Makeover Monday: Pucker Up!

This Makeover Monday post is brought to you by The Worst Case of Chapped Lips EVER.

Between the cold, windy weather and the constantly running heating systems, it's no wonder my lips feel and look a whole lot like snake skin. A nice look in a handbag, if you're in to that kind of thng, but not such a great look on my face.

If you've ever suffered chapped lips, you know about the vicious circular predicament they present. One of the worst things you can do is lick them, yet they're so dry you can practically hear them crying for the mercy of moisture. Instinct kicks in and before you know it, your tongue sneaks out and provides a very brief measure of temporary relief. Which only makes them dry out more quickly. Vicious, I tell you!

You know what's next, don't you? Yep, here are a few tips for fighting the discomfort of chapped lips:

1) Wear lip balm. (I know, Duh.)

2) Wear lip balm with sunscreen of SPF15, minimum. (Double Duh.)

3) Seek out lip products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), moisturizers, shea butter, Vitamin A and/or E, AND the sunscreen.

4) Once a week (at least), use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a drizzle of honey to exfoliate and moisturize your lips. Brush vigorously to loosen dry skin, but not so vigorously you remove skin. Remember, the lips are thin and delicate! (I've also used plain old Vaseline in place of honey with good, if less tasty, results.)

5) A friend from India uses ghee (a clarified butter) as an overnight lip moisturizer.

6) If your lips have moved beyond chapped to dry and cracked, check your diet. You could be low in B vitamins. Might be a good time to focus on healthy sources of vitamin B like broccoli, spinach, bananas, potatoes, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, nuts, fish, wholegrain cereals, and brown rice. Among others.

That's my entire arsenal of chapped lip weaponry. Would LOVE to see more tips!

Hope you all have a most marvelous Monday!