It's no secret that winter can wreak havoc on lips, rendering otherwise supple pouts dry, chapped, and thoroughly unkissable. Come summer, you no longer have to contend with the results of harsh winds or freezing temperatures, but that doesn't mean you should ease up on your lip care. Contrary to popular belief, increased sun exposure can actually be more damaging than the side effects of subzero climes. To keep your pout protected, we recommend Lotus's SPF 18 stick Lip Balms ($5 each; lotusskincare.com). Packed with vitamin E and coconut, olive, and soybean oils, the clear balms not only guard against UV damage; they also soothe and soften. Available in two scents, tart Papaya and tropical Ginger Lime Coconut, the sticks impart a light, not-too-sweet scent and feel surprisingly natural on the lips (not like a gooey gloss or a heavy lipstick).

Lotus also offers two lip balms in tin form: the refreshing Grapefruit Pear and the tangy Green Tea Pomegranate ($10 each). In this case, the soybean oil is replaced with lanolin and beeswax, but similar to the sticks, the potted balms boast top-notch hydration and a subtle, pleasing aroma. However, because they contain no SPF, they're best reserved for after dark. Rounding out the Lotus lineup is the Green Tea Pomegranate Body Balm ($20), a product that's more highly scented than the lip treatments, so a little goes a long way. Although it's being touted as a Victoria's Secret Model's Pick, we can't guarantee that the balm will make you look like Adriana Lima. But as it dries on the skin, it will leave you with something rather unique--a wonderfully soft, powdery finish. --Marlen Harrison

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