Give some attention to the most neglected part of the face
Lips can say so much without uttering a sound. They do a lot of work on a daily basis. But in the facial room, we tend to expect more attention on the face, eye area, and neck. Why not give this part of the face the attention it deserves? As a beauty and skin therapist, I am in love with lips and have a fascination with them. I have made lip treatments my signature service and complement this by offering retail products especially for the lips and the mouth area. Lips are also my favorite part of the face to make up. During a Facial As part of your facial routine, if you do not already do so, ask for a lip mask to soften, condition, and plump the lips. There are a few different specialty masks to choose from that are both an instant gratification and a quick add-on to a makeup application or facial service. I personally like Satin Smooth's milk and honey collagen lip mask, which is mouth-shaped and comes in packets for individual use. Another lip protocol you can ask for during your next facial is a soothing jade facial roller. This is a cool tool in more ways than one. Facial rollers made of jade or gold were used for centuries by Chinese royalty and can be enjoyed either at room temperature or chilled. This little marvel rolls away the stress and is soothing, smoothing, and truly relaxing. Most rollers are double-sided. The large side is great for the face, and the smaller roller is most commonly used very gently on the eyelid and surrounding areas. However, I use the small roller on the lips and around the mouth, after applying a facial serum or moisturizer. This secret weapon makes products penetrate the skin beautifully, too. If your esthetician also does makeup, a great way to end the facial is going beyond just moisturizer, eye cream, and lip balm, and asking for a dash of color to your lips and face as well. At Home Spa and salon guests are becoming ever more aware of what they put on their faces and in their bodies. Green and healthy is a trend that is here to stay. Here's an exfoliating lip scrub to help you take care of your lips in between professional treatments. This moisturizing and soothing mini treatment is especially good for dry, peeling, dehydrated lips. Simply combine 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and mix to make an exfoliating paste/scrub. Apply it to clean lips and leave on at least five minutes, rubbing gently back and forth with a finger or a baby's soft toothbrush. My clients are believers, and they love this simple formula for softer lips. Extra Care Sometimes, your lips may require a little extra TLC. Lip damage and fine lines around the mouth often go along with other skin conditions caused by smoking. Address these conditions with moisturizing lipsticks and lip balms, creams, lip conditioners, and serums. Vitamin E and green tea are both good ingredients to use. Sun-damaged lips are another big concern. When I moved to sunny Florida from New York City, I was in for a rude awakening. I see all types of skin conditions affected by sun damage and have had a bout with skin cancer myself. Now, I am never without a lipstick or lip conditioner that contains sunscreen. Always use a sunscreen on your lips, as well as on the rest of your face. Men need a protective lip balm with sunscreen, too! Did you know men get cancer of the lips more often than women? So, go ahead, "kiss and make up" when it comes to this neglected area. When your lips are just as happy as your skin, the results will surely make you smile. Reprinted courtesy of Noreen Young (www.noreenyoungpro.com). Noreen is an internationally known makeup artist, author, speaker, and educator.