Just like everything else for your wedding, your lips will need some special preparation in order to get them ready for the big day. With all the talking, eating, and smooching, they’re bound to get plenty of attention so don’t neglect them in your pre-wedding skin care routine! To make your mouth look completely kissable, just remember to Hydrate, Exfoliate, Moisturize, and Color.

-Hydrate- Drinking plenty of water each and every day is one of the best all-around beauty tips. Not only is it great for weight control but it also keeps your skin looking healthy, beautiful, and…you guessed it, makes for fuller, softer lips. When the cells in your skin and lips become dehydrated (something that will happen if you’re not drinking enough water) they shrink making the skin look loose and dull. On the flip side, keeping yourself hydrated means your cells will expand and your skin and lips will look firmer and more youthful; something you’ll definitely want for your wedding! How much water you should consume is greatly determined by your lifestyle: how much you exercise, what climate you live in, any health concerns, etc. Perhaps following the old rule of drinking 8, 8 oz glasses a day is a good place to start though you should make sure to adjust it where necessary. Keeping your body hydrated will help you get beautiful, soft, luscious lips so don’t skimp on the water!

-Exfoliate- This is something you’re probably already doing for your face so go ahead and give your lips the same treatment! Getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface will make you look and feel nice and soft. There are many exfoliators on the market made especially for lips so go ahead and pick one up if you’d like. If you’d rather g o with something homemade there are a couple of different options. Try making a sugar scrub using olive oil and brown sugar. Combine the ingredients in a bowl (for just the lips go with 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp olive oil) and gently massage the scrub into your lips using your fingers then rinse. You can also use a soft, wet toothbrush by itself to remove any dry or dead skin if you’d prefer not to use any products at all. Whichever method you decide on, it’s important to remember that your lips are very sensitive so when using any scrub or exfoliator, be careful not to rub too hard or too long or you could end up damaging them. It’s also a good idea not to exfoliate every day since it could cause over-drying or peeling; this is especially true if your lips are badly chapped or cracked to begin with. Used appropriately, exfoliating scrubs will bring you a step closer to getting beautiful lips!

-Moisturize- Your lips can use a moisturizer almost more than other parts of your body since they don’t have any oil glands to help protect them from the elements and since the skin there is thinner and more sensitive. They also dry out easily and are susceptible to sunburn. Avoid licking your lips since this actually speeds up the drying process. While they might feel better for a moment, when the water evaporates it leaves your mouth even dryer and more exposed than it was before. All these things make it very important to find the right lip balm (preferably one with SPF) and to use it frequently. My favorite brand is Carmex; it’s always worked to heal my lips quickly and keep them looking healthy and smooth! Keep a chapstick or balm in your purse so it’s easily accessible if you find yourself out in bright sunlight or harsh weather. Having it nearby will also help eliminate the temptation to lick your lips if that’s a habit you’re struggling to kick. I like to apply my lip balm right before going to bed at night to help rejuvenate them while I sleep. Make moisturizing your lips part of your daily beauty routine!

-Color- Now that your lips are healthy and soft it’s time to give them that extra pop with the right color! For your wedding, it’s important to experiment with different brands and shades until you find the one that’s perfect for you! I have learned the hard way that while many colors look beautiful in the tube (and on other people) they come out looking very differently on me. If you love the shade your best friend uses, make sure to try it out a few times before your big day to see if you like how it looks with your complexion and hair color. I have a lot of pink in my skin so lipsticks of that color tend to come out very bright on me; I avoid them like the plague. I’m also very pale so anything that’s too light washes me out. It’s important for you to know the undertones of your skin as well so that you can find the colors that will compliment you and those you should steer away from. Shopping for the right lipstick can be a lot of fun so grab a friend whose opinion you trust and start sampling everything you can find!

Remember to give your lips the same attention you’re giving the rest of your skin and to include them in your wedding beauty preparations. By doing so you’ll have no problems creating the perfect pucker in no time!

- Kelsey Gonzalez