This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NYU chapter.
Oh polar vortex, you have tried to spite my efforts long enough.
When it gets this cold, I don’t worry about slipping on ice (my Southern feet haven’t quite found their footing yet). Â The only concern I have is dryness. Â I basically get home and roll around in lotion, body butter, body oil, you name it. Â And, with Valentine’s day just around the corner, you definitely cannot forget your lips.
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The wind chill may be unforgiving at best, and keeping your lips soft in this weather? Â I’ve got it down to a T.
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I know you all carry lip balm around, right? Â Great, so let’s not waste time on that.
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We’ll start with a sugar scrub. Â If it floats your boat, feel free to go out and buy a tasty lip scrub – Lush makes one that kind of tastes like Coca Cola to me. Â Personally, I love my homemade version. Â It’s as easy as taking a spoonful of brown sugar and some lemon juice. Â Scoop it up with your fingers and gently rub it over your lips in circular motions. Â It tastes like lemonade concentrate a.k.a. super yummy.
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You can also sneak a little exfoliation in when you’re brushing your teeth. Â No joke. Â After you’ve cleaned your chompers, run your toothbrush over your lips, too. Â You’d be surprised at the difference it makes.
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Now, let’s talk sleep. Â I’m not going to lecture you on how many hours you need a day – Lord knows I don’t get enough shut eye. Â I’m going to lecture you on Aquaphor (or whatever equivalent you prefer). Â Before I get into bed, my lips are drowned in Aquaphor for Babies. Â It’s super hydrating because it’s usually used for problems like cracked elbows and knees, etc. Â Layer enough on, and it’ll create this moisture barrier to protect you from the dry heat in your room while you snooze.
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Lastly, keep lip balm on you. Â Seriously, your lips will thank you. Â If you don’t like traditional lip balm, there’s literally dozens of alternatives. Â I use my Josie Maran Creamy Argan Oil (which now comes in beautiful tinted colors), or sometimes I switch it out for my Smith’s Rosebuld lip salve.
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Having smooth moisturized lips is vital. Â If you have chapped lips, your next smooch maybe be a little… scratchy. Â More importantly, your lipstick will not wear well, and I’m not about that life.