Lip Service: How to get plump and perfect lips
Lets talk about taking care of those delicate lips...
Our lips—a delicate collection of skin, cells, and vessels—are often the most overlooked part of our face, yet they are incredibly vulnerable. They are delicate and in desperate need of care, especially as we head into the colder, dryer winter months. Walking into a beauty store to find the right lip care can feel like navigating a maze: products designed to hydrate, exfoliate, tint, plump, enlarge, and brighten. The options are overwhelming, and frankly, there is so much crap out there that promises everything and delivers nothing. That’s why I’m here: to tell you what truly works and, more importantly, what you absolutely need to avoid.
Let’s start with what you should avoid to maintain naturally beautiful lips. Steer clear of strong acids, overly perfumed products, irritating volumizing ingredients that create temporary, unhealthy swelling, and especially those suction devices used to plump the lips. These are all inherently unhealthy for the delicate skin. Products that rely on irritants to “enlarge” lips are not only ineffective long-term—they are total BS—but the prolonged use can cause chronic adverse reactions, leading to irritation and damage. Avoid all of these to ensure your lips remain soft, supple, and truly beautiful.
Now, onto what works. The lips are composed of skin that is significantly different from the rest of your face, meaning they require specific product formulations to provide the necessary support. Products formulated to provide an occlusive layer are the best for trapping and providing long-lasting hydration. Additionally, the lip area responds exceptionally well to powerful skincare ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and ceramides. These ingredients work synergistically to restore damaged lips, boost natural plumpness, and protect them from future environmental wear and tear.
Skin Sanctuary Approved Lip Products
Hydration & Restoration
CeraVe Healing Ointment
Excuse the name—”ointment” is certainly not a chic word in my vocabulary. But I ALWAYS have this product close by all winter. Got dry or chapped lips? Put this on it. Have cracked lips from extreme cold? Put this on it. It is a cheap and cheerful way to deliver intense moisture and truly bring them back to life. You can also put this on dry elbows or knees to help heal them, or even a thin layer under the eyes to provide extra moisture to that area overnight.
To Try: DermStore.com
Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher (my favorite)
This is my favorite lip product, period! It simultaneously plumps, hydrates, and soothes the lips, all while delivering serious anti-aging benefits. The Hyaluronic Acid provides immediate, intense hydration to help lips look fuller and more youthful. Their proprietary formula works to replenish the appearance of youthful volume, and potent antioxidants defend against environmental stressors. It is truly the best lip product for transforming your lips into supple and plump beauties.
To Try: DermStore.com or Amazon.com
Polishing & Treatment
Furtuna Lip Renewal Duo
This is my favorite system for a truly fabulous lip exfoliation. This Lip Renewal Duo contains two amazing products: one that gently polishes the dead skin off the lips, and the other that seals in moisture and plumps. Together, they provide an incredible protocol that gives new life and smoothness to your lips. Like all of Furtuna’s products they are clean, expertly formulated, and powered by plants.
To Try: FurtunaSkin.com
**Use Code CIAN15 for 15% off!**
Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel
Formulated by the fabulously smart dermatologist, Dr. Shereen Idriss, this Lip Peel does exactly what it says. It works to gently exfoliate the dead skin off the lips via high-performance AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids). After use, your lips are incredibly soft, plump, and hydrated. It is easily one of my favorite treatment lip products.
To Try: Dr.Idriss.com
Clé de Peau Beauté Protective Lip Treatment SPF 25
Beyond providing essential broad-spectrum sun defense, this treatment delivers the luxurious texture and serious moisture retention you’d expect. It smooths, plumps, and ensures your delicate lip skin is shielded from future photodamage, making it the perfect year-round addition to your routine. It is expensive, but a worthwhile indulgence.
To Try: Amazon.com or CleDePeau.com
To Sum It All Up
The key to having beautiful lips all year round is being a savvy consumer. Skip the gimmicks and irritants, and focus on delivering three things: occlusive protection, intense hydration, and restorative ingredients like peptides and ceramides. Integrating a gentle exfoliant weekly, followed by a deeply hydrating balm or treatment, will ensure your pout remains soft, plump, and totally protected from the elements. Give your lips the Sanctuary they deserve!
What’s your go-to lip product that saves your pout in the winter? Let me know in the comments!