The lip balm you use every day might not be the problem if your lips still feel dry, peel a lot, or get darker. It might be how you put it on. Lip balm may keep your lips healthy, soft, and safe without having to be applied all the time if you use it right.
Deconstruct — Brightening Tinted Lip Balm (1% Vitamin C + 0.1% Resorcinol, SPF 30 PA++)
Apply your lip balm two to four times a day, especially after eating or drinking. Use hydrating lip balms with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalene, and avoid rubbing your lips together for smooth, healthy lips.
To learn more about how lip balms work and how to pick the best one for you, check our Lip Balm Guide which tells you about the benefits, types, and how to choose the right lip balm for you
1. How to Apply Lip Balm Correctly?
Your lips' skin is thinner and doesn't have oil glands, so it loses moisture easily and is more likely to be hurt by the sun, wind, or pollution. Putting on lip balm the wrong way, like on moist lips, in heavy layers, or without SPF, might make your lips drier.
When you apply it correctly, moisture is sealed in deeper layers, not simply on the surface.
Protects against UV radiation, pollution, and changes in temperature.
Fixing cracks and making the lip barrier stronger over time.
Here’s how to put on lip balm the right way, step by step:
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Make sure your lips are clean and dry.
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Get rid of lipstick, stains, or food particles that have built up, as this can stop absorption. If your lips are flaky, use a soft cloth or scrape to gently exfoliate them once or twice a week.
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If you're using a balm pot, rub a little bit between your fingers. For stick balms, rub it a few times to make the top layer softer.
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Put on a thin, even coat. A thin coating keeps lips moist without making them feel heavy. To spread the product, press your lips together instead of rubbing them.
You just need to use it two to four times a day: once in the morning, after meals, and before bed. Using too much could cause dehydration or irritation from strong substances like menthol or alcohol.
Lips can get darker or tanner faster than the skin on the face. Pick a balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
If you’re unsure which formula to pick—balm with SPF, tinted vs non-tinted or what ingredients your lips need—check out our detailed guide on how to choose the best lip balm for your lips
Deconstruct Lip Balm SPF 30 is a good choice.
Deconstruct Brightening Tinted Lip Balm with 1% Vitamin C and 0.1% Resorcinol (SPF 30 PA++) Put on a thicker balm before bed.
Your lips heal as you sleep. Before bed, put on a thick balm that has squalane, ceramides, or shea butter in it. Don't lick your lips.
2. Can We Apply Lipstick on Lip Balm?
Yes, putting lip balm on before lipstick can actually make your lips softer and stop them from breaking.
Here’s how to layer lip balm under lipstick:
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Put a small layer of balm on clean lips
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Give it a minute to soak in.
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Before putting on lipstick, softly blot the lip balm with a tissue to take off the greasy top layer and make the color last longer.
The best balm for matte lipstick is one that is light, non-greasy, and has humectants like hyaluronic acid or squalane. Stay away from thick, waxy balms that might cause lipstick to come off.
A common mistake is to use too much balm. This can cause your lipstick to wear off sooner and last less long.
Deconstruct — Hyaluronic Acid Lip Balm for Dry & Chapped Lips
3. Can Lip Balm Clog Pores?
Yes, some lip balms can produce tiny bumps or clogged pores around the mouth, especially those that have strong scents, oils, or waxes.
To avoid this, pick products that don't have harsh scents or heavy oils, and only put the lip balm on the lip line. Also, make sure you remove any leftover balm before putting on makeup.
4. Using Lip Balm as Highlighter — Is It Safe or Effective?
Many people like to use lip balm as a quick highlighter to get that dewy, natural shine, and it can work very well if you do it right.
It gives skin a healthy shine without sparkles and makes dry areas or powdered makeup softer. It works best on the bridge of the nose and the cheekbones.
But don't put balms with color, scent, or menthol on your face because they could block pores or irritate your skin. Use clear, clean balms and only a little bit at a time. Instead, use a cream highlighter for a glow every day.
5. Can Lip Balm Cause Acne?
Yes, they can, especially if your skin is prone to acne. Some lip balms have waxes and heavy oils that might trap bacteria and block pores around your lips or chin.
If you have acne-prone skin, use balms that don't have any scents and don't clog pores.
Stay away from lip balms with cocoa butter, beeswax, and coconut oil. If your breakouts go away when you switch to a simpler balm, like one with squalane or shea butter, it's probable that your prior one was the problem.
6. How Do You Apply Lip Balm to Your Face?
Lip balm and facial skin don't go together, even if they can seem like they do. Lip balm is thicker and made to keep moisture in, not to deeply hydrate like face creams.
You can put a little on dry spots or around your nose in the cold if you have to. But for everyday usage, a mild moisturizer with ceramides or panthenol will keep your skin hydrated in a balanced way.
7. Can I Put Lip Balm on My Pimples?
Avoid applying lip balm to your pimples if possible. Lip balm forms a layer on your skin that can hold bacteria and oil, which can make pimples worse. If you do, it can clog the pores and make the pimple worse.
Instead, try spot treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a little bit of aloe vera gel.
8. Can I Apply Lip Balm on My Face?
Yes, but not very often. In cold weather, lip balm can help dry spots on the corners of your nose and little flaky regions, but it shouldn't take the place of your face moisturizer.
Why not?
Lip balms are thicker and don't soak in as deeply, which can cause pores to get clogged if you use them too often. Use lip balm just on little dry spots when you need to. Choose facial moisturizers that contain niacinamide or hyaluronic acid for the best hydration.
9. How to Use Lip Balm Properly
What you should and shouldn't do:
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Reapply lip balm 2 to 4 times a day.
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Use SPF during the day.
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Before bed, switch to a balm that is thicker and more hydrating
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Don't put lip balms on damp lips.
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Do not use flavored or expired balms.
Wondering can you use lip balm every day and how often is ideal? We’ve broken down the myths, benefits and safe frequency in this dedicated post.
Change your lip balm every 6 to 8 months, or sooner if it smells or feels bad.
If you use lip balm the right way, it goes from being a temporary cure to something that keeps your lips soft, smooth, and healthy without making you dependent on it.
