I start by using a primer so the lines will not run.  I then use a ruby colored pencil to outline mu lips followed with a slightly lighter color than than the liner to fill in .  Finally, I top my lips off with a shiny gloss. 

...is to first use a good, "sink-in" hydrator such as the Body Shop's lip butters, or Aquafina's tube of "gloss/oil."  Then, use a fantastic balm such as Strawberry or any of the Rosebud salves (available at Sephor.)  Reapply and/or repeat as needed.  The most beautiful shade of lipstick in the world will look horrible if your lips are not hydrated and smooth.  :)

In a small makeup pot/travel container , I cut a good, quality chapstick off of the stick and place it into the pot. I then take a tube of lipstick in a color I like, but darker than I wouold normally wear. I cut it off into the same jar and mix until it well blended. My lips stay soft and I have a color I like.

Take sugar, mix with oilive oil, and spread over lips. This acts as a great exfoliate. My lips feels less dry after this routine.

In order for any lipstick, gloss or any color to look wonderful on your lips, your lips have to be smooth and soft. No lipstick will look good on chapped, scaly lips. Exfoliation is a must and you don't need any special products for doing that. All you have to do is brush your lips daily with a toothbrush, wiping away the flakiness and then you must apply carmella balm to your lips. Not only will the carmella balm soothe and soften your lips but it acts as a great base for any lip color and will hold the lip color on your lips. I always carry a tube or small jar of Julie Hewett's carmella balm with me at all times, in all seasons because lips get just as chapped in the winter months as they do in the summer months. Always use a sunscreen on your lips to protect them from getting chapped and sunburned as well.

Diane

kleimanlaw at aol dot com

I like to gently rub my lips with a clean bath towel to get rid of any loose skin before applying lipstick. I also apply chapstick before lipstick—it makes it last longer.

The best way to lighten  up your lipstick is to apply some melted butter on them.

My lip tip is to start with a good foundation.....use an exfoliant to remove dead, dry skin.  Honey and sugar are a great combination for a quick, easy, do-it-yourself exfoliant.  Then, follow this with some great moisture - again - ingredients like honey, vitamin e, almond oil are great to look for!  There are also plenty of "recipes" out there for making your own.  Total Beauty actually posted the SpaMagazine article about making your own products a couple of weeks ago.  Here's a quick link:  http://www.spamagazine.com/articles/renewal/soft-sexy-lips.  Remember, healthy lips are happy lips.  Don't forget to drink plenty of water and protect your lips from the sun!

I always keep my lips looking great by using a moisturizer or lip gloss with a moisturizer.  I use a base of lipstick and cover it in lip gloss for great color, a shiny look and my lips look great and feel great all day.