Pucker Up For Spring
Words by Armand 03/02/2007
February is the month of love, so it's crucial that you look good enough to eat. That's why I'm going to give you some tips on looking after your lips just in case you need to pucker up.Our lips tend to be one of the most sensitive parts of our body because of the texture and the fact that they are continuously exposed to the environment. For those of you who travel a lot, different climates and air travel can damage lips so it's important to give them an MOT.To reduce flakiness on the lips, invest in a baby toothbrush to gently brush over your lips; this will help to exfoliate them as well as prepare them for make-up. Try using a conditioning balm if they feel dry. Companies like Elizabeth Arden, Khiels and Sisley all do them. Arden's 8 Hour cream for lips contains an SPF in it and is packaged in the style of a lipstick. Khiels Lip Balm is in a handy tube and only a tiny amount is needed to make lips feel soft and supple. French cosmetic innovators Sisley have an Extreme Lip Conditioner in a small jar which is petroleum free (so is non-addictive). To apply use a lip brush rather than unhygienic finger tips.Some lipsticks contain treatments. For example, Origins’ new Flower Fusion Lip Colour contains flower extracts. Flower wax is created naturally in the petals and leaves of plants, and defends against air pollutants while protecting your lips from dehydration. The flower wax bonds directly with the lips to release benefits including moisturisation, a soothing effect and antioxidant power − available in 16 shades from March.If your lips need a plumping effect then you could try Lancôme's Plump Secret, which is an incredible two-step lip treatment. First use the glossy base, which is infused with green tea and collagen, to smooth and plump. Then the nude liner contours the lips to emphasise the volumising effect.It's important that you emphasise the lips this spring to create a Betty Boop-like pout. Think cartoon-esque glamour meets vintage Hollywood. Bourjois have adopted this look for their quirky trend statement.Mascara is so important this season so stretch and separate the lashes using Dior Show Unlimited Mascara, which lengthens and curves. Dior were inspired by cutting edge hairstyling techniques to create the brush. Well worth investing in to create Bette Davis eyes!Make the eyes sparkle by using Lancôme Traceur Design, a high-precision brush that traces a row of shimmering crystals on the lash line. Another company using sparkle along the eyes is Sisley, with Star Kohl liner.A look that I'm doing a lot of for this season is a metallic shade on the lid then a bright shade, like pink and orange, into the crease to contrast. For a more catwalk look use the bright shade up to the eyebrow and onto the cheeks.So for spring brighten up your look and get confident with colour. Ditch the black nail varnish and dig out a bright pink or coral. Product of the monthDr Weil Mega Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads. These handy and gentle pads efficiently remove make-up while preserving the eye area's thin barrier. Great for sensitive skin and people with allergies, these 100 per cent cotton wipes are packed full of ginger extract, basil and chamomile to soothe and calm. Armand can be contacted at: www.armandinternationalltd.com
