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If you love puckering up for some -- ahem -- quality time, but your lips aren't primed for serious smooching, then locking lips could be a painful experience. Chapped lips hurt and aren't exactly the most welcoming invite to a makeout session, while lips that don't have any lipstick or gloss on them may be boring. To have lips that look and feel kissable, you need to focus first on your health and second on your makeup.
Fix Your Lips
Chapped, flaky lips don't just look crusty and gross -- they hurt, and that's no good for kissing. You need to heal your lips before they're ready for action, so start by getting them the moisture they need. Apply cream lip balm and let your cracked, damaged lips soak up the moisture. Then, rub on a simple, waxy balm -- like the kind at the grocery store checkout -- to seal up your lips and protect them from the elements.
Protect the Pout
Once your lips are in better shape, keep them that way by adjusting your routine. For example, brush your teeth before washing your face, not after. If toothpaste residue stays on your lips, it can dry them out. Washing afterward makes sure that toothpaste is all gone. And don't wait until you're headed out the door to put on lip balm, either. Do it before you use any facial skin care treatments, like acne washes or creams. The chemicals in those products can get to your lips and cause dryness.
Color for Kissability
Once your lips are healed and moistened, adding a splash of color amps up your attractiveness. Relationship expert Scott Kudia tells "Cosmopolitan" magazine that red lips signal your vitality and energy, which turns on potential partners. Even if bold colors like red aren't your style, something as simple as a nude lip color can look classy and kissable -- just make sure that the color doesn't perfectly match your skin tone or your lips could disappear.
Finishing Touches
After your color is applied, you can make your lips look extra kiss-ready by adding a few finishing touches. For example, in her "Makeup Manual," makeup artist Bobbi Brown recommends applying lip gloss to your colored lips for a pout that looks fuller and more hydrated. If you want to make sure that your color stays on even after a few initial smooches, try applying a light dusting of blush or powder over your color to seal it in place.
