SOS FOR CHAPPED, FLAKY LIPS

As soon as it hits autumn, not only do I contract a horrendous cold without fail, but my lips become extremely dry and flaky: (Now if you’re a lover of liquid lipsticks, then you will feel my pain. Let's be honest, no lipstick looks pretty over chapped, flaky lips.

After years of attempting to save my lips so I can wear my favourite autumnal shade of red, I have finally figured out a step by step regime that has saved my lips and the best thing about it is that all these products are super affordable :)

Step 1 - Scrub, scrub, scrub…

There’s nothing more irritating than sore, flaky lips, however, after many trials and tribulations I’ve found an easy way to get rid of this irritating little problem in no time. I picked up the ‘Mint Julips lip scrub’ from Lush on a whim, not actually thinking much of it but this little scrub is a MUST HAVE in everyone's beauty collection. There’s also a bubble gum flavoured one, but I’m a sucker for anything minty and invigorating.

Firstly, allow me to just take a moment to praise the gorgeous minty and sweet smell, we all know Lush products smell delectable! You can literally taste the peppermint and sweet vanilla flavour on your lips and it's really hard not to want to eat it whilst scrubbing away. You only need the smallest amount to gently massage onto your lips for around 30 seconds to a minute. It then suggests licking it off, which, let’s just facing it, you would definitely do or you can just wipe it off. 

So you may be thinking that exfoliating chapped lips may leave them sore or dry, but the outstanding thing about the Lush lip scrubs is that they contain caster sugar and jojoba oil which is known for its soothing and moisturising properties, so it will leave your lips feeling smooth and refreshed even after exfoliation. You can use it as many times as you like due to the nourishing ingredients. I like to use this at least twice a week to keep flakiness at bay.

Step 2 - Mask it

I normally prefer to use my Lush lip scrub as part of my evening skincare routine before bed. Once I have exfoliated my lips, I like to slather on coconut oil and treat it as an overnight hydrating mask. The one I like to use is the ‘VIta Coco’ 100% raw virgin coconut oil and it’s comforting to know that I won’t be applying anything that contains nasty ingredients near my mouth.

Coconut oil is renowned in the beauty world for targeting a multitude of issues such as dry skin and (my personal favourite) dehydrated hair. As well as using this as a lip mask, I also love to use it as an overnight hair mask and you know me, I like a multi-use product. Not only do I wake up with soft and replenished lips, my hair is also silky smooth and ready to wash. Buy here!

Next time you are having a pamper evening, dig out your coconut oil and give it a go:) You will wake up feeling like you’ve had an overnight pamper session.

Step 3 - Add moisture!

So we covered the preparation for getting rid of the unsightly flakiness, but it’s just as important to maintain the suppleness we have created and keep our lips moisturised. The product that I can't live without and I have at least three lying around at all times off is the Blistex ‘MedPlus’ lip balm.

This is the best lip balm I have ever tried and I have tried them all! I thought the Calmex ‘Lip balm’ was the best thing since sliced bread until I tried the Blistex ‘MedPlus’ and I have not looked back since. 

The thing that gravitated me into buying this lip balm was the word ‘MedPlus’. My lips were extremely chapped at the time, to the point where they were bleeding so needed some extra TLC. After researching the ingredients of this amazing little lip balm, I discovered that it is, in fact, a medicate lip balm containing my favourite ingredients for moisturising, Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter and Menthol to soothe and cool your lips.

I use this lip balm all year round, as I genuinely love how it makes my lips feel. I am addicted to the tingling medicated feeling that it gives my lips and it really does relieve my lips from any dryness. Applying this lip balm is equally as important in my beauty regime as applying mascara. I am just not complete without it and have converted many people to this addictive lip saver! Buy here!

So what to take from this...

You do not have to go for the exact products or routine that I’ve mentioned (although they are amazing) but I would say the ingredients are key in helping you heal and restore your lips. Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil and some peppermint or menthol base ingredients are what help me transform my lips from flaky and distressed to kissable in 3 easy steps.

What are your favourite products for rescuing distressed lips?