From harsh winter wind to hot summer sun, dry lips can be a battle in any season. Wrapping up in a scarf or face covering amplifies the issue, since it traps in heat, sweat and saliva. But the good news is, it’s easy to show your lips a little love!
We’ve put together a quick routine that can help heal dry, chapped lips in just a few steps. If you’re feeling extra parched, work through the whole routine each day. If maintaining a moisturized pout is your goal, make exfoliating and lip masking a twice-a-week treat.
1. Exfoliate gently.
There’s something so satisfying about rolling away dry skin with an effective exfoliant. Like you would for your face, choose a lip exfoliant that’s made with eco friendly and gentle-but-effective ingredients. That means staying away from microbeads that can pollute our waterways and just saying “no” to harsh scrubs made from ground-up shells or fruit pits.
Our Perfect Lip Scrub uses granulated sugar as its exfoliant; the fine particles are just the right size and strength for delicate lip skin. The nourishing formula is rounded out with soothing coconut oil, shea butter and vitamin E to infuse moisture while you exfoliate. Just scoop a dime-sized amount onto product-free lips, scrub in a circular motion and wipe away.
2. Add soothing moisture.
If you have a habit of licking your lips when they’re feeling dry, you might be surprised to know that it’s causing more harm than good! In fact, the digestive enzymes found in our saliva can actually break down the skin on our lips over time, leaving them even more vulnerable. Instead of licking dry lips, reach for a moisturizing balm or mask.
We created our Perfect Lip Mask to pack a punch when it comes to moisture, so it’s great for daily use and as an extra lip pick-me-up. It’s packed with fatty acids and antioxidants thanks to shea butter and vitamin E, and moisture-binding skin conditioners make sure the goodness is readily absorbed. Refreshing eucalyptus and mint oils have an instant soothing effect. Smooth on this creamy formula before bed as an overnight leave-on treatment.
3. Protect from the sun.
You’re already wearing SPF on your face and body every day (right?). Make sure to show your lips the same kind of love! Look for a lip-specific formula that’s SPF 30 or higher and made with a natural, non-toxic sunscreen. Non-nano zinc oxide is our go-to for a good reason – it’s reef-safe and free from harsh chemicals, and it provides broad-spectrum protection. You’ll find it in all of our sun care products, including Perfect Balm Sunscreen for Lips.
In addition to SPF 30 protection from the non-nano zinc oxide, Perfect Balm Sunscreen moisturizes with sunflower seed oil, shea butter and vitamin E. A natural, fresh grapefruit scent is a welcome surprise (none of that weird taste you might find in other SPF lip balms). Just swipe it on dry lips 15 minutes before heading into the sun, and reapply at least every two hours.
4. Show off!
You’re smoothed, soothed and moisturized – now it’s time to show off that perfect pout! If you’re already a lip color lover, freshly exfoliated lips are the perfect canvas for a bold berry or red. Try Enduring Lip Liner in True Red paired with Enduring Lip Color in Cherry Pie for all the right kind of attention. If you prefer to keep the focus on the rest of your makeup look, don’t underestimate the power of clear gloss. Perfect Lip Gloss in Shine is never tacky or sticky, and it adds the appearance of volume. Swipe on a coat and see how it adds a polished finishing touch – who knows, you might be reaching for the red before long!
Is lip care part of your skin care routine? If not, we’re here to make it easier. Drop your questions in the comments!
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