It's the holiday season so you know there will be a lot of mistletoe around. That means your lips have to be soft and kissable. Winter can be rough on skin. The best way to combat dry, cracked lips is hydration. Here are a few tips to prevent and maintain a soft pucker.
 

This is a "no brainer". Find creative ways to sneak in moisture. Your options are not limited to bland, cold bottles of water. A cup of hot green tea is a great alternative. The idea is to get as much water into your body as possible. The more water that enters your cells, the plumper they become, which leads to healthier, smoother looking skin.

Exfoliate

Your skin has a natural cycle to rid itself of dead skin. This process tends to slow down in colder months and as we get older. To speed up the process place a small amount of Vaseline on lips and rub dead skin off lips with an old toothbrush. Another suggestion is to make a homemade lip scrub using raw sugar and water and follow with a moisturizing lip balm. If you don't want to take the homemade route try products like Lip Scuff  ($12) from The Body Shop or C.O. Bigelow Soothing Lip Buffer No. 1070 ($7.50).

Moisturize

I prefer lip balms and salves that are petroleum based. I like the weight of them and think they do a great job protecting against chapping thanks to cold winds. Lip balms that are "butter" based have a lighter texture and are excellent at holding in moisture. Search for balms that contain shea, avocado, or cocoa butters. Find a texture that works for you. Some of my favorites are Vaseline Lip Therapy ( $1.99), Carol's Daughter Lip Butter  ($7.00), and my new favorite (for the great packaging) EOS 's spherical lip balm $9.99 for a pack of three). I like the lemon drop flavor. 

Following these steps will allow you to heal dry, cracked, chapped lips. Its is a lot easier to apply lip glosses and lip color on smooth, hydrated lips. Now Pucker Up & Happy Holidays!