When was the last time you applied a lip balm? Honest answers only! Sure, some of you will say this morning (good for you, seriously), but most of us can’t even remember where our lip balm is, let alone the last time it actually touched our lips.
In summer, we can just about get away with only a lip balm (considering it’s one with SPF, of course), but in winter, Not. A. Chance. It’s chapped lips central, and you need much more in your arsenal to keep them at bay.
Here’s why you need a lip care routine for the colder months and beyond, as well as a 5-step routine to ensure you have a perfect pout all year long.

In This Article
Why do I need a lip care routine?
Cure Chapped Lips
If chapped lips suddenly disappeared from our lives, no one would miss them, but without a hydrating lip care routine, they’re likely to hang around. The lips are thinner than the rest of the skin on your face and have fewer sebaceous glands to produce sebum, an oil-like substance that moisturises the skin.
Prevents Premature Ageing
Because of how thin they are, the lips are often one of the first facial features to show signs of ageing. Particularly if you spend significant time in the sun without SPF, as UV rays destroy collagen fibres, which makes them appear fuller. You can also form dark spots and hyperpigmentation on your lips from producing too much melanin.
Intensifies Lip Colour
Ever feel a little jealous of those with naturally pretty pink lips whilst you have to pucker up to achieve the same thing? Well, the only difference between you and them is a lip care routine. When the lips are healthy and have good circulation, they’ll appear more vibrant in colour.Â
Improves Lipstick Application and Wear Time
The smoother your lips are, the better your lipstick will go on and stay on, as it won’t attach itself to dry and/or dead skin cells that will flake off throughout the day.Â
5-Step Lipcare Routine
1. Clean Your Lips
One of our biggest lip care tips is to remove any product from your lips first. Many people skip straight to exfoliation as it will get rid of most of it, but not all, and definitely not if it’s waterproof. Leaving the product on the lips can lessen the effectiveness of exfoliation as it struggles to penetrate the skin properly.Â
2. Exfoliate (Every 2-3 Days)
Buffing away dry skin and dead skin cells will leave your lips feeling oh-so-smooth, especially with Pears & Share Lip Scrub by The Body Shop, which does as much for your pout as it does for the planet.Â
To exfoliate, gently apply a lip scrub in circular motions for 1-2 minutes, then wipe away the excess with a damp towel and voilà !Â
3. Lip Oil
Lip oils are similar to face serums, kissed with nourishing ingredients to boost lip health. Kylie Skin Lip Oil has some of our favourites, such as coconut oil for moisturising and vitamin E for protection against sun-induced free radicals, along with plumping benefits. If you’re a lady of lip products, go for the clear, non-sticky formula that’ll pair perfectly with anything you put on top.Â
4. SPF
During the day (even on cloudy ones), ensure you’re wearing at least SPF 15 on your lips. We’re obsessed with Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Lip Balm. It’s lightweight on the lips and heavy on protection, so you can stay in the sun without burning for fifty times longer than you usually can without it. With five scrumptious flavours that scream summer – think Juicy Watermelon, Wild Strawberry, and Tropical Mango – you’ll be inseparable throughout the seasons.Â
PS. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day. SPFs begin to break down the moment they come into contact with the sun.Â
5. Lip Mask (1-2 Times a Week)
Now and again, you’ll need a rich, highly concentrated lip mask to do what a lip balm can’t. For an overnight miracle, try Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. The global best-seller walks the walk and talks the talk with Moisture Wrapâ„¢ Technology and a Berry Fruit Complexâ„¢ to create a slow-releasing moisture layer whilst melting away dead skin cells.Â
For easy application and even coverage, another of our lip care tips is to warm the lip mask up between two fingers before applying, melting even the thickest of formulas into a creamy, buttery texture.Â
