Cold weather is here in force. Falling temperatures can seriously irritate, inflame, and dry the delicate skin on your lips. Our lips lack the same oil glands found on the rest of your skin, so they miss out on the natural hydration the rest of your body enjoys. Add constant exposure to the drier, colder winter air, and you’re looking at the season when lips can become cracked and raw.
One way to hydrate chapped lips is to make a habit of applying lip balm or a lip mask before bed for overnight repair. Turn on a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. Dermatologists recommend keeping lips moist throughout the day to prevent drying out. Regular application of lip balms containing ingredients such as lanolin or simple beeswax will help protect the skin on your lips. These are some of the best lip treatments that beauty editors swear by to moisturize and protect your lips.
Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm ($5.49 for 2, click here)
This cult-favorite tingles with peppermint oil and soothes with vitamin E. It also comes in a range of popular flavors, including pomegranate and vanilla bean. The balm is a moisturizing mix of coconut, lanolin, and sunflower oils and a bit of beeswax. The formula is not very shiny or thick, so it’s great under lipstick.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($22, click here)
Despite the name, don’t limit this mask to bedtime. Keep this fast-absorbing formula handy, and treat your lips to a healing midday spa session. Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid repair with long-lasting relief. The texture is very thick and glossy and leaves your lips feeling luxe—probably why it’s an Allure 2019 Best of Beauty Award winner.
Glossier Balm Dotcom ($12.00, click here)
If your lips need extra moisture and protection against damage, this thick salve formulated with lanolin, castor seed oil, and beeswax can be your go-to balm. Natural emollients nourish dry, chafed skin, so go ahead and use the original clear formula as a skin salve on flaky elbows or heels. Other fun flavors come in sheer tints.
Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm ($18, click here)
Lips plagued by the loss of firmness and elasticity will find this demi-matte balm rejuvenates and soothes fine lines and wrinkles. It’s pricey, true, but it will keep you hydrated for hours at a time. The formula of hydrating oils and vitamins will last all day long. This nourishing balm visibly pumps up the volume of super-delicate lips.
Fresh Sugar Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 15, ($24.00, click here)
This tinted lip treatment feels moisturizing on lips with a just-right texture that steers clear of glossy. The buildable color can deepen from a sheer tint to a juicier, more saturated sheen. This beauty editor favorite also packs in SPF 15 sunscreen protection.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 ($10, click here)
A classic since 1851, this balm brings a juicy shine along with soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Squalene keeps lips hydrated, while aloe vera soothes and comforts. Vitamin E neutralizes skin-damaging free radicals.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment ( $2.99, click here)
While not the sexiest, this is one lip treatment that beauty editors and dermatologists swear by. The multipurpose ointment is rich with moisture, and its thick texture makes sure a little goes a long way. Plus, it’s great for healing every inch of dry skin, including elbows and knees.