Lip Service

Full, pouty lips are certainly a desired attribute for most women, and with the plethora of lip glosses, lipsticks, lip balms available, achieving a sexy pout is easier than ever. Lips are often viewed as a symbol of sensuality and sexuality, and full lips are one of the universal qualities of "ideal" beauty.

The lips do not contain oil or sweat glands, so have a tendancy to dry out and become chapped quite easily. It is essential to use a good lip balm, preferably with an SPF to protect the delicate skin on the lips. This is especially important during summer and winter months when the elements can be a little harsher.

My top three lip moisturisers

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

A cult classic and a favourite of make up artists. Very emollient and healing, great for very chapped lips (and dry skin on the body, face and cuticles). Has a lovely shine and can also be used as an eye gloss or to keep eyebrows in place.

• Blistex Lip Conditioner

Good old blistex in the little white pot is fantastic for dry lips, and great for girls and boys. Because it contains a SPF it's ideal for being on the beach, or on the mountain. Inexpensive and effective.

• Lucas Paw Paw Ointment

Another cult product that has gained a huge following of late, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment comes in a little red tube and is made from Paw Paw (or Papaya) fruit and has been around for about 100 years! It's quite a thick ointment but a godsend for dry lips. As it also has antiseptic properties it can be used for insect bites and minor cuts. It retails for around ten dollars so is a great inexpensive option for lips (available from most pharmacies).

The start to the perfect pout is moisturised lips that are in good condition. Even the best lipstick in the world will look terrible over dry, chapped lips. The choice of lip products is vast, but it really comes down to personal preference. Do you want a bright set of lips with a solid creamy colour? Or a sheer, glossy shimmery pout? Lipstick and lip gloss are fabulous tools to enhance and finish off any make up look, but it can be hard choosing the perfect shade! The variety of lipstick colours available is overwhelming, and then there's the method of application....

Tips for choosing and applying lipstick and/or lip gloss

• Try lipstick colours on where possible, anyone can wear any colour they desire, provided it's in the correct shade.

• Test products on your fingertips rather than the back of your hand to get a better indication of what the shade will look like on your lips.

• Blue based shades will make teeth look lovely and white, a blue based red or burgandy can look absolutely stunning pared with minimal eye make up.

• Lip liner is optional, but if you do choose to use it, make sure you colour in your the whole lip rather than just outlining, this way when your lipstick wears off you won't be left with a line. Match your lipliner to your lipstick, or simply buy a nude lipliner which can be used under any shade.

• Darker colours will make lips look smaller, so steer clear of these if you have thin lips. Stick to lighter colours, or shimmery and glossy products to make your lips look as full as possible.

• Using lip gloss over lipstick can be problematic as it can cause lipstick to bleed. If you do want to add a touch of gloss over lipstick, use a slightly lighter shade, or a clear gloss and just place a dab in the centre of the lower lip. A dab of light shimmery powder (such as eyeshadow) over lip colour on the centre of the lower lip will give the illusion of fuller lips.

• For the perfect set of long lasting red lips (or for any bright colour), ensure lips are moisturised but wipe off any excess lip balm. Dab a very thin layer of concealer or foundation around the lipline, then follow this with a light dusting of powder. Use your lipliner to redefine the natural lipline (don't forget to colour in the lips too) or use a firm lip brush to paint lip colour directly on. Do one coat of colour, then press with a tissue. Reapply a second thin coat of colour. Add a small dab of gloss on the centre of the lips, and voila! Perfection.

• If lipstick is not your thing, or you find all of that a bit too much effort, simply use a lip gloss instead. MAC have the most amazing range of colours, in a variety of finishes. Don't go overboard with gloss, but you will need to touch it up more regularly than lipstick.

• Long lasting lipsticks are great, and some really do work, but they can be quite drying on the lips. Many come with a glossy top coat that can keep the lips feeling more moisturised. L'Oreal do a great long lasting lipstick, as do MAC.

Want fuller lips? There are some fun products and glosses available that claim to make lips full and plump, one of the first (and best selling) being Du Wop Lip Venom. But be prepared for some serious tingling and heat! These products work by irritating the skin on the lips with ingredients like menthol and camphor, which cause swelling that makes the lips look bigger. This effect is only temporary, so these products need to be reapplied frequently.

The other option of course, is to have cosmetic procedures to enhance lips. These include synthetic, non animal dervied, hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane. Hyaluronic acid is found in the skin already, and is known for is water binding abilities. These treatments offer great results, and last from three months to a year. It is essential to visit a reputable clinic and find someone who is experienced in administering these treatments, for safety, and to acheive a natural and satisfactory result. The proportion of the upper lip to the lower lip should ideally be 1:1.5, so avoiding an over plumped upper lip will ensure your pout remains in proportion (we've all seen the tragic celebrity "trout pout" photos!).

Applying lipstick or lip gloss is an instant mood and confidence booster, and is something that most women indulge in daily. An interesting idea was voiced by Mr Lauder (of Estee Lauder) when he noticed higher than usual lipstick sales after the 2001 terrorist attacks. This was dubbed "The Lipstick Theory", and suggests that lipstick sales are a way to gauge the economy. Apparently in times of economic crisis, women are more likely to treat themselves to a small luxury such as a $30 or $40 lipstick, than spend hundreds on a new dress or pair of shoes. I'm sure we can all relate to this at times!

I think we should all splurge on a new lip gloss or lipstick when possible, what a great way to give yourself a bit of retail therapy, all whilst looking fabulous.