Weekly Must-Have: Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lip Mask + Lip Balm Duo

It’s cold. In some areas, even below freezing, like your-face-hurts-cold. And then there’s that fantastic Hallmark holiday coming up that makes single women feel like it’s time to end their misery once and for all, but that’s for another post. What’s the point? Our lips are getting a TON of action this month: From the dry, freezing temps to that V-Day holiday thing.

I don’t like to feel dry… anywhere. I’m constantly slathering my body with moisturizer, I carry hand lotion everywhere, and I’ve got at least three choices of blame (clear, shiny, and hint of hue) with me at all times. But the climate has its own ideas and, often, my lips are left severely chapped, to the point of pain.

As our writer Casey mentioned a few weeks back, she uses Bite Beauty’s 5 Night Fix for winter-chaffed lips, but I’m all about Kaplan MD’s Perfect Pout Lip Mask Lip Balm Duo ($23): Two products that’ll get lips in top form for Valentine’s Day, and they’re anti-aging (bonus!).

I’m a fan of Kaplan’s duo because, while it certainly hydrates dehydrated lips, the mask also focuses on the fine lines around the mouth, acting as an anti-aging treatment and a lip quencher. The mask tingles a bit, but in that this-is-totally-giving-me-Kylie-Jenner-lips sort of way. Once you remove the mask, you apply a non-petroleum based balm that infuses moisture into the sensitive mouth area. The balm is made with the natural ingredients like beeswax and sunflower seed oil, plus a medley of other deliciously healthy essential oils. And the added SPF 20 protects your precious pucker from the sun’s damaging rays (yes, winter sun is still just as dangerous). Basically, Kaplan’s duo is like an eye cream and mascara… but for the lips. It’s ideal for reinvigorating a tired pout, and then nourishing lips for that super soft and kissable look and feel.

I should also point out that while the company recommends using the mask daily for 3-5 minutes, you can also apply a light layer, let it set for about 30 seconds, and then add the lip balm and sleep in it for a plumper, healthier, flake-free pout.

PRICE TAG: $23 for the duo (buy here)