TLC for Lips

Buff It Up!

Let's face it, lips are at their most luscious when they look full and juicy. And today, a flurry of new products can actually repair and improve your lips, all before you even swipe on your lipstick.

You might not realize it, but there's a big difference between the skin on our lips and on the rest of our face. "Lip skin is very thin and it doesn't contain any oil or sweat glands," says Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatological surgeon based in New York City. "Also, constant muscle movement and exposure to the sun leads to fine lines, fading, and volume loss." But with a little help from these new treatments, balms, and glosses, your lips will be toned and protected -- and gorgeous.

If you want instant softness, a lip exfoliator will buff away rough cells, leaving you with a soft, kissable result.

Comfort Zone Lip Blooming Scrub ($19.50) uses jojoba beads to buff and moisturize, and apricot butter for extra hydration. English Ideas Lip Refine ($32) an overnight treatment, smoothes lips with alpha hydroxy acids. Aloette Soothe 'n Smooth ($24.50) contains both a scrub and a moisturizing balm with aloe and peppermint oil.