Could your pout use a perking up? In the winter, we're all guilty of being overly concerned with preventing dry and cracked skin, but we tend to neglect our lips. This February, smooth over those cracks and get kissable lips.

Lauren Iavarone, of Expert Makeup Artistry in Cresskill, recommends going beyond the basics and adding a few simple things to your lip maintenance.

Stay moisturized and hydrated
Avoid licking your lips – it doesn't help. You should also drink a good amount of water, and Iavarone suggests that if you don't drink hydrating beverages, you should be sure to put balm on after your nightly beauty regimen. An SPF lip balm should be applied to your lips morning, day and night to keep them moist. Medicated balm should be used for chapped lips and a non-medicated balm with vitamin E, allantoin or honey for already smooth lips.

Iavarone suggests using Rosebud Salve ($6, Sephora). She keeps a ton of it handy at this time of year.

Exfoliate and buff
Using a wet toothbrush or washcloth, rub your lips in a circular motion. Or you can concoct a homemade Brown Sugar Lip Scrub Mix by using 1/2 tablespoon olive or sweet almond oil and 1/4 tablespoon brown sugar until you've formed a thick paste. Add a bit of peppermint oil as well. Then apply with your fingertip in a circular motion for 30 seconds and rinse with cool water. Apply lip balm to seal in moisture.

Highlight with hot lip colors
Make sure you have moisture-based lipsticks or apply a coat of lip balm to your lips before or after applying lip liner and matte lipsticks. "I suggest applying it before you do your makeup" Iavarone says. "Then wipe it off, apply your lip liner and color, and dab your balm on. If your lips are cracked and extremely dry, avoid dark and matte colors and long wears. These tend to cause lip color to bleed into the cracked area of your lips."

My Lips are Sealed!
Put the spotlight on your smooth lips with these wonderful winter lip shades:
MAC Cosmetics "Runway Red" lipstick, $14.50
Estee Lauder Pure Color "Beige" lipstick, $24
Covergirl LipPerfection "Enamor" lipcolor, $6.50

Say Goodbye to Shine
An easy way to reduce oily shine is to peel, then coarsely chop half a cucumber. Place in a blender until smooth. Apply liberally to your face for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.