Top Picks for Lips

During this Valentine's month, we see a lot of beauty stories about finding the perfect red lipstick or using plumping products to create sexy, full pouts. But what about the health of the lips themselves? No matter what lacquers we paint on, it's not going to matter if lips are dry, cracked and winter-worn. To help make V-Day kisses all that much sweeter and tackle one of the cold season's top skin care concerns, we've picked some of our favorite moisturizing balms—plus one standout product for the mouth in general.

To make sure the inside of your mouth is as healthy and beautiful as the outside, check out the recently-launched Philips Sonicare FlexCare+ toothbrush, which uses patented sonic technology to effectively clean the teeth and gums. Labeled "The Motivator" for its success in getting users to brush longer and more thoroughly, this sleek electric item boasts five brushing modes, including "Refresh", "Massage", "Sensitive" and the all-important "Gum Care"; the latter focuses on the gum line and, with regular use, can help improve gum health within two weeks. Contoured ProResults bristles and a stylish, included UV sanitizer—which kills up to 99% of germs and viruses on the brush head—are further pluses, as is the three-week battery life and eco-minded use of less plastic. Visit www.philips.com for details.

To soothe cracked, dry lips and create a smooth base for lipsticks and glosses, these rich—but not goopy—balms do the trick. Aveda Lip Saver SPF 15 (www.aveda.com) contains non-toxic jojoba esters to lubricate, castor oil to impart a dewy sheen, peppermint to refresh, and sunflower seed oil and three types of natural waxes (Brazilian camauba, beeswax and candelilia) to moisturize. Plus, it's waterproof and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Shea Terra Organics' Shea Lip Butter (www.sheaterraorganics.com) is packed with super-strong natural ingredients like raw, golden beeswax from Uganda, healing propolis, organic shea butter, virgin coconut cream oil, hydrating tsamma melon and wild berry oils. (The emollient sticks come in a Menthe-Orange flavor and Shea Propolis, which has South African rooibos and just a touch of stevia for sweetness.) Packaged in an oval shaped stick for easy application, Green Tea Goods Ultra-Caring Lip Balm (www.greenteagoods.com) is hydrating, protecting, and tasty thanks to coconut and sweet almond oils, green tea, chlorophyll and the brand's signature herbal blend. Twist & Pout's creamy balms (www.twistandpout.com) are made with shea butter, aloe vera and kukui nut oil. Plus, they come in cute, round containers covered with lively patterns and clip on to bags for easy access.) And finally, though not technically a balm, we love the unique Ramy Lip Oils (www.ramy.com) – available in rose, orange and mint—which offer instant hydration and light plumping action courtesy of collagen, almond and jojoba oils, and tiny marine spheres.

--Sandra Ramani