I don't know why I haven't tried this ever in my life because it seems somewhat obvious, but I recently read a tip on how to get your lips soft and smooth, particularly if you wear dark colors of lipstick. And I tried it and it worked!

First, gently wet your lips. The tip didn't recommend this, but I also softly dabbed them with Aveda Calming Composition.

Then take a very, very gentle scrub -- I'm using one that isn't made anymore, but it's literally made from ground rosebuds -- and use it on your lower lip only. BE GENTLE, but lightly rub until the chapped, dry, scaly skin is gone and your lips feel soft. Then rinse them with lukewarm water until the scrub is gone. Then while they're still damp, take a q-tip and put a single drop of eye serum -- I'm using Aveda Night Nutrients -- on the middle of your lower lip. Blot your lips to spread it around.

Your lips will instantly be smooth and you can wear dark lipstick right away.

This works MUCH better than all the lip balms I've ever used in my life! And you can do it every night if need be.

My lips have never felt nicer than this in the winter.