We all have our favourite skincare and haircare routines, but how often do you think about your lip care routine? Neglecting your lips can lead to that dreaded dryness and chapping, which is even more common in the colder months. If you can relate, fear not. With the right lip care tips, you can keep them soft, plump, and healthy all year round.
From hydration hacks to the best lip products, we’ve got the ultimate guide on how to have soft lips that look and feel their best, no matter the season.
Do I need a lip care routine?
Skincare concerns vary but when it comes to lip care, it’s all about one thing: hydration. Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips are delicate, thin, and lack oil glands, meaning they can’t retain moisture as effectively as the rest of our skin.
That’s why building a routine packed with hydrating, nourishing, and smoothing lip care products is so important. From lip balms that lock in moisture to scrubs that gently buff away dryness, giving your lips the attention they deserve is the key to keeping them soft, healthy, and happy.
The Best Lip Care Routine
Achieving smooth, hydrated lips requires a little more TLC than just a swipe of balm. In this lip care routine, we’ve broken down the essential steps, from exfoliating to overnight treatments, that will keep your lips looking and feeling their best.
Tip 1: Exfoliate Your Lips
Exfoliation is the first step to smooth, soft lips. By gently buffing away dead skin cells, it clears the way for hydrating products to work their magic more effectively. For the best results, use a gentle lip scrub and massage it onto your lips in circular motions once or twice a week. Wipe away any residue with a damp flannel to reveal instantly smoother, more supple lips. Just remember – less is more. Over-exfoliating can irritate your delicate lip skin, so keep it gentle and occasional for the best results.
Our favourite lip exfoliators
By BEAUTY BAY The Lip Exfoliating Brush
The By BEAUTY BAY Lip Exfoliating Brush is a reusable, 100% silicone pad designed to gently buff away dead skin to reveal softer, smoother lips. Ideal for prepping your lips before applying balms or treatments, this tool provides a gentle yet effective exfoliation for your healthiest lips yet.
COSRX Full Fit Honey Sugar Lip Scrub
The COSRX Full Fit Honey Sugar Lip Scrub gently exfoliates lips with sugar crystals, removing dry flakes for a smoother texture. Infused with hydrating honey extract, it leaves lips soft, nourished, and perfectly prepped for balms or lipsticks. Chapped lips, who?
The florence by mills Pout Party Coffee Lip Scrub exfoliates and softens lips with its sugar and coffee-infused formula. Its balm-like texture glides on effortlessly, leaving lips smooth and refreshed. Perfect as a morning prep or nighttime treat, it’s your go-to for achieving silky-soft lips around the clock.
Tip 2: Use a Lip Serum or Oil
After exfoliating, it’s time to nourish your lips with a serum or oil. These lightweight products are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or plant-based oils to deeply hydrate and repair your lips. Apply a thin layer and let it absorb fully before moving on to the next step. A good serum or oil helps to restore moisture, improve elasticity, and create the perfect base for long-lasting hydration.
Our favourite lip serums and oils
good light cosmetics Taste of Space Lip Milk
Upgrade their lip care routine with the good light cosmetics Taste of Space Lip Milk. Infused with a nourishing blend of panthenol, mango seed butter, vegan collagen, and raspberry extract, this antioxidant-rich treatment hydrates, soothes, and protects your lips.
Makeup Revolution Rehab Plump Me Up Lip Serum
Get fuller, glossier lips with the Revolution Rehab Plump Me Up Lip Serum. Infused with vitamin E, it deeply nourishes while delivering a plumping effect. Available in two dreamy shades, this conditioning serum is the perfect balance between hydration and glam.
LH Cosmetics Gloil
Take your lips to the next level with the LH Cosmetics Gloil. This lip oil-gloss hybrid delivers high shine and deep hydration, thanks to an infusion of nourishing hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Perfect for transforming dry, dull lips, prepare for a smooth, soothed, and ultra-glossy finish.
Tip 3: Apply Lip Balm Daily
Daily lip balm is your best defence against dryness. Choose a balm with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or ceramides, and reapply throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking. Lip balm acts as a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and shielding your lips from environmental stressors. Applying your lip balm consistently is a sure-fire way to keep your lips soft, plump, and smooth.
Our favourite lip balms
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
Believe your TikTok FYP – the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is worth all the hype. This nourishing, 2-in-1 balm and gloss packs a hydrating punch with shea and murumuru butters, delivering a glossy, slightly tinted finish. It also comes in a handful of delicious flavours, ranging from Gummy Bear to Berry.
Holika Holika Good Cera Super Ceramide Lip Oil Stick
Show your lips some love with the Good Cera Super Ceramide Lip Oil Stick from Holika Holika. Packed with ceramides, shea butter, and vitamin E, this balm hydrates, smooths, and protects against dryness, wrinkles, and environmental stress. Say goodbye to dryness and flakiness, and hello to your softest lips yet.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Lip Balm
Soothe and hydrate with Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Lip Balm. Formulated with ceramide NP, this balm provides instant relief, boosting moisture for comfortable, healthy lips. With a jelly-like balm and a smooth angled applicator, this moisturising must-have leaves a glossy finish that banishes dryness and tightness.
Step 4: Use Overnight Lip Masks
While you sleep, let an overnight lip mask do the heavy lifting. These treatments are richer than balms and are designed to deeply hydrate and repair your lips while you get your beauty sleep. Simply apply a generous layer before bed and wake up to softer, more nourished lips. Perfect for combating dryness from cold weather or heating, overnight masks are a game-changer for maintaining lip health and hydration.
Our Favourite Overnight Lip Masks
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Another essential from Laneige, the Lip Sleeping Mask had to make it to our list. This overnight treatment works like a nourishing balm, deeply hydrating and gently exfoliating to remove dead skin. Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, it regenerates chapped lips, leaving a baby soft finish by morning.
Sigma Beauty Conditioning Lip Mask
For soft, supple lips, try the Sigma Conditioning Lip Mask. This ultra-hydrating overnight treatment is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and jojoba oil to nourish and soothe. Wake up to moisturised, healthy lips, perfectly conditioned for the day ahead.
Mario Badescu Lip Mask with Acai and Vanilla
Give your lips the ultimate overnight TLC with the Mario Badescu Lip Mask. Infused with a dreamy blend of acai, vanilla, and a blend of botanical extracts and oils, it deeply moisturises, leaving lips soft, supple, and hydrated.
