The skin tissue that makes up the lips is a thin, mucous membrane that differs from the skin that covers the rest of the body in two significant ways: it is lacking in sebaceous glands which secrete a protective oily film to keep the skin soft and supple; it has no protective keratinized layers.
The lips, are exposed to all the damaging effects of cold, wet weather; overly-dry central heating; sun and wind; atmospheric pollution; etc. Such conditions can cause unprotected lips to become dry, rough and sensitive. This not only brings discomfort and harms apprearance, but can worsen to the point that lips develop very painful fissures and cracks.

The importance of protection

It is even more important to protect the lips at all times than it is the hands and nails. Additional protection is recommended when coming into contact with the extra-drying conditions of over-heated rooms or airplane interiors.
Most lipsticks on the market today contain various protective and lubricating substances which help maintain the softness of the skin tissue. MAVALIP, found in MAVALIP Lipsticks, is a hydrolipidic-epidermic film composed of lecithin and sterol extracts which slows down the loss of moisture and prevents drying. The MAVALA Lipsticks contain the botanical PROLIP™ Complex for a regenerating, protecting, soothing and film forming effect.

Even when a natural, "no-liptstick" look is desired, it is important to apply a protective gloss or specific lip-protector product. The Lip Balm is recommended when exposing the lips to the intense sun of the beach or ski slopes or at high altitudes where sun rays are particularly strong.

Signs of aging

Lips tend to lose some of their fullness and shrink with age. In addition, small lines can develop around the mouth, causing lipstick to "bleed" beyond the natural lip contours and become messy looking. In addition to the daily use of one of these specialized products, here are some steps to follow in applying lipstick to achieve a youthful lip line :

Lip shapes:corrective tricks

The most beautiful mouth is the one that smiles !
Once thin lips were considered a sigh of distinction, but now fuller lips are the desired look. Dark lipstick colours conceal and matt-shades accentuate the shape of the lips. Clear, brilliant colours emphasize and illuminate. No one has a perfectly symmetrical mouth, but a Lip Liner Pencil can correct this imbalance.

A dropping mouth

Trace the upper lid with Lip Liner Pencil, rising slightly at the corners. Fill in with a lip brush.

Thin lips

If lips are really stretched, avoid reds that are too bright during the day. With a matt crayon, redesign the contour. Fill in the colour with a lip brush. Pearlized lipstick applied at the centre will give highlights and volume.

Full lips

Don't banish bright lipsticks if they are matt, but avoid shiny lipsticks. Rosewood or peach tones are elegant during the day. Trace the lip contour inside the colour border.

Narrow upper lid

The lip line should be traced slightly beyond the fleshy part of the lip. Choose a slightly lighter tint for the upper lid. The lower lid should be matt (this can be achieved by applying powder over your lipstick).

Narrow lower lip

Apply colour, then rub lips together so that the lipstick goes over the lower lip line. Define with a Lip Liner Pencil.

Choosing lip and nail colours

Your choice of nail and lipstick colour will depend on your personality and current fashion trends, of course. But the most important consideration is your personal colouring - your hair, skin and eyes.
Attaining visual harmony is the ultimate aim of any makeup regimen of which lips and nails are certainly a vital part.
There are some basic rules to be observed : if you are pale complexioned, avoid dark colours; if your skin tends to redden easily, never wear violet tones on your nails and your lips which will only accentuate the redness of your hands and your face. Choose instead true red, pink or brownish shades.