This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
NIOD Lip Bio-Lipid Concentrate £33 from Amazon
This was the first NIOD product I have tested from their extensive skin range. Having read about their potency I thought I would play safe and start with the lips! The bottle had a pipette application, which after shaking it (as per instructions) I found that there was plenty of the serum on the tube itself to just slide over my top and bottom lip, and therefore didn’t use my fingers as per the instructions. It contains hyaluronic acid to penetrate the lips, increasing the volume, so only a very small amount is needed. To avoid redness around the surrounding skin you need to apply carefully and accurately. Once applied there is a strong stinging sensation that quickly calms down. The directions say to use twice a day for 30 days, reducing to once a day thereafter.
WHY I LIKE IT: It definitely improved the texture, lip colour and volume of my lips. This is an excellent and powerful product to be used regularly as a ‘treatment’ over a period of time which makes the product price very reasonable.
SARAH CHAPMAN Lip Enhancer £30 from SpaceNK
Superfacialist Sarah chapman has an amazing range of products that I often turn to. This is a double-ended wand that aims to treat lips and the contour around the lips where ageing, loss of volume and lines occur. One end is a Power Base – an easily absorbed cream that works as a primer to smooth, treat and prep. This product also has hyaluronic acid to deliver intense hydration. Tint Balm at the other end that plumps, repairs, treats and again hydrates the lips. This Balm has cutting-edge technology that adapts with individual skin chemistry to enhance the natural lip colour. You apply Power Base to clean lips and contour, and then the Tint Balm for a slight sheen.
WHY I LIKE IT: A really easy to use product that is very effective. With the higher price tag it would be excellent to use when your lips really feel in need of some TLC. Easy to pop in your handbag and use on the go throughout the day.
CLARINS Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil £19 from Amazon
A lip care treatment infused with plant oils. 3 shades – Honey (the one I tested: a natural shade), Raspberry – gives a hint of pink and Redberry – gives a hint of red. A lovely shiny, non-sticky finish on the lips whilst really hydrating at the same time.
WHY I LIKE IT: Great sponge applicator. Excellent for day time as it also acts as a lip gloss that I either wore by itself, or on top of one of my lipsticks! It felt very nourishing and was easy to pop into my bag and use as and when during the day. I personally wouldn’t use at night, as it would feel odd to go to bed with shiny lips!
BURTS BEES Beeswax Lip Balm £4 Boots/ M&S / most chemists
A tried and tested product that I return to time and time again!
WHY I LIKE IT: Really nourishes the lips. Made with natural beeswax by this “earth friendly natural personal care company”.
In writing this, I have just discovered that BURTS BEES also do an ‘ULTRA Conditioning Lip Balm’ that’s clinically proven to moisturise for 4 hours with 1 application.£3 John Lewis. Can’t wait to try it, or if you already use it, please let me know what you think!
Oh, and number five? Well that’s a recommendation from Annabel: Elle Macpherson’s Organic Cacao Lip Balm
Over the past couple of years girlfriends have been giving beauty gifts to the hostess of a dinner party rather than flowers or chocolates and I must say it is a very welcome gift. Recently one girlfriend brought me Elle Macpherson’s Organic Cacao Lip Balm produced by her WelleCo company. It is a completely luxurious item at £18 i.e. one that I would not normally buy for myself hence it makes a great gift. However I have grown rather addicted to it as it so soft and creamy and has a gentle fragrance of oranges. It has a base of organic extra virgin oil and beeswax with a unique addition of carrot root oil, a powerful antioxidant full of beta-carotene which is perfect for soothing chapped lips. Finally Rose hip oil is incredibly healing and provides essential fatty acids and vitamins for smoother lips.
WHY I LIKE IT: I suffer from very dry lips particularly in the winter or if I have been wearing a lot of lipstick. This balm will really come into its own when the cold weather starts.