Beauty expert Traci Brooks says that the cure for chapped lips are exfoliating and moisturizing. Exfoliate and hydrate lips before applying lipstick.
Lipstick is only a barrier; it does not moisturize. Just as the rest of your face needs hydrating and exfoliating, so do your lips.
To exfoliate, try products that contain salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acid. At least once a week, apply product and let it sit for about five minutes, then rub off with a warm washcloth.
Make a homemade exfoliator with just sugar and lemon juice. Create a paste by adding the juice to the sugar and rub over lips in a circular motion. Remove with a warm washcloth.
Pumice lipsticks, which cost anywhere from $6 to 12, can be used for exfoliating.
A soft toothbrush can also be used to exfoliate.
Use aloe-vera gel to hydrate. Avoid an old favorite, petroleum jelly, which actually dries out the lips. Look for products that use jojoba oil, vitamin-E oil and cocoa butter.
Make a night balm by combining shavings from a stick of cocoa butter with vitamin-E oil (break open a capsule).
To moisturize, use lip balm with sunscreen during the day.