3 steps to the perfect matte lip

Get the off-the-runway look

Of-the-moment matte lips look great on the runway, but working the look on a daily basis can be tricky. The key is to start with the right prep. Read on to find out how to keep your lips healthy, smooth and ready for matte lip colour.

Step one: Exfoliate your lips

Much like the rest of your skin, exfoliating your lips in the winter will help to relieve dryness and irritation. There’s no use showcasing your pout if your lips are dry and cracked.

Begin your lip prep by using a gentle lip scrub that will remove the dry outer layer of skin. Rub this scrub on your lips for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a wet cloth.

Try: LUSH Mint Julips Lip Scrub ($9). Available at LUSH stores and online.

Step two: Use balm for extra hydration

Once you’ve removed the dry skin from your lips, remember to keep them hydrated to prevent cracking. Opt for a lip balm that contains shea butter and vitamin E. These natural ingredients will prevent dryness, which can ruin the matte lipstick look. Plus, keeping your lips hydrated also means preventing the onset of premature wrinkles. The first signs of aging are visible on delicate areas, such as the lips and eyes, so caring for your lips is important.

Try: NIP + FAB Lip + Nip Fix Healing Multi-Purpose Lip Balm ($10). Available at Shopper’s Drug Mart beginning March 2011.

Step three: Apply matte lip colour

Once your lips are exfoliated and hydrated, you can select the matte lip colour of your choice. It’s best to apply a lip liner of the same shade first to keep the colour from bleeding. When it comes time to reapply after lunch, have a lip balm handy and always apply a thin layer of it underneath your lip colour. This will help keep your colour from drying out. If possible, look for a matte lipstick that contains the same hydrating ingredients as a good balm.

Try: NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($30) – Available at NARS counters at Holt Renfrew and Sephora.

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