The skin on your lips is unlike the rest of your skin.

It’s thinner and doesn’t contain oil which is why your lips can become chapped so easily and can be more sensitive to some products. There are certain steps you can take to make sure your lips get all the care they need. And keep reading for an all-natural Apple Cinnamon Lip Balm Recipe from Editor-in-Chief Christen Hammons.

5 Steps to the Perfect Pout

1. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! I cannot stress how important it is to hydrate throughout the day. Not only is it good for your overall health, but it helps keep your lips soft and vibrant as well.

2. Don’t lick! Many people have the habit of licking their lips when they feel dry. Doing so will only damage the protective barrier which will dry out your lips even more. Break the habit.

3. Be aware of your ingredients: Check the labels. Do some research. Yes, it may be a tiny tube, but you might be surprised how many ingredients can be packed into that little thing, some of which have been found to be endocrine disruptors and linked to cancer. Steer clear from parabens, synthetic color dyes, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), artificial fragrances and flavor, chemical sunscreens, and petroleum.[1]

4. Use a humidifier: If you can, using a humidifier in a small room to infuse more moisture in the air will help hydrate your lips. Using a humidifier is very beneficial for the rest of your skin too.

5. Check your facial products: If you’re having any type of allergic reaction on your lips or notice them feeling different than normal, check your facial cleanser and moisturizer for those ingredients you should be avoiding.

It’s not easy finding a lip balm that is pure and paraben-free. Here’s a hydrating lip balm recipe made with nothing but safe and beneficial ingredients that you can make on your own from Willow and Sage Winter 2017:

Apple Cinnamon Lip Balm

You will need:

• 1/4 cup grape seed oil
• 4 apple cinnamon tea bags
• 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. beeswax pellets
• Small pan
• Glass measuring cup
• Art stickers: Mono Rounds #1 (Rae Missigman)
• Book text
• Glue stick
• Tins w/ screw-top lid, 1oz

Directions

Fill a small pan halfway with water. Place on stove or hotplate on medium heat. Place glass measuring cup in the pan. Add oil, tea, vanilla extract, and sugar to the measuring cup, and steep for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the tea bags, squeezing out the excess water. Add beeswax pellets to the measuring cup and slowly melt, stirring occasionally. Once the wax has melted, pour carefully into the tins. Allow to set overnight. This recipe makes enough to fill two 1 oz tins. Once everything has set, screw the lids onto the tins. Add a sticker to the lid as well as a touch of vintage text. (Note: You can use different types of tea depending on your preference.)

[1] From “What’s In Your Lip Balm? 6 Scary Ingredients to Avoid” by Liane Moccia, 2014, Live-Clear