We’ll admit it, we’re lip care obsessed. There’s nothing like smooth, supple lips and some really good lip balm (and lipstick) to go hand-in-hand with it. But sometimes the state of our lips is less than desirable - dry, chapped, dehydrated and maybe just a little lacklustre overall. So we’re here to help with a few tips on how to take care of lips at home.
This is especially important with the colder weather coming up, which can really leave your lips even drier plus the whole sun damage thing - yes you need to put SPF on your lips too. There’s actually a lot to think about when it comes to lips and we’re happy to help.
Overview
- Drink water
- Exfoliate your lips
- Always carry lip balm
- Use a lip mask
How to take care of lips at home in 5 simple steps
1. Drink water
Simple, straightforward and probably the best thing you can do for your body in general. We know that some people already have a dedication to hydration, but consider this a reminder that you need to treat your body right from within. Then you’ll start reaping the benefits. Our skin is one big organ after all and it reacts to what we feed it. Plus the lips don’t produce natural lipids so it needs a little boost. What are you waiting for? Grab some H2O and go!
2. Exfoliate those lips
If you have dry, flaky lips or maybe you just want even softer ones, then exfoliation is the way to go. You can actually make a super simple homemade lip scrub using just raw sugar, lemon and honey. For one time use, mix one teaspoon of honey with two teaspoons of raw sugar, with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice. Then scoop the mixture out with your finger, rub gently on your lips for a minute then rinse off!
Otherwise, our current favourite lip balm - and general beauty - obsession is actually an exfoliator hybrid. Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Treatment features pure whipped lanolin, which is great for soothing and hydrating the lips, mixed with organic lemon oil - a natural exfoliant. So it has a natural glossy sheen and a hint of shimmer, plus it smells delicious too!
3. Always carry lip balm
We don’t know about you but we’re lip balm addicts - and we’re not afraid to admit it. You’ve got to have one for every occasion, right? One in every bag, one for the car, one for your makeup counter… the list goes on. Lip balms can vary in terms of ingredient lineup but you want to look for one that has nourishing waxes and oils or maybe even menthol or camphor to soothe rawness and stinging. Below are some of our favourites:
Biologi Nourish Lip Serum
We’ve talked about why we love Biologi before, and we’ve talked about why this lip serum for dry lips is a godsend. Like the rest of the Biologi lineup, this lip serum uses a single plant extract - in this case Australian blood red finger lime - to really treat the skin from within. Finger limes are packed with 100% active natural phytonutrients which work to reduce redness, calm inflammation and gently exfoliate the lips, leaving them softer than ever.
Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm
People are raving about Skin Food and we can tell you now that the lip balm is just as good. If your lips are very dry and chapped, this is the one for you. It’s filled with botanical extracts and natural oils and waxes - including lanolin as well - to provide immediate relief for sore, dry lips.
It’s also thick enough to form a protective barrier against environmental aggressors like cold weather and dry indoor air. We actually really like using this as a lip mask before bed. Apply generously - even around the edges of the lips - and let it work its magic overnight!
Lanolips The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Balm
The OG, holy grail balm for lips and everywhere else. Just pure medical grade lanolin that will provide a massive hydration boost for extremely dry and chapped lips as well as skin patches, cuticles, elbows and so much more. If you’re unfamiliar with lanolin, it’s actually collected from raw sheep’s wool after shearing, and it has a very similar consistency and composition to the sebum we naturally create in our skin. That along with its high water absorption capacity makes it the perfect lip - and skin - balm!
4. A lip mask is a must-have!
Just like your hair and face, your lips need a little extra TLC in the form of a mask as well. We love a balm, don’t get us wrong but adding something like the Lonvitalite Collagen & Gold Lip Mask will take your lips to the next level. Plant-based collagen will moisturise your lip area and helps with cell renewal, leaving your lips soft and plump.
It also contains red algae extract to help the skin retain moisture and it soothes inflammation and protects it from free radical damage. It’s also Infused with gold - a natural anti-inflammatory - which helps rejuvenate skin by boosting blood circulation. This might be our favourite step in this guide on how to take care of lips at home… What’s not to love?
5. Add a nourishing lipstick to your line up - and don’t forget to prep!
Okay so we don’t know how to break it to you but all lipsticks are created equal, especially when it comes to ingredient lineups that will look after your lips. If you follow all the steps above, you should have the perfect smooth and soft surface to use any lipstick you want with beautiful results. But if you’re looking for that extra care factor, then look for lipsticks that also contain nourishing oils and waxes. It also helps if you add an extra step in your makeup routine to include lip prep too! We recommend trying these ones:
Mirenesse Natural Lip Primer Duet Invisible Liner & Lip Balm
We’re a little obsessed with this dynamic duo for lips. One end is a nourishing lip balm that hydrates the lips and helps stimulate collagen production. This preps the lips and makes them super smooth for prime lipstick application. The other end is an invisible lip liner that helps correct any vertical lip lines and fills them in to again make the surface as smooth as possible and prevent any colour running.
Luk Beautifood Lip Nourish Lipstick
Featuring a super moisturising blend of avocado oil, cocoa butter, sesame seed oil and beeswax, once you use this all-natural lipstick, you won’t be able to go back. The colour pay off is good and completely buildable - so if you just want a sheer tint for the office but want to add a bit more colour for knock off drinks, it’s got you covered! Read more about it in our roundup of the best skin care products for healthy skin.
MCoBeauty Lipstick Long-Wear Cream Lip Colour
Calling all nude lips fanatics, meet your new everyday fave! Apart from being super affordable, this MCoBeauty lip colour has high colour payoff and is super creamy on the lips. It’s also filled with jojoba oil, shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E to look after those lips and ensure it glides on smoothly.
Napoleon Perdis Double Duty Infusion Lip Oil
If you haven’t used a lip oil before, it’s a very luxe addition to your lip lineup. The difference between this and a normal lip gloss is that it also includes hydrating emollient-rich natural oils, such as passionfruit seed, camellia seed and pracaxi, to help repair your lips. You can wear it alone - it has a sheer ruby tint - or over your favourite lipstick for that high gloss look. It’s also a great hydration top up during the day!
Now you know how to take care of lips at home…
Get scrubbing, balming and masking! You’ll have softer lips in no time! Oh, and don’t forget to drink water as well. Sorry, we had to add the extra reminder in. Shop lip care, skin care and all over body care on Oz Hair & Beauty with Afterpay today.
