How to get a perfect pout

Feb 18, 2011

Jessica Padykula is a freelance writer and editor in Toronto, Canada covering a wide range of topics for several online lifestyle publications. She is a regular contributor for SheKnows, covering travel, style, relationships, health and...

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Get kissable lips

It’s time to concentrate on your kisser -- by which we mean getting it ready for your next marathon makeout session. If your lips leave a little something to be desired, follow our steps for achieving a perfect pout.

Exfoliate.

Lips get dry, especially in the winter. If you've been neglecting your luscious lips for too long, give them a gentle scrub to eliminate dead skin cells and reveal smooth new skin. Try Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish ($22.50), which leaves lips smooth and kissable after every application.

Moisturize.

Once lips are exfoliated, they need moisture. Find a product that you love and carry it around with you so you can hydrate on the go. Some good choices include Caudalie Lip Conditioner ($12), which soothes dry lips while providing anti-aging benefits, and Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment ($20), which softens while providing SPF 30 sun protection.

Plump.

If your pout could use some volume, there's no shame in giving it some extra oomph. Some well known lip-plumping products include Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme ($28) and DuWop Lip Venom ($16), both of which volumize your pout while giving it a glossy sheen.

Color.

There are many options for color, including lipstick, lip stains, lip glosses and lip pencils. Choose what feels right for you. If you don't like a lot of color, opt for a stain or gloss. If you really want to show off your lips, choose a lipstick with staying power. Right now we're loving Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm ($15), which offers sheer color in a variety of pretty hues.