First, establish a routine.
De-flake: Get rid of dry, flaky patches by gently exfoliating lips every few days or so. A soft toothbrush or warm washcloth will do the trick, but we find it way more fun to use a lip scrub. You can also make your own with large granule sugar and a little coconut oil.
Moisturize: Throughout the day — but particularly in the morning, at night and after exfoliating — apply a hydrating balm, oil or cream to lips to keep them moisturized. Steer clear of waxy formulas for this step, since they act as a barrier but don’t hydrate.
Protect: This is where wax-based formulas come in. After your lips are hydrated, layer on a thicker balm to seal in moisture and shield them from the elements. For added protection outdoors, choose a formula with SPF.
Re-hydrate: One of the best ways to combat dry lips is to make sure you’re drinking enough water. Even slight dehydration can lead to a flake-fest, so be sure to consume more during the winter.
Lip-savers we love
1. Sara Happ Midnight Blueberry
The brand’s beloved lip scrub comes in an array of covetable flavors, and this blueberry one is a must-try. This set pairs it with Lip Slip, a luxe, super-moisturizing balm. (Sara Happ, $40)
2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy
A triple-threat treatment: colloidal oatmeal soothes, shea butter and glycerin moisturize and dimethicone creates a smooth, primed surface for other lip products. (Sephora, $12)
3. Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair
Antioxidants are a key anti-aging addition to your skin care routine, so it follows that they’d be a good thing for lips, too. This treatment helps stave off environmental damage while moisturizing and healing dry, inflamed skin. (Skinceuticals, $38)
4. eos Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm
Natural ingredients, cool, colorful packaging and an affordable price make this balm a perennial favorite. And did we mention the unique range of flavors? Pop one into your clutch and go. (eos, $4)
5. Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment
This luxurious balm not only hydrates — it boasts anti-aging properties and plumps lips for a fuller, more youthful look. (Shiseido, $36)
6. RéVive Intensité Moisturizing Lip Balm
The ultimate lip balm indulgence, this formula is purported to moisturize, protect and repair delicate skin. A cooling applicator tip adds an extra soothing sensation. (RéVive, $60)
7. Jack Black The Balm Squad
Guys shouldn’t have to suffer with dry, chapped lips either. This limited edition set features four back-by-popular-demand flavors and an antioxidant-infused, SPF 25 formula. (Jack Black, $25)
8. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Duo
From the same people who brought us BB creams comes this advanced lip-saving duo. The shape-shifting Oil Balm transforms from a balm to an oil texture for extra hydration, while the Lipair Mint protects and soothes chapped lips. (Sephora, $18)
9. Fresh Sugar Lip Serum Advanced Therapy
You use serum for your face — why not for lips? Layer this anti-aging serum under your other lip treatments for a smoother, more defined pout. (Fresh, $35)
10. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
This is the same concept of a “sleeping mask,” but for your pout. Before going to bed, use the enclosed applicator to smooth on the pink, fruit-scented formula (it smells a bit like those scented erasers you had as a kid). You’ll wake up with soft, supple lips. (Amazon, $20)