Get soft, kissable lips: how can I protect my lips this season? … and more of your questions answered here - beauty q+a

Shape, Nov, 2003 by Kate Williams

Q My lips tend to get extremely chapped when the weather gets cold. Why does this happen--and how can I prevent it?

A Not only are your lips constantly exposed to the harsh elements of colder weather, but they also have almost no natural defenses like oil or sweat glands to keep them lubricated and supple. Help lips stay soft all season long by following these simple tips from dermatologist Tina B. West, M.D., of Chevy Chase, Md.

Never leave home without lip balm. Make sure it has an SPF, and apply often. Try Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 ($3) or Blistex Pro Care with SPF 30 and its medicated sidekick Pro Relief ($2.49 each; all available at drugstores). If regular use of lip balm doesn't help, you could be allergic to a lipstick or other product that comes in contact with your mouth, including toothpaste. (It is possible to develop an allergy to a product you've been using for years, so don't rule this possibility out.) To find out, West suggests stopping use of all lip products; and then slowly adding them back, one at a time, to see if a specific one is causing a reaction.

Apply a vitamin- and antioxidant-packed night treatment before bed. These moisture treatments soak right in to nourish and repair lips while you sleep. Try Sally Hansen Lip Quencher Advanced Lip Repair with vitamins A, C and E ($4.29; at drugstores), SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair with vitamin E and botanical emollients ($30; skin ceuticals.com) and ChapStick Overnight Lip Treatment with aloe and vitamin E ($3.79; at drugstores).

Don't lick your lips! While this may provide temporary relief, it will only dry them out further as the saliva evaporates and pulls more moisture from lips in the process.

See a dermatologist if your lips are severely cracked and/or peeling. They could be suffering from actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition caused by cumulative sun damage.

--Kate Williams

Q What is body brushing, and can it help get rid of cellulite?

A Body brushing is basically dry exfoliation of your skin with a soft-bristled brush. While the practice does have all sorts of benefits for your skin, smoothing cottage-cheese thighs is not among them. "There's just no proof that body brushing can reduce or eliminate cellulite," says Steven K. Grekin, D.O., adjunct clinical associate professor of dermatology at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Iowa. What a good brushing can do, however, is stimulate blood flow by increasing circulation. It's also a great way to get rid of dull or flaky dead skin, and it actually can encourage the growth of new skin cells. "Plus, it feels really good," Grekin adds.

To body brush, begin by choosing a natural, soft-bristled brush designed for this purpose that won't irritate your skin. (We like the Pretika Spa Body Brush Set, $15; pretikafacebodyspa.com; and the LeClaire & Bayot Body Brushes, $7-$9; 800-793-5433.) The best time to give yourself an invigorating scrub is in the morning before you shower. Start at your arms and legs and work toward the middle of your body in straight, sweeping strokes. "Circular motions can cause irritation," Grekin cautions. Be gentle; the process should feel like you are being lightly tickled, not like you got into a fight with a scrap of sandpaper. You can brush your face too, but use an even lighter touch with delicate facial skin and again, no circular motions.

Once you've brushed from toe-to-top, Grekin recommends lathering up in the bath or shower with a fine scrub like Graham Webb Classic Indulgence Pearl Enhanced Exfoliator ($27; 800-470-9909). Another option: plain old baking soda mixed into Cetaphil or any other creamy cleanser. "Dry brushing followed by skin polishing in the shower is a dynamite combination," Grekin adds. "If you do it once a week, you won't believe how smooth your , skin will be." The caveats: Never brush open or damaged skin, and avoid the process if you suffer from acne, rosacea or psoriasis--all conditions that can be aggravated by any kind of friction.

--Jenna McCarthy

Q What cosmetics do I need to update my look for the fall season?

A The first thing you always need: a clear, glowing complexion; it provides the backdrop for showcasing either intense eyes or bold lips, both of which are big this season, as long as you accentuate only one at a time. "You want healthy, radiant skin that doesn't look made up," says Gordon Espinet, global makeup artist for M.A.C Cosmetics, who recommends applying a foundation that will help give skin a flawless finish. A good option: Maybelline

Wonder Finish Clean Powder-Finish Foundation ($9; at drugstores). Or, for a dewy look, mix a bit of light-reflecting cream, like Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($25; www.dillards.com), with your regular foundation to give your skin extra radiance.

For eyes, universally flattering colors in the neutral family are perfect for fall. Along with taupe and chocolate brown, one of this season's hottest shades is a muted heather (lavender with a bit of gray). "It looks good with every skin tone and eye color," Espinet says. A favorite heather shadow: M.A.C Veluxe Shadow in Dove-feather ($12.50; gloss.com). Or opt for other neutral shades like Revlon Wet/ Dry Quad Shadows in Dusky Haze ($6.50; at drugstores) or the cinnamon and chocolate shades in becoming Three Cheers Multi-Look Eyecolor in Spicy ($14; www.becoming.com).