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This article was co-authored by Erica Coates. Erica Coates is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Owner of Erica Nicole Beauty based in the Washington D.C. metro area. With more than 14 years of experience, she specializes in creating and personalizing makeup looks and skin prep for makeup. Erica received her cosmetology training from the Bennett Career Institute.
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Are you tired of getting red lipstick on everything your lips touch? If you want lips that look red without the mess, start by conditioning your lips to bring out their natural color. Using a subtle lip stain made with berry or beet juice adds is a great natural trick to have up your sleeve for days when your lips need a colorful boost. To keep your lips looking their best, use sunscreen and moisturizer so they'll always look bright and supple instead of flaky and dull.
Steps
Use a sugar scrub. Dry, dead skin that builds up on your lips can cause them to look paler than they otherwise would. To bring out your natural reddish hue, you need to exfoliate your lips to uncover the fresh skin underneath.[1] An easy way to do this is by mixing up a homemade lip scrub with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Here's how to do it:[2]- Mix a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of honey (or olive oil, if you don't have honey available).
- Scrub the mixture over your lips using a circular motion.
- Rinse and repeat until your lips are dry-skin free.
Brush your lips with a toothbrush. If your lips are too flaky for a simple scrub to get through the skin, try brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Cover your lips in Vaseline, wet the toothbrush with warm water, and then scrub your lips gently in a circular motion. Scrub each section of your lips for 20 to 30 seconds before moving on to the next. Your lips will be good as new when you're finished.[3]Advertisement
Condition your lips with a balm or serum. Now that you've uncovered your natural reddish color, condition your lips with a layer of lip balm serum to keep them in good shape.[4] Applying a serum overnight will give you even better results; you'll wake up with soft, pink-hued lips.[5]- Look for a balm or serum that has both a moisturizing ingredient such as an oil, and protective barrier to help keep the moisture in place such as a wax or ceramide.[6]
Plump your lips to add natural color. Just as pinching your cheeks makes them look rosy, increasing circulation in your lips brings up their natural red color and causes them to look pleasantly plump. You can buy a lip plumper from the store, but it's just as effective to make one yourself. Try one of these natural lip plumpers:[7]- Mix a pinch cinnamon or cayenne pepper with a healthy dollop of olive oil. Apply to your lips and let it sit for no more than a minute, then rinse.
- Mix 5 drops of peppermint extract with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Apply to your lips for five minutes, then rinse.
Warning: Since the ingredients in lip plumpers work by causing mild skin irritation, it's best to use these in moderation to avoid long-term dryness and scaling.
Moisturize your lips. Keeping your lips moisturized is essential to having good natural color.[8] If your lips get dry, they'll start looking pale and dull again. Use a good natural lip balm to ensure your lips never dry out. You can make your own lip balm using the following method:[9]- Melt 1 tablespoon beeswax together with 3 tablespoons coconut oil.
- Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, like peppermint (as a bonus, it'll also plump your lips).
- Pour the mixture into an old lip balm container and let it harden before use.
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Use red fruit juice. Starting with conditioned lips, dip a cotton swab into a small container of red fruit juice. Rub the juice over your lips, staying within your lip lines, and allow the juice to dry. Apply more layers for deeper color. Seal the color using a clear lip balm. Any of the following types of juice will work:- Cherry juice
- Cranberry juice
- Pomegranate juice
- Strawberry juice (for a pinker hue)
Improve dry, dull lips. "My lips had become so dry and discolored that I felt self-conscious wearing lip color because it just emphasized the flaky skin. After reading here about properly prepping with scrubs and overnight balms and then using natural stains like beet juice, I've seen a big improvement in texture and healthy color day by day. Following this regimen has been life-changing for my smile!" - Intan B.
Gain new knowledge to care for lips. "I never realized all the small tweaks that could impact my lip color and plumpness. From exfoliating to boost circulation to creating homemade balms and stains from my kitchen, this article opened my eyes to tricks I can easily build into my routine. While simple, they've made a noticeable difference in reviving my lips' natural vibrancy. The new know-how is invaluable." - Fatmah C.
See brighter, smoother lips emerge. "After following the tips here on gently scrubbing and consistently moisturizing with natural ingredients, I watched the dull, peeled skin disappear from my lips over time. Their natural reddish undertone started peeking through again! Pairing those steps with subtle homemade stains to enhance the rosy hue was exactly what my lackluster lips needed. So happy to smile brightly again." - Regina M.
Achieve color without lipstick mess. "As someone who loves wearing bold lipstick, I was thrilled to find natural alternatives to achieve vibrant color without mess or chemicals. Beetroot powders and juice impart a gorgeous stain, and a swipe of clear balm seals it in place. Now, getting ready is quicker without worrying about smudging everywhere! These hacks deliver beautiful, fuss-free color." - Delano J.
