ONE// Exfoliate

Ever have that dry, chapped lips feeling? Your lips feel sore and you can't seem to get any lipstick or lipgloss to look good. That is due to dry skin on your lips. It is important to regularly exfoliate, whether as part of a night pampering routine or before a bit event. You can take a soft-bristle toothbrush and gently brush your lips in circular motions before you go to bed. This also helps bring circulation to your lips. Before a big event, I love exfoliating with a sugar lip scrub followed by a lip mask. 

TWO// Moisturize

Oftentimes people forget to moisturize their lips, even though they are one of the most important parts of our face. Some chapsticks may actually promote lip chapping (ironic, I know), so use a product that that is plain and without fragrance. Ingredients like beeswax and shea butter really help the moisture stay in, so those are some great ingredients to look for. My favorite overnight lip treatment is YuBe. This Japanese salve really takes care of cracked and peeling lips (and anything else that is really dry). 

THREE// Prime

You put on a lipstick you love, but it might seem as though the second you open your mouth, whether to eat, drink, or speak, it comes right off. Nothing can be more frustrating. A tried and true test is to pat a little powder on your lips before putting on lipstick, but that can really add to chapping for some people. Instead, try a tiny amount of primer mixed into a little bit of your lip moisturizer. Put it on at least 20 minutes before you want to put on your lipstick so that the moisturizer has time to sink in. 

FOUR// Stains

Liquid lipsticks are the latest trend, touted for their wearability and beautiful color choices. But they also often tend to make your lips look like dried prunes. Instead, try a stain. They are lightweight and do exactly what it sounds like-stain your lips. It is a much more subtle approach to long-lasting lip color and is also a lot gentler on your lips. 

FIVE// Hydrate

As with the rest of your skin, the more you hydrate the better it will look. Chapped lips are caused partially due to dehydration, so keep sipping on water throughout the day.