Lips are easily chapped. For one, they’re exposed. Also, they’re thin-skinned and lack oil glands. If that’s not enough, as we age, they get smaller, drier and tend to lose color too.

Yet most women fail to make caring for their lips a part of their routine. That said, here are 4 tips for healthier looking lips:

1: Stay Hydrated

Dry lips indicate that you aren’t drinking enough water. It also indicates that you are stressed. This doesn’t mean that you drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Just make sure what you eat has high water content. Some of these options include fruits and veggies, herbal teas and coconut water.

2: Opt for a Cream or Ointment

While that waxy balm you use prevents moisture loss, it doesn’t hydrate your lips. Of course, if it has menthol or camphor, it can dry (and irritate) your lips. So, a creamy or ointment-like treatment that contains occlusives and humectants should do the trick. Even a cream such as the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream works perfectly too.

3: Use Balm or Oil To Remove Scaly Patches

Peeling off rough skin can make you lips look young. For this, apply moisturizing balm or oil. Then use a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush away scaly patches. Mix a little brown sugar along with coconut or olive oil. Rub it on your lips with your fingertips for a few seconds. Now, rinse your lips and then apply balm. Do this once a week. Anything more will turn them raw.

4: Use Balm or Lipstick with SPF 15

If your lipstick or balm does not contain a broad-spectrum SPF, then find one. For this, use a balm or lipstick that is at least SPF 15. If you’re at the beach, then use one that is SPF 30 at least.

Summer is undeniably the season to try out new fashion looks. However, there are some guidelines that might come handy irrespective of the items that you choose.

1. Buy summer shoes a half-size or a full-size larger than you normally would

This might not be the most pleasant facts, but the feet tend to swell during summertime. When shopping for summer shoes and sandals, you might want to choose them in a larger size than what you wear in winter. For natural materials such as canvas, leather and suede, going up only half a size would be sufficient. For materials such as plastic or faux leather, going up a full size is recommended.

2. Mind your fabrics

The fabrics that you choose for your summer clothes will directly affect your comfort level. Some high-street stores would be poly-blends which are not quite breathable. Materials such as cotton are more convenient for warmer days. Linen is another material that holds well during summer. For pants, thin denim is also a good alternative compared to regular denim.

3. Reinvent your clothes

Using the services of a tailor can help you transform your garments and giving them a whole new look. For instance, your jeans can be cut and transformed into shorts. Maxi skirts can also be cut into mini skirts. Blazers can also be effectively transformed into crop tops.

4. Keep your actual makeup from melting

During the summer heat, your lipsticks and foundations might start melting. To prevent your products from going bad, you might consider storing them in a refrigerated area or even in your own refrigerator!