Make Out Lips
by Webjockey Marisa Sparkles
Also check out Marisa's new Rifflist: NonStop Kissing Machines
Summertime barbeques and open-air parties are great hunting grounds for make-out conquests, but watch out for unsightly, unkissable lips! Whether they are yours, or someone else's, you simply don't want to go there. Here are some tips for both the guys & girls to make sure that your lips are ready for making out:
Hydrate
Drink water! Chapped lips are the first sign that you are dehydrated, so make sure to keep them moisturized.
Exfoliate
Keep that kisser clean! If you are a minimalist, just use a washcloth. Buy some cheap ones -- they're a little rougher, so they make great "scruffers." At night before bed, just use your slightly damp washcloth to go over your lips in a circular motion to loosen any dry skin. If you're a product junkie, pick up some of Philosophy's "Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub", which promises to "help keep your lips in impeccable kissing condition." Available at www.sephora.com.
Moisturize
Treat your lips! Most of you probably use a lip balm or treatment daily, but after you exfoliate at night, you should use one as well. A healing variety with shea butter is ideal. You don't have to spend a lot unless that's your thing, as even drugstore brands work well. Keep in mind if your lips are already teetering on the crackly side, you may need to look for something more specialized.
Protect
Be Shady! Sure it's rock n' roll to "live for today", but remember to use a lip balm with a minimum SPF 15 during the day. As of yet, there haven't been any successful lip transplant operations.
A Special Tip for the Ladies
In 1959 Connie Francis sang, "Lipstick on your collar, told a tale on you. Lipstick on your collar, said you were untrue." It's 2007, and getting someone else messy and possibly even busted is so inconsiderate! Since most guys consider lipstick and goopy gloss a turn-off, think strategically.
If you're a girl devoted to your electric-colored pout, the best option is to use a lipstain. A liquid product works nicely, especially if you skip the applicator supplied and use a cotton swab to apply the stain in layers. You'll control the product better and build color slowly to your desired intensity. Newer versions like Revlon's Limited Edition "Once Bitten" lipstains have a roller ball applicator and are designed to go on easily and perfectly. After it dries, its kiss proof! revlon.com
Now your lips are make out ready grab some mints, and go forth!
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