaster.com can yield useful information.

Best lip Scrub
Arabica Coffee Scrub by First Botany Cosmeceuticals: This caffeine-based scrub sits at just $14.50, making it very affordable. It technically isn’t a “lip scrub” alone, but works wonders on any problem area, and that includes lips. Caffeine content improves blood flow, and its emollient content is just excellent for texture.
Best lip Moisturizer
Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer: Neutrogena’s products are usually dermatologist-recommended, and this is no exception. It keeps lips moist for hours on end, and feels so light, you sometimes forget you’re wearing it. It has no sticky or waxy texture either, so it works well with other cosmetic products. It also makes your wallet feel good about itself with its price of $7.00
Best Lip Gloss
Color Sensational Lip Gloss by Maybelline: Maybelline has a reputation for high quality makeup at low costs. The Color Sensational line presents a high-shine lip gloss that feels as creamy as butter, minus the oily feeling thanks to its honey nectar formulation. It made it into Stylecaster’s list for the best high-shine lip glosses of all time, but we chose this above all the other products on the list because of the insane value it gives for $1.50.

Best Lip Liner
24/7 by Urban Decay: This liner has seen its place in multiple top ten lists, including Stylecaster and Totalbeauty.com. It has notably taken the top 1 spot in the latter. It requires a bit more of an investment than other products as it comes with a $20.00 pricetag, but its long-lasting effect coupled with the ability to prevent feathering of lip colors earns our approval.

Best Lipstick
Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour: This luxury brand is always worth the price, especially with this specific line’s texture and long-lasting pigmentation. It costs a somewhat hefty $37.00, but it earns the right to charge that much considering it has consistently topped beauty site lists since its release. It comes on a range of colours guaranteeing a match for almost everyone, and it feels light to boot.

UNSAFE METHODS WE DO NOT RECOMMENDED:

Injections: Lip injections have seen a steady rise in popularity because of several reasons, primarily their long-lasting effect. Collagen and hyaluronic acids are substances naturally found in the body, and injecting them into a localized area in the lips helps build structure, giving the impression of a strong shape. Botox relaxes muscles in order to deal with deep wrinkles. These methods are generally accepted and promoted by licensed doctors, but they carry some risk of side effects. Sensitive patients may find that bruising can last for up to ten days, making it difficult to look appealing in public until after the effects have worn off. Improper procedures also lead to uneven, asymmetrical lips until the effects wear off. There is also the risk of injecting into the blood vessels; in the case of collagen and other fillers, this results in some tissue loss. If Botox enters the bloodstream however, the toxin can spread around the body, causing some level of temporary paralysis depending on the dosage. The worst cases can have the toxin affect the diaphragm, essentially stopping breathing.
Surgery: Another method that carries high risks is grafting. This usually involves cutting the lips open, and then implanting either donor tissue, or synthetic materials to give the lip more volume. This can be semi-permanent, but being an invasive procedure carried out on a relatively small area, a single miscalculation can lead to deformities harder to repair than those associated with other methods. It is also more painful than other procedures, and recovery time can take up to a month or more depending on the person.