Incase you didn’t know, today is Lips Appreciation Day and as beauty enthusiasts, we’ll definitely be celebrating (*grabs Dermelect Smooth Lip Volumizer*)!

Because let’s face it: most of us pay a ton of attention to our faces (eye creams, serums, creams, and more!) But aside from occasionally applying a fun rouge or gloss, many of us tend to neglect our lips. And why? We use them to speak, eat, kiss, and more, so we think they should be a focal point within our self-care routines. Plus, there’s nothing more uncomfortable than a pair of dry or chapped lips.

After all, world-renowned editorial makeup artist, Markphong Tram, says, “Soft, healthy lips can help you feel much more confident. They also are the canvas for how easily your lipstick glides on and how your mouth is photographed.” That’s why we’re not keeping our lips sealed on how to really care for your pout. So, without further ado, we’ve gathered 5 expert tips from the esteemed makeup artist himself so your lips can live their best lives –– pampered and all!

Drink water

Yes, you are hearing it, AGAIN. But seriously... drink more water! Doctor’s and Tram’s orders. According to Medline, to ease dry, chapped lips, it’s imperative to drink more fluids, especially in the winter or if you’re in a colder climate. As far as how much exactly, there is no one size-fits-all answer, so it’s best to consult with a physician to determine your recommended intake. However the takeaway is- more is better.

Buff away dead skin

According to Tram, one of the best times to exfoliate is in the shower after you’ve washed your hair and face. He says, “It’s the time when our lip skin tissue has become softened by the water.” He recommends using your fingers to gently exfoliate any dead skin. He adds, “It’s the best, most effective and natural way to exfoliate your lips.” Exfoliation can be done once a day in the shower, but if you’re wearing a matte lipstick, he suggests doing it twice a day for a beautiful, smooth application.

Bring on the hydration

By now, you probably know that keeping lips moisturized is key! Tram suggests using lip balm and re-applying as often as possible. For lipstick lovers, he adds, “If you wear a lip color, be sure to apply a lightweight lip gloss on top of it or opt for a satin finish lipstick to keep lips from drying out.”

Give your lips a daily skin treatment

For va-va-voom lips, Dermelect Smooth Lip Volumizer will be your trusted go-to, as it provides an instant volumizing effect to help smooth out any lines on the lips! Tram says, “As a makeup artist that has had the opportunity to work on some of Dermelect’s beauty and skincare campaigns, I loved using Smooth Lip Volumizer to prep my models’ lips for shoots.” For a gorgeous and even lip application, Tram recommends priming lips with it before applying your lip color of choice.

Don’t neglect the skin around your lips

Don’t forget about the area around your lips! To supplement your lip care routine, consider Dermelect Smooth Upper Lip & Perioral Anti-Aging Treatment, which targets fine lines above and around the lips. These lines can occur from a myriad of sources such as sun damage, over-waxing, smoking, drinking from straws and so much more. This universal treatment aims to minimize these wrinkles and in turn will help reduce lipstick feathering and bleeding. BONUS: it also targets dark pigmentation below the nose! Tram says, “It helps to prevent and smooth out upper lip lines, which is why I always suggest it to my clients! It’s got all of the great components to help with early laugh and smile lines from forming, like hyaluronic filling spheres, collagen, and retinol!”