lip balm

Elizabeth Arden's cult favourite Eight Hour Cream has been around since the 1930s, but a new product in the line, Intensive Lip Repair Balm ($25) is about to hit shelves. Nestled in this portable jar are shea butter and arnica flower oil, which combine to bolster the moisture in your lips. But what has us most impressed is this product's staying power. Hours after applying the menthol-infused balm, you'll be surprised to find your lips are still supple and soft. While the instructions recommend overnight use, consider it an all-day essential to kiss chapped lips goodbye.

Nothing screams natural beauty quite like luscious lips with a hint of I-was-born-with-it colour. Aussie actress Bella Heathcote proved that a tinted lip look is quite lovely because it gives you a healthier-looking flush than standard lipstick. You can easily get this pretty pout with products already in your makeup bag. Before applying any lip colour, apply a thin layer of lip balm to your lips, like cult beauty product Smith's Rosebud Salve ($12.95). Next, use your ring finger to press in a rosy-pink shade of lipstick. Blot with a tissue and then press a little bit of balm on top of your lip colour for a hint of shine. Simple, see?

You might already know, but I'm partial to a bright lip. I think it is the easiest, quickest and most effective way to sharpen up my beauty look, and a pink, orange or red lip makes me feel "done". That said, I'm always scared of products that might dry out my lips, and a lot of lipsticks can do that. Enter Mac Cosmetics Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF15 in Fuchsia Fix ($28). The perfect amount of hydration (contains almond oil, shea butter, avocado extract, vitamins A and E ) mixed with the triple threat that is: yummy to taste, sun protection factor and great pigment. You don't need much so this one will last you a while, and it is also great on top of your favourite like-coloured lippie — another way to rock the trend without sacrificing skin health.

Whenever an unexpected cold snap comes around, men and women alike start reaching for their favourite balms to soothe their chapped lips. Regardless of what kind of lip balm you use, however, you've probably heard of so-called "lip-balm dependency." While you may just love the feeling of swiping that cooling balm over your dry lips, people have gone so far as to suggest that certain balms contain ingredients that actually dry out your lips, making it difficult for you to ever stop using them.

Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, codirector of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington DC, is quick to blow the lid off these rumours. "There is no truth to this at all," she says. "ChapSticks and lip hydrators have waxes or emollients in them to create a barrier to keep lips hydrated." The barrier prevents dryness caused by the elements, so it's practically impossible for balms to actually dry your lips out. So it turns out that lip-balm addiction is only in your head. But excessive dryness could be caused by a bigger issue, so you should check in with your dermatologist if your lips refuse to smooth out.

Whenever a celebrity visits Australia, there's a good chance they go home with paw paw ointment in their carry-on. It's our signature rescue fruit (containing peptides, enzymes and antioxidants), but did you know some brands sell their paw paw ointment laden with petrochemicals? Naughty! It's a good idea to check the back of the tube or tub before you buy your next top up or give to an international guest, just to be sure it is natural. I'm loving Natralus Natural Paw Paw Ointment ($4.94) right now, I can really taste, smell and notice the difference in consistency from other paw paw ointments I've used that contain naughty stuff. It also has double the amount of paw paw compared to most others — which is a big bonus. Natralus Paw Paw Ointment has other lovely, skin nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter and olive oil; so you can use it anywhere. I like to use mine on my elbows and knees while I'm sitting at my desk.