We all know this – no lip colour, no matter how amazing, can hide chapped, flaky lips. And it can be a nightmare with red lipstick!

It’s easy enough to get supple, hydrated lips – drink your required amount of water every day, apply SPF, don’t nibble or lick your lips, and keep them exfoliated. Of course, a good lip balm is essential.  

Which is why you need Maybelline’s new [LIP] Smooth Color & Care Refreshing Tinted Lip Balm.

I find that lip care is one beauty product where price has nothing to do with quality and efficacy. Some of the world’s most expensive lip balms did nothing to me, while some drugstore brands have been the best finds.

The main ingredients are pretty standard – jojoba oil, safflower seed oil, and vitamin E and SPF 16 to protect lips against free radicals and the sun’s UV rays.

Five yummy shades are available – Strawberry, Dolly Rose, Cherry, Cranberry Jam and Rose Red, and let me tell you, they all smell deliciously of strawberries! Since they’re all tints, there’s barely any colour payoff (am wearing Rose Red in the image).

The texture is perfect; it’s not waxy, goes on smooth and, most importantly, moisturises. But best of all? It’s a steal at RM9.90!

Available at major pharmacies in January 2010.