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Try a slice of beet. Cut off a slice of fresh beet, making sure the interior flesh is bright red. Rub the slice over your lips, squeezing gently as you go to release the juice. Let the juice dry, then apply more layer for deeper color. Seal it using a clear lip balm.- Beet root powder is also an effective lip stain. Mix a little powder with enough olive oil to make a paste. Apply to your lips, and let the paste dry completely. Wipe off the excess paste, then seal the color with clear lip balm.
- You can also use canned beets, although the pigment won't be as strong.
Use Kool-Aid powder. Red Kool-Aid powder has been used as a lip stain since the 1950s. Who knew this simple drink mix would make the perfect addition to your cosmetic bag? Grab a cherry or strawberry-flavored packet of Kool-Aid powder. Mix it with enough olive oil to make a paste, and rub it on your lips. Let it sit for five minutes, then wipe off the excess paste.[10]- Kool-Aid can impart color, but it will also leave a sticky residue and may stain if you drip it on your clothes in the process of applying it.
Make your own portable lip stain. If you want to have a stain handy to use whenever your lips need a lift, it's easy to make your own using either beet root powder or Kool-Aid powder. Mixing the powder with coconut oil will make a stain that absorbs into your lips, so you don't have to wipe it off. Here's how to do it:[11]- Melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon Kool-Aid powder or beet root powder.
- Pour the mixture into a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Apply it with your finger or a cotton swab. The stain will melt at warm temperatures.
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Protect them from the sun. Too much sun exposure can cause lip discoloration, including dark spots. Keep your natural lip color safe by protecting your lips with lip balm that has at least SPF 15. It's best to use sunscreen all year long, even in the winter when the sun isn't as strong.[12]
Keep them moisturized. Moisturizing your lips helps them look bright and fresh, preventing cracks and flaking.[13] It's especially important when the air is dry and cold. To keep your lips moisturized, do the following:- After exfoliating your lips, always apply a good nourishing lip balm to keep extra moisture from escaping.
- If you have trouble with flaky lips, try sleeping with a humidifier.
Stay hydrated. If your body is dehydrated, it'll show up in your lips. Start each day with a full glass of water. For each cup of coffee or soda you have throughout the day, drink a full glass of water to make sure you stay hydrated.[14]- When you have alcohol, make sure to follow it with plenty of water. That way you won't wake up with dry lips.
- Avoid extremely salty foods, since they can dry out your lips.
Avoid smoking. Smoking tobacco products can lead to lip discoloration. It also causes lip wrinkles and thinning. When you're going for a natural red color, it's best to avoid smoking altogether.[15]
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionHow do you get rid of black lips?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistExfoliation is the best way to get rid of unwanted skin pigment. Massage them lightly with sugar, honey, and lemon for natural brightening. You should also wear a lip balm with SPF to prevent further darkening. - QuestionHow can we make our lips red?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistIngredients like cinnamon, mint, and cayenne pepper irritate the lips slightly, increasing blood flow. This will cause them to flush and plump, looking redder and fuller. - QuestionWhat makes your lips naturally red?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistThe natural color of your lips may not be red, but you can use natural methods to make them brighter. Try using beet or pomegranate juice for a natural stain.
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Things You'll Need
- Lip scrub (sugar, honey)
- Lip plumper (olive oil and cinnamon or cayenne; cut piece of ginger or hot pepper)
- Lip balm (coconut oil or olive oil)
- Lip stain (berry juice, beet juice, popsicle or Kool-Aid powder)
References
- ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/5-tips-for-your-lips/
- ↑ https://www.skincancer.org/blog/5-tips-for-your-lips/
- ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
- ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/surgical-and-nonsurgical-options-to-plump-up-your-lips
- ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22005-chapped-lips
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872786/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872786/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21933-lip-cancer
- ↑ Erica Coates. Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 25 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking-tobacco
About This Article
Professional Makeup Artist
This article was co-authored by Erica Coates. Erica Coates is a Professional Makeup Artist and the Owner of Erica Nicole Beauty based in the Washington D.C. metro area. With more than 14 years of experience, she specializes in creating and personalizing makeup looks and skin prep for makeup. Erica received her cosmetology training from the Bennett Career Institute. This article has been viewed 1,090,199 times.
Co-authors: 24
Updated: January 15, 2024
Views: 1,090,199
Categories: Lip Makeup
Article SummaryX
If you want naturally red lips, exfoliate them about once a week with a scrub made from honey and sugar. If you prefer you can scrub them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. Once your lips are exfoliated, condition them with a light oil, like coconut or almond oil. You can then apply a natural red color to your lips with a cotton swab. Try cherry juice, cranberry juice, sliced beets, or Kool-Aid powder, then seal the color with a clear lip balm. To learn how to keep your lips hydrated, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
"After following the tips here on gently scrubbing and consistently moisturizing with natural ingredients, I watched the dull, peeled skin disappear from my lips over time. Their natural reddish undertone started peeking through again! Pairing those steps with subtle homemade stains to enhance the rosy hue was exactly what my lackluster lips needed. So happy to smile brightly again."..." more
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