If you think the perfect pout, is just about putting on lipstick, then think again. Lip care should be part and parcel of your beauty routine.

Here’s how to get those soft, kissable lips:

Lip scrub

Exfoliating or removing dead skin cells will help keep your lips in tip-top condition. You can make your own lip scrub by mixing a little sugar and honey. Simply rub the mixture on your lips to smoothen and polish them. You can also make a lip scrub using a lemon juice and sugar. This mixture will also help plump up your lips.

Moisturise

Always keep your lips moisturised. Never go to bed without applying a bit of nourishing lip treatment like a lip balm or chapstick. Try cocoa butter or coconut oil for an extra bit of pampering to keep lips soft. During the day and especially when you are going to be out in the sun, be sure that your lipstick, lip gloss or chapstick has a Sun Protection Factor or SPF of 15 or higher. The SPF is a measure of how well the sunscreen will protect against sunburn.

Don’t bite

Biting or picking at dry skin on your lips can cause unnecessary redness and bleeding. Always apply chapstick whenever you feel your lips are dry.

Drink water

If you lips are constantly dry or cracked, this could be a sign of dehydration. This means you are not drinking enough water. Drink at least eight glasses of water throughout your day to keep hydrated.

Wearing lip gloss or lipstick

Create an even outline or shape of your lips using a lip liner. Then fill in with a colour tinted lip gloss. If you are wearing a dark lipstick colour, keep colouring to your cheeks and eyelids soft. Don’t forget a well-defined brow and some mascara. Nude or lighter lip colours are best matched with a natural make-up look. Use eye shadow and blush to match your skin tone.

Mwah!