This Simple Routine That Helped Me Achieve Fuller, Smoother Lips
I have a big mouth. The thing about having a big mouth/big lips/prominent pout is that when your lips are dry or chapped, it shows. You’ve gotta keep those babies moisturized, otherwise half your face is a flaky, chapped mess. I have always been a devotee of lip balm, exfoliating, and just generally keeping lip care as a top skin priority, but then I learned Charlotte Palermino’s method for ‘slugging’ your lips and when I tell you it has CHANGED my LIFE! I mentioned this method here, and I referenced it again here, but I wanted to really sit down and go over this method, because I am obsessed.
I add one step to this routine, so I use three products. Each step is sandwiched into other parts of my nighttime routine (I’ll get to that later) but first here are the three necessary products:
Fresh Sugar Wonder Drops Lip Primer
I love this product, and I cannot believe it’s not one of those products that beauty influencers love and get everyone to buy until you can’t find it anywhere. I reviewed it here.
Any basic moisturizer will do. I like the CeraVe Cream in the tube becasue I prefer tubes to tubs, and I prefer creams to lotions. Just make sure it’s full of humectants and will really get in there and moisturize.
Again, any occlusive will do. Vaseline or Cerave Healing Ointment are other great options.
I ordered that tube of CeraVe without checking the size, and I thought I was getting a travel size tube, and was shocked when it showed up. I decant it into a smaller tube (mine is from Target, but it’s similar to these). My tub of Aquaphor has been around for a LONG time, and the label has come off. So my real setup looks a little more like this:
Once I’ve done a few skincare steps and brushed my teeth, I apply the Fresh Sugar Wonder Drops. I get that this seems expensive for such a tiny bottle, but you need ONE drop. It has a bit of a gel texture, so it’s doesn’t really come out in drops, but here is the amount I use:
Let that simmer for awhile. I like to pass this time by putting my heating pad in my bed so it’ll be all warm and cozy when I get in. You can brush your hair, or put on some eye cream, or refill your water bottle… whatever you want. Once your lips aren’t feeling wet anymore (ie, the Wonder Drops have absorbed a bit), then apply your moisturizer. Don’t be stingy with this one, really go for it. I put on a big glob of lotion, rub it in a bit, and wait. It can take 5 or more minutes for your moisturizer to soak in, and if you just sit and wait, it will feel like 100 years. This is usually when I take the dog out for last call (AKA final bathroom break before bed). If you don’t let your moisturizer absorb for long enough, it’s not the end of the world - you’ll just have a white cast over your lips once you add the occlusive. Once I come in with the pup, wash my hands, and tell him to go to bed, I put on my occlusive. You don’t have to be heavy handed with this one, but I am, becasue I want to be sure I’ve covered my whole mouth. It’s not going to work better if you use a lot - but it won’t work as well if you don’t cover the whole area. This is also when I add my occlusive layer to the rest of my face (covered here). Then it’s time for bed!
I wake up in the morning with truly moisturized, plump, healthy looking lips. I didn’t realize that my lips actually shrunk when they were super dehydrated. Now that I know how to keep them properly moisturized and protected, my big mouth can shine in her full glory. Someday, if I can go out in public without a mask on, the whole world will get to admire my chap-free lifestyle. Until then, well, I’ll still do it. I’m not looking for outside validation, this skincare routine is for ME.
