Lip Care 101: The Secret to Every Lipstick Looking Better

Your lips have the thinnest skin on your face and no oil glands of their own, which is why they are the first to crack in winter and the first to feel tight after a long flight. Give them a few minutes of care and every balm, gloss and lipstick you own will look instantly better.

Gently exfoliate, once or twice a week

A soft sugar scrub or a warm, damp flannel pressed over the lips lifts away flakes without irritation. Skip daily scrubbing; over-exfoliated lips become more sensitive, not less.

Hydrate, then seal

Look for balms with occlusive ingredients like shea butter, lanolin, petrolatum or beeswax, which form a protective layer and lock moisture in. Apply after brushing your teeth and before bed, when lips have hours to recover.

A slick of overnight lip mask is the tiniest act of self-care with the biggest morning payoff.

Protect them from the sun

Lips can burn too, and sun exposure contributes to dryness and loss of definition over time. Use a balm with SPF during the day, especially outdoors and on the slopes.

Choosing a lipstick that loves your lips

• Satin and cream finishes are the most forgiving and comfortable for everyday wear.
• Mattes look striking but can emphasise dryness — prep with balm, blot, then apply.
• Tinted balms and glosses are perfect for the soft-focus look and easy to reapply without a mirror.

Edit tip: Struggling with feathering? Trace just outside your natural lip line with a clear or nude liner before colour. It acts as an invisible fence.

Stay hydrated from within

Lips are often the first place to show you need more water. Keep a bottle on your desk, add a humidifier to your bedroom in dry months and resist the urge to lick your lips — saliva evaporates quickly and leaves them drier than before.