One of the things that annoys me the most about the winter season, is my constant struggle with dry, chapped lips. There's nothing more irritating, embarrassing, or more uncomfortable than a flaky pout. Seriously, you can't even rock a bright bold lipstick under feathered lips!. Okay fine, maybe there are worse things, but still … it doesn't make it any more pleasant. And lip balm only seems to work for so long. If you're battling chapped lips this winter, don't worry. It's pretty common during the colder months and it's super easy to treat. Check out a few of these tips below to help you achieve some smooth and gorgeous labios!
Readmore ¿Qué más? 7 Winter beauty mistakes every Latina should avoid
Image via Thinkstock
Exfoliate
Windy, cold weather causes the moisture from our lips to quickly evaporate, leaving them dry and dehydrated. “Exfoliating the lips every 2-3 days is crucial in the dry winter months. Not only will lips be hydrated in the morning, but lip color will glide on and feel soft and comfortable all day long,” says makeup expert, Laura Geller. Try a lip scrub, like Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Blood Orange ($24).
Don't lick
The enzymes found in saliva can actually irritate your lips over time and result in flaking and cracking. If you feel the urge to lick, try reaching for a lip balm instead.
Hydrate your puckers
When choosing a lip balm, you want to look for a formula that’s fragrance, flavor and alcohol free. These ingredients can cause allergies that can enhance chapped lips. Looks for a intense moisturizing lip treatment that’s formulated without synthetic fragrances, parabens or synthetic dyes and that contains nourishing ingredients that work to repair, moisturize and protect your pout. I like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy ($12).
Look for moisturizing ingredients
Formulas that contain ingredients like beeswax, soybean oil, shea butter or petroleum really help trap in moisture. Try, Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($3).
Avoid citrus
Until your lips are healed, try avoiding any kind of citrus fruits. The juice can sting and lead to more peeling and flaking.
Moisturize before bed
You want to make sure you also apply something on your lips before you go to bed. Indoor heating can cause them to get dramatically dry over night. Treat your lips while you sleep with a deeply moisturizing balm, like C.O Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm ($8).
