In Winter, skin suffers when exposed to constant changes from warm to cold. Delicate lips are particularly at risk. As temperatures go down we often end up with dry, sore and cracked lips. There are plenty of balms on the market to help dealing with this issue. However before treating the problem with a salve it is important to try to get rid of all the loose little dry bits with a gentle exfoliation. I recommend making your own by mixing a small teaspoon of honey with 1/2 a teaspoon of caster sugar and adding a teaspoon of olive or coconut oil (I much prefer using coconut oil as it smell much nicer, however both oils work equally well). Mix it well and apply a small amount on the lips and scrub gently to get rid of all the flaky bits. You can put the rest of the mixture in a small pot and use it every two or three days. It is better to make a small amount to use and repeat it when needed. If you are not in a DIY mood you can buy ready made lip scrubs. Lush has flavoured lip scrubs £ 5.50 at https://www.lush.co.uk/ and there is Lip Love – a renewing Honey Bee Lip Scrub – from Charlotte Tilbury at the pricier £ 25.00 http://www.charlottetilbury.com/.
Once your lips are exfoliated and smoother you will need to apply balm often to keep them protected and soft. There is a multitude of products to buy from the humble Vaseline to the luxurious By Terry’s Baume de Rose lip balm. If your lips are quite badly damaged make sure you apply a tick layer of balm every night at bedtime. A good lip balm is a beauty essential and one of my favourite products. Here is my selection of best-loved potions.
Korres Lip Butters are simply divine, organic, made from 100% natural products and a joy to use, with 7 pretty colours (Wild Rose and Pomegranate are fab), they cost £ 8.00 http://www.asos.com/Korres/Korres-Lip-Butter/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1660938&istCompanyId=6f061ed0-7427-4b6c-bb90-987c0bd08468&istItemId=xaa&TTP=2
EOS Lip balms are very addictive ! Some lip balm scents have an overpowering and chemical flavouring but I have been using the Summer fruit one and it has a lovely natural fruit flavour. This balm is all-natural – 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben, phtalate, petrolatum free. It is packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing Shea butter and Jojoba oil. They are presented in a cute twist and turn sweet coloured egg shape. Price £ 5.99 on https://www.lovelula.com
NUXE RÈVE DE MIEL Lip Balm is an intensely hydrating lip balm that will protect and repair sore and chapped lips. This amazing lip balm has become a global cult product. Nuxe even road-tested it in the extreme harshness of the Canadian winter. Rève De Miel’s formula includes honey, plant oils, Shea butter and grapefruit essence to instantly repair, protect and comfort chapped lips. It is available for £ 9.50 on the Space NK website http://uk.spacenk.com/reve-de-miel-lip-balm/MUK200004892.html and http://www.marksandspencer.com/nuxe-rve-de-miel-ultra-nourishing-lip-balm-15g/p/p22172165
BAUME DE ROSE By Terry is the ‘Aston Martin’ of lip balm ! I know that sounds silly but it is quite true. But I should start by telling you a little about Terry…Terry De Gunzburg worked for the Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics for many years as makeup artist and then creative director. She created the global best-seller Touche Éclat ( also known as 8 hours of sleep in a tube ) and has been called the Steve Jobs of makeup. In 1998 she started her own cosmetic line. Her Baume de Rose lip balm has developed a cult following over the last ten years. This salve will repair, boost cell renewal, revitalise and nourish with its lipo-regenerating complex made from rose flower essential wax and pastel oil. The healing powers of Shea butter leave lips feeling very smooth, while ceramides and vitamin E help to protect and fortify this delicate area against the signs of ageing. So, what is the price of this wonder balm ? Well it is a ‘bargain’ comparing to the car I mentioned earlier but will it will set you back £ 39.00. It is available at Space NK http://uk.spacenk.com/http://uk.spacenk.com/baume-de-rose/MUK200000730.html
BURT’S BEES LIP BALM is an old favourite and probably one you know about, however there are a 3 new flavours. So here they are – first is Blueberry & Dark Chocolate which reminds me of a lovely cupcake mix combo, then Pink Grapefruit – not a huge fan of the fruit but the lip balm is very good and to finish the gorgeous Coconut & Pear ! These natural lip balms are loaded with coconut and sunflower oils, rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, to nourish, condition and soften lips. Beeswax seals in hydration. As they are extremely good value- £ 3.69 – you can select more than one flavour if you cannot decide which one to choose. http://www.burtsbees.co.uk/ AM xx
