How To Keep Your Lips Moisturized

DEAR ANDI:

I have been looking for a moisturizing lipstick. I don’t like the lip stains and want something that will keep my lips from drying out. I have tried them all from drugstore brands to high end department stores. No luck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Millie, New Jersey

Dear Millie,

Finding a lip color that flatters you is tricky enough, but when you need something that looks good, stays on, AND doesn’t make your lips look like the Sahara desert, it’s tough finding that trifecta.

It’s pretty overwhelming with the amount of moisturizing lipsticks, glosses, balms, etc. on the market in drugstores, departments stores and specialty beauty stores right now, but my best advice is to use more than one product.

I know. I know. You’re thinking, it’s hard enough to find just one product that works.

Trust me though. You will get the results you need when you combine and layer products like the ones below. Plus, you can even layer with your favorite lipstick (even drugstore brands) that you already own!

Before we even get to lipsticks, I want to talk moisture. No matter what you apply to your lips, you need to make sure you have a good canvas to work with, so it’s important to start with making sure they get all of the nourishment they need.

Maybe it’s because everyone that shops in Sephora got a sample of these cult favorite lip treatments for their birthdays, but nearly everyone I see on my photoshoots break these Sugar by Fresh lip treatments out of their bags when they feel like they need some moisture.

The Rosé is the most popular if you want a touch of color, but I’m partial to the Passionfruit because I like a bit more color on my fair face. Keep in mind, these are more treatments than lipstick, so these are ideal if you’re open to the idea of layering. Try any of these over your favorite lipstick or pencil and you have instant moisturizing lipstick and it’s more likely to last when you layer like this.

The translucent version is perfect for a night time treatment (which I use nightly) to wake up with baby soft lips. Your skin absorbs moisture the most at night, so it’s a great time to pack it on. It’s also a bonus that it’s not made with any weird chemicals, which means you won’t be ingesting them.

STYLIST TIP: Prep your lips by wetting a washcloth or old toothbrush and exfoliating them before you do anything. Remember to drink your water because no matter how much you moisturize your lips, they need the moisture from both the inside and out.

If you’re on a budget, Burts Bees lip balms are more affordable and also are a good option. I keep one of these guys in my set bag for when I don’t have time to reapply lipstick or feeling like I’m a bit dry…or when I have an impromptu photo opp.

I just discovered this all-in-one natural balm that I’ve been using on my cracked hands and lips every night now that the colder months have arrived. I’m constantly using my hands for work and around models that need space heaters, so everything is getting pretty dry for me. This carcinogen-free product for sensitive skin from Skin Labs has been a savior this season and giving me a great base for everything else.

My favorite lipstick tip that my celebrity makeup artist friend, Maria Scali, shared with me is to create a nude base under your lipstick (after you prep your lips with some of the ideas mentioned above). She gave me this great nude lip liner by Make Up For Ever that I use under my lipstick to make it last much longer than it would have. Try this trick with either a shade that matches your natural lips or even your lipstick.

Now that your lips are ready to go, we can talk lipstick! Don’t be fooled by this lip pencil by Nars. It actually goes on velvety smooth and makes lips feel silky smooth. The pencil makes it easy to control but it doesn’t act like a typical lip pencil. It gives lips a glossier finish.

This moisturizing lipstick by By Terry is a splurge but worth every penny. It glides on smooth, no matter how dry your lips. With hydra-filling Hyaluronic Acid, collagen-boosting peptide it supposedly has “age defense” properties, which I can’t make any promises about, but it sure makes my lips look and feel like a million bucks.