5 Unexpected Perks to Wearing Lipstick

1. Confidence. Who doesn't feel exponentially sexier after a swipe of lipstick? Answer: no one.

2. Sun protection. Lips can get sunburned just like the rest of your skin. In fact, they're more vulnerable to the sun's rays because there is no melanin (the compound that protects skin from the sun) in your lips. But thankfully, lipsticks oftentimes have an SPF of 15 or higher, protecting them from an awkward sunburn.

3. Lipstick (opens in new tab) can make your lips appear fuller. But the mouth isn't the only facial feature it helps to define. A pop of color on the bottom of your face makes the pop of color on top—your eyes—look bigger and more defined.

4. Posture. Surprising, right? Studies have shown that women who regularly wear lipstick have better posture than those who don't. A study by L'Oreal revealed that the (albeit, small) act of "stretching" to put on lipstick improves balance and coordination, and thereby makes you stand taller.

5. Swiping on lip color is the easiest (and quickest) way to look put-together sans foundation, mascara, eyeliner, et al. Less prep time in the morning is always much appreciated.

Related:

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6 Beauty Hacks, All Done With A Spoon (opens in new tab)

An Ode To Lipstick Girls (opens in new tab)