Darkened lips have become a common issue with women these days. We all want that perfect rosy glow and soft lips, don’t we? But more often than not, we bury them under layers of lips makeup products to hide dark, pigmented lips. Naturally pink lips not only define the aesthetics of your face but also enhance the overall look of your makeup. We get it, dark lips can be a real bummer, but tweaking a few habits will add life to your lips and help in lightening them naturally.

Why are my lips dark and dry?

Hyperpigmentation and dry lips arise due to several reasons; prolonged exposure to the sun, overconsumption of caffeine, smoking, dehydration, licking and smacking lips, toxic makeup products and many other reasons. Once you’ve figured the problem, finding a solution to it becomes a cakewalk.

Choose a lip care routine that suits your skin and bodes well with the climate you live in. Keep reading as we highlight a few DIY regimes that will help you achieve supple and swoon-worthy lips organically.

Start with exfoliation

Unlike the skin on your body or even your face, the skin on your lips is extremely sensitive and prone to excessive peeling, dryness and cracking. It is therefore imperative that you exfoliate your lips regularly to eliminate flaky skin and ensure moisture retention.

● Coffee Grounds & Coconut Oil: Best as a part of your morning routine, coffee grounds instantly rejuvenate your lips by adding fullness to them. For a natural lip scrub, combine 1 tsp of coffee with coconut oil and gently massage for a minute. Wash it with lukewarm water and seal with a hydrating lip balm

● Lemon & Brown Sugar: Rich in Vit C, lemon naturally brightens skin while sugar helps eliminate dead skin from your lips. Dip a slice of lemon in sugar and gently rub through your lips. Rinse your lips with cold water and apply a layer of lip balm

Hydrate Well

A good lip care routine does not end at exfoliation. You may have gotten rid of all the dead skin, but for your lips to remain soft and supple, it is important to hydrate and nourish them from time to time.

● Milk & Rose Petals: It does not come as a surprise to know that kings and queens bathed in milk and rose petals. The lactic acid in milk combined with the soothing properties of rose petals helps restore moisture while adding a soft glow to your lips. Soak rose petals in a bowl of full-fat milk overnight and grind to make a paste. Apply generous amounts of the paste for 20minutes and wash with cold water

● Honey & Aloe Vera: Acting as natural humectants, honey and aloe vera can give any artificial products a run for their money. Rub honey or aloe gel on your lips to get an instant dose of hydration. Regular application of these products can help in achieving even-toned and moist lips

Natural Ingredients to lighten lips

● Add a few drops of extra-virgin coconut oil or olive oil every night. Regular application will help in reversing discolouration and dryness
● Add a pinch of turmeric in milk cream and leave the paste for 20 mins. Once dry, scrub off the mixture and wipe with a wet cloth

DIY Lip Balm with Natural Ingredients

It is important to give your skin a breather from beauty products that are infused with harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for lip care products such as natural lip balms for a dash of natural colour, try some of these amazing combinations that you can make at home

● Mix equal parts of beetroot extracts with glycerin or petroleum jelly. Use this as a natural lip balm for an extra dose of pink
● glyAdd 1 tbsp of cocoa and coffee powder to equal amounts of cocoa butter. It not only moisturises your lips but will add a 90’s feel to it