When it comes to our beauty routine, there plenty of are tips and tricks we rely on to get the most out of our products. We know the parts of our face to never apply blush to and we’ve got the correct order to apply our skin care products down to a fine science. As for our chapstick? Outside of discussing the best lip balms available, *cough Blistex cough* this is a straightforward process that basically comes as second nature. However, it turns out there’s one minor change you can make to your lip balm application that’s going to fast track the healing of that dry, chapped pout. The secret? Damp lips.
In the same way we’re advised to apply particular serums such as hyaluronic acid to damp skin to ensure better absorption, the same can be said for our lip balm. Makes sense, no?
Why should we apply lip balm to damp lips?
As many lip balm formulations are focused on fighting dehydration, it’s likely their ingredient list will feature several popular humectants in order to do so. Humectants – which include ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid and shea butter – are designed to work like a sponge by attracting water to the surface of our skin.
For the same reasons we recommend applying your moisturiser when you get out of the shower or using a facial mist before your HA serum, your lip balm is going to lock in moisture better if it’s been applied to a damp base. Lightbulb moment.
Doesn’t licking your lips dry them out?
Ah, technically yes. Don’t confuse the idea of dampening your lips with lathering your pout with saliva at every waking moment. Saliva contains enzymes which will actually result in additional dryness. As you can understand, this kind of defeats the purpose.
Lip balms we recommend:
Blistex® Lip Infusions Hydration
“The benefit of this lip balm is that it has SPF15 and Vitamin E to lock the hydration in without that heavy oily feel on the lips. The perfect thing about it is that it is the ideal size for any type of handbag you have. I have bought 3 of these lip balms so I can have it everywhere I go.” – AAstacey
Want to know more? Read Blistex® Lip Infusions Hydration reviews here…
$5.49 at Chemist Warehouse
Natio Shea Butter Lip Balm
“This is an amazing lip balm. Inexpensive and fabulously moisturising. It’s so great for dry lips or any lips that want protection from fickle weather. It’s very smooth. Gliding on easily and not sticky or thick. Although you can apply it a couple of times if you want a thicker feel.” – Slim
Want to know more? Read Natio Shea Butter Lip Balm reviews here…
$4.95 at Myer
Plunkett’s Suvana Beauty Natural Vegan Paw Paw & Coconut Balm
This 100 per cent natural, vegan balm is the lip-hydrating product we’ve all been searching for. With its multi-purpose lip-soothing benefits, dry cracked lips will be a thing of the past. Made right here in Australia, the formula is also importantly made without any lip-harming chemical ingredients.
Want to read more? Read Plunkett’s Suvana Beauty Natural Vegan Paw Paw & Coconut Balm Reviews here…
$8.95 at The Well Store
Main image credit: @voguebeauty
Have you ever tried this lip balm hack? If not, do you have any hydrating lip hacks of your own?
Never heard of this hack but it makes sense! I’ll have to try it out because my lips are always dry
I need a new lip balm. I might try one of the ones listed above.
same here
Have never applied lip balm to damp lips before.
Lucky you, my lips are always so dry and I use lip balm a few times a day, usually.
Great tip and it makes sense.
As the winter season is coming I need to get this lip balm I used many lip balms last winter but nothing worked. I will recommend it to my dissertation proofreading services team too.
Hi spam!
Just love lip balm def addicted. Have several different flavours on the go.
Woah so interesting! I used the Blistex one, not great.
I use the Nivea on lately and love it
oooh they have good colour option ones now
Woah so interesting! I used the Blistex one, not great. It tasted so weird. Anyway, if anyone else tries it, let me know how it goes.
I tried it too and I think it was funky because of the SPF component.
I am using Natio Shea Butter Lip Balm now and like it a lot. Such good value
oh okay might have to get that
I’m prone to dry lips in winter so this article couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I’ll be trying