Winter Lips

The cold winter months, combined with the dry air caused by the central heating at home, are the biggest challenge for my lips every year. I happen to have dry, sensitive lips that go into a state of peeling mess if I don't look after them and forget to protect them.

My winter lip savours are:

• Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm- technically a skin balm, this product is amazing at maintaining my lips in good condition and repairing them when then need extra care. I have a tube in my bag and another one at home and reapply 3-4 times during the day as well as last thing before I go to bed. I find it great for getting rid of old flaky skin too. Simply apply a thin layer for a few minutes and gently rub off by rolling a cotton bud, before applying lipstick. You can apply this product on any area of your body as it acts as a protective barrier and supports skin's own regeneration, as well as soothes dry and cracked skin.
  
  
• Clarins Light Natural Lip Perfector- A softly textured lip gel with a deliciously sweet scent. Lips are left looking soft, smooth, shiny and plump. Sheer, but has enough colour to wear alone or to complement your favourite lip shade. Contains Shea Butter, Vitamin A and E and. This comes in several lovely wearable shades which leave a sheer tint of colour on the lips. It dispenses from a felt tip applicator and super easy to apply in the go.
  
  
• Dr. Dan's CortiBalm- the only lip balm that contains 1% hydrocortisone, which people with sensitive and prone to allergic reaction lips will absolutely love. It provides anti inflammatory protection and helps stop itching and inflammatory due to dry skin, sunburn and cosmetics. I have used this balm for 2 years now and will not be without it. It is available on Amazon.
  
  
• Nivea Hydro Care Lip Protection With Pure Water & Aloe Vera- an classic lip product, this simply works and is kind enough to suit most lip types. I find it's emollient enough to offer hydration and protection at the same time during harsher weather conditions.

In terms of lip colours, I tend to avoid matte lipsticks during the winter as they are drying on the lips and highlight flaky skin, which is not a good look. Glossy lip products and lip glosses are an easier look to maintain and often have more skin beneficial ingredients to help protect the skin. If you find that lipstick is particularly drying on your lips, it helps to put on a thin layer of your favourite lip balm and pat it on the lips, before applying the lipstick. This will help your lipstick glide better and prevent it from drying your lips.