If you're still easing your way into summer and winter's left you with dry, flaky bits, don't forget to take care of your lips. We're gearing up for the silly season and who wouldn't want soft, smooth totally-kissable lips? Here's how you can pay a little lip service.

First exfoliate…

Say buh-bye to dead cells and hello to super-soft lips with a gentle exfoliation. This gets the blood flowing, which in turn plumps them up too – BONUS! You can either gently brush your lips with a soft toothbrush and petroleum jelly or Vaseline like Halle Berry does, or you can make a sugar and olive oil paste. Gently rub the mixture in circular motions against your lips, rinse with warm water and then pat dry.

…and then protect

Lock in your lip's natural moisture daily while protecting and caring for them with balms. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1, R70, comes in five yummy flavours, R95, while Lip Ice have recently launched their new Jello's lip balm, R16.99, in the original, cooling mint and cherry flavours.

If you didn't already know, your lips are susceptible to skin cancer too. When you go into the sun, use a lip balm with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. We love Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Sun Defense Stick, R165.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Since your lips are an extension of your body, it goes without saying they'll benefit too. And stop biting your lip! You could be creating tiny tears, which will probably lead to infection.

Image: Luba V Nel/Shutterstock.com