Between the sun, chlorine and sampling lots of slick glosses, summer often leaves my lips feeling beyond parched. To remedy this, I’ve been relying on this handy little lip care kit when I need smooth lips, stat!

The first step of the Artistry Lip Care Kit consists of an emollient exfoliator with super-fine scrubbing particles that are perfectly grainy without being too sharp or rough for such a delicate area. After thirty seconds or so of gently scrubbing my lips with it, I “dust it off,” as instructed. At first, I thought I would be defiant and rinse this off instead, but sure enough, a gentle “dusting” and a little blotting with a tissue removed every last trace of the grainy exfoliating beads, no water required.

The next step is my favorite: the lip conditioner is AMAZING! Not exactly a balm or a gloss, it feels like a moisturizer, soaking in almost immediately but leaving behind a hydrating barrier (not sticky, oily or even wet) that bathes lips in comfortable moisture and leaves them perfectly smooth.

Artistry Lip Care Kit is available online at ArtistryBeauty.com for $20.

Originally uploaded by Monica Leitner.

Earlier this week, I had the chance to catch up with the 2009 Miss America, Katie Stam. Side note: her boyfriend proposed on stage last night! (The reigning Miss America cannot be engaged or married – pageant rules!)

So what does it take to make contestants look great? “Lots of touch ups!” she laughed. She went on to explain how contestants often have just three minutes to change and get back on stage – between the running around and hot lights, the girls need to touch up their makeup frequently to keep it from sliding off their faces!

Fun fact: Miss America contestants do their own makeup!

I’ve always assumed they rely on the skills of makeup artists and stylists, so it
will be fun to evaluate the contestants’ hair and makeup tonight with this in mind. Thank you to Artistry for arranging the interview!

I’m looking forward to the pageant tonight and excited to share behind-the-scenes info and photos with you!

The Miss America Pageant airs LIVE! tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST on TLC.