There are few things that annoy me more than chapped lips. It’s uncomfortable (and to be honest, a bit painful). I can’t stop myself from choosing scalesand lipstick is a must not go. But worst of all, I feel like it won’t help. That’s probably the most annoying part of chapped lips—There’s just no quick fix. Anyone else share the struggle? Well, I never backed down from a challenge, so I started doing some serious research on how to moisturize my lips…especially without using lipstick. From providing a comprehensive guide to the skin type on our lips to asking our editors about their favorite skin type lip moisturizing products, I think I have deciphered for chapped lips. Read on to learn why lipstick isn’t the answer (I know, gasp) and the best methods for locking in moisture — for good.
Featured image of Claire Huntsberger.
Why doesn’t the chapstick always work?
A major cause of my chapped lips frustration is consistently using certain products without seeing any results. So I tapped the celebrity esthetician Brittany Blancato to find out why lipstick is not the answer to how to moisturize lips.
“Our lips are thin and fragile. Oftentimes, lipsticks only provide temporary moisturizing, while incorporating other ingredients that can cause irritation, says Blancato. As that temporary hydrated seal evaporates quickly, your lips can feel even drier than before. She notes that this creates a water-repellent cycle with no relief, and in the meantime, lips become more dry and flaky. Basically my problem for a pitcher. In her spread Videos on Instagram, Charlotte Parler also indicates that the skin on our lips doesn’t have any sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands), which is why they tend to get chapped.
How to Create a “Moisture Sandwich” for Your Lips, According to Charlotte Parler
Charlotte Parlerone of the founders Da Dieux and skincare enthusiast, shared her lip-soothing secret on Instagram… AKA my recent savior. Her three-step technique for hydrating lips is called Moisture Sandwich and is designed to not only hydrate but hold it all in for long-lasting effects. Incorporate this into your skin care routine or use as needed. You can thank her later.
- Moisten lips with a sip of water. As I mentioned earlier, Parler notes that this is extremely important because the skin on our lips doesn’t have any sebaceous glands, so water is a great base.
- Apply a layer of lip balm or primer on your lips. After taking a sip of water, a balm or cream will bring instant moisture to the lips. In his video, Parler uses La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balmis a multi-purpose Vitamin B5 cream for dry skin.
- Top with ointment. This is the third and most important ingredient of Moisture Sandwich as it holds all that you have just done and forces your lips to absorb water and cream. It’s the top of the bread that holds it all inside (must keep allowing the metaphor to continue). You can use Aquaphor or Vaseline (I like these mini bathtub) for this step.
Yes, you can look crazy, but peeling lips are better. I like to do this at night before bed so I can let The Sandwich ‘eat’ my lips while I sleep.
See Charlotte Parler’s Moist Sandwich Instructions this.
Behold: Editors’ favorites for dry lips
Laneige lip sleeping mask
Why I recommend it: This is the last thing I do before bed and one of the first things I’m grateful for in the morning. That’s always my answer when someone asks me how to moisturize my lips. It uses Laneige’s “Berry Mix Complex,” packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C, along with “Moisture Wrap” technology to lock in moisture all night long. Moisture Wrap technology is a combination of hyaluronic acid, a humectant (which draws water from the air or skin), and other minerals to act as a barrier on your lips. This product is definitely a cult favorite, as every single one of my friends has it.
Lip oil has a special color that is warm and clear
Why I recommend it: MERIT nailed it with this formula. Clean, effective, and free of any potentially harmful additives, this absolute oil leaves my lips super hydrated with a lightweight shine that lasts. Best of all, it never leaves any sticky residue. I always have one of these in my purse, on my desk, and in my makeup bag.
(Note: For a bit of color, I also just bought new Merit Signature lipstick in Millenial-The one I love.)
Naturium’s Phyto-Glow Lip Balm
Why I recommend it: Hello plump, deeply moisturized lips. This Naturium product is the best of both worlds: Super moisturizing lip gloss and nourishing balm. I wear it all day, but I especially like it before bed. Made with vegetable squalane and shea butter, your lips will feel silky smooth in no time. I have this clear lip balm, but it comes in a few different shades!
LiveTinted, Unity Balm Gloss
Why I recommend it: This lip gloss is always a must in my bag and on my desk. I gave up all my other lipsticks for this one product. The uber hydrating formula is packed with squalane, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C & E, giving it all those extra skin-nourishing ingredients in addition to hydrating. Unlike other lip glosses, it’s non-sticky and it lasted on my lips for hours. Plus, I love that it adds a little extra light to something special. I can also apply it to my skin to add shine and moisture, which is appreciated as I like a product that can work in multiple ways.
Revision Skincare Youthful Lip Replenisher
Why I recommend it: It’s hard to describe my pure love for this product. When your lips are chapped or cracked, there’s nothing like it. Even if your lips aren’t chapped, nothing works as brilliantly as Revision’s products. Glides on slime (equipped with hyaluronic acid, shea butter and antioxidants) and your lips will feel plump and soft for hours. The only downside is the product Therefore greasy and sticky, you might just love it as a nighttime treatment. However, if you don’t mind a consistent bit of Lancome Juicy in a tube, the shade will last all day.
Lip balm from Augustinus Bader
Why I recommend it: Ladies and gentlemen, I can recommend you a lip balm to finish all lip balms. This superfood from Augustinus Bader is super clean, vegan and offers sustainable packaging. I like to apply it evenly on my lips at night, in the morning and anytime my dark spots need a little love. What else? It can also act as an eye cream. Told you… great balm!
Kiehl’s #1 Lip Balm
Why I recommend it: I move around a lot, but the only consistency of my modest accommodations seems to be the concern for beauties that need a little extra hydration infused into my skin care routine. And because I describe myself as an old soul, I wanted to keep the tradition alive with Kiehl’s. (Hey, don’t try to fix what’s definitely not broken, will you?). I always have a tube of Lip Balm #1 with me (in my purse, on my desk, and tucked away in my glove compartment). Make sure your lips are soft and smooth.
Three Ships Buttercream Hydrating Lip Mask
Why I recommend it: I change my purse and diaper bag often so I never forget to bring a lip balm. During the particularly dry months, I use this lip mask in my relaxing Sunday bathing ritual, but you can use it up to twice a day if desired. I love that this product is 100% plant-based and leaves your lips soft and supple.
What is your favorite product for a hydrated lips? Keep the list going in the comments!
