Chapped lips, like runny noses and icy sidewalks, are a guaranteed caveat of the winter season. However, what you might not know is that unlike your awkward family gatherings, chapped lips can be avoided.
First things first, stop licking them. Consider washing your face over and over without applying moisturizer afterward. If you’re a lip licker, this is the effect you’re achieving.
Unless you’re one of the lucky few — maybe five exist in the world — who claim to never need and/or use Chapstick, product is truly necessary. Saliva won’t cut it and may end up making matters worse.
On the journey to eternally moisturized lips, a smooth canvas is a major key. I’m personally a believer in the DIY sugar-and-olive-oil lip scrub (two parts sugar, one part olive oil), but the DIY-averse will enjoy Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub.
Next, you’ll need a moisturizing, oil- or butter-based balm. Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm Rêve de Miel, with shea butter and almond oil, has achieved near-cult status for good reason. It’s thick, but not sticky, and will leave your lips moisturized for hours.
This being said, the Nuxe option is on the upper end of what most people consider an acceptable lip balm budget. For a price that’s easier to stomach, try Evan Healy Whipped Shea Butter for Lips. I can personally vouch for this one as well.
Finally, top everything off with a layer of occlusive product, which will act as a moisture sealant to seal in all of the oils and butters in the products above. Vaseline Lip Therapy Cocoa Butter and Lano Lips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm are both solid options.
We’re all about staying moisturized for ourselves, but let’s not forget that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Keeping that pucker primed and ready for a smooch is a priority, right after staying on top of our New Year’s resolutions.
Images via Colette De Barros for Darling Issue No. 10
3 comments
I just discovered Dr. Brommer’s lip balm in Naked. I try really hard to keep nasty chemicals and petroleum off my body and this does the trick. And, it’s cheap!!!!
olive oil will rescue your lips if applied a few times a day when nothing else is at your disposition. Rubbed with your fingers long enough till you feel a difference in your lips.
So helpful. Once time at a work convention, my lips, so extremely chapped as they were on this dry February day, actually split open in the middle of a conversation with a vendor, blood drops and all. Possibly one of the most humiliating moments in my short work career.
Ever since that day I’ve prioritized my lip care, vowing to never find myself in that situation again. These tips are so helpful, and I look forward to continued positive lip health!
Elisabeth
elisabethafondell.com