As a skin care enthusiast, dry skin, specifically dry lips, is one of my biggest winter nuisances. And although there are tons of balms out there that promise to protect and nourish our delicate peckers, I’ve found that many of them just can’t compete with the gusting winds and freezing temperatures.But all hope isn’t lost. After almost 15 years of testing cosmetics for my job as a beauty editor, I’m delighted to report that I’ve found two game-changing products that keep my lips supple, soft, and moisturized, even in the harshest winter conditions: Maed Revive lip balm for barrier repair and Topicals Slick Salve Glossy lip balm for soothing and hydration! I wear the products alone and together, and you can tell by how thin the tubes are in the pic above that I really use them. Maed Revive lip balm comes in a clear, colorless option (Day + Night), Vow (a soft nude with beige undertones), and Reckon (a plum with brown undertones). Right now, I only use Day + Night, but Reckon sounds divine, and it’s definitely on my list. The vegan and cruelty-free balm is formulated with raspberry seed oil, an antioxidant that softens and soothes dry lips and locks in moisture, and squalene, which delivers intense moisture and softens the lips to prevent moisture loss. After my night and morning skincare routines, I always gently scrub my lips with a face towel to remove any dry skin and lingering product, and then I apply my red tube of Maed Revive balm. It has a gold applicator, which really takes the already luxe packaging up a notch. The applicator isn’t just pretty, though; it’s also cooling to the touch.Essence GantI'm delighted to report that I've found two game-changing products that keep my lips supple, soft, and moisturized.The balm is just the right balance of thick, so that it feels rich and nourishing, and lightweight so that it’s penetrative. I knew it was a keeper the first time I put it on before bed, and I woke up to soft, kiss-ready lips.My other favorite tube this time of year is the Topicals Slick Salve, available in Mint (clear), Acaí (berry), and Papaya (warm nude). There’s also a trio bundle, which includes the latter two, plus Pomegranate, a sheer red. I’ve tried the Acaí and Papaya, and both are beautiful shades that complement a range of skin tones. Slick Salve is such a fitting name because it glides on like butter, and it instantly soothes dry, irritated lips.Like the Maed balm, Topicals’ salve can also be applied as an overnight treatment. When I got my first tube, I’d use it day and overnight. Now, I mainly use Maed as an extension of my skincare routine, and I use Topicals as my go-to daily gloss. The science-backed, vegan formula contains key ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to satisfy and protect thirsty lips. The formula is slightly thicker than Maed’s Revive balm, which I personally love because it has longer wear than a traditional gloss. It has all the cosmetic benefits of a gloss, but the nourishing effects of a balm or ointment. After I’ve done my morning skincare and applied Maed Revive lip balm, I follow up with Topicals Slick Salve (my current favorite shade is Papaya). Together, they make my lips feel out-of-this-world soft. They actually nourish and soothe my lips, and they prevent the common chapped irritation and blistering brought on by winter. The glossy, juicy finish is truly the cherry on top!If you’re looking for nourishing lip care that also gives you the aesthetic of a gloss, give my go-to winter lip combo a try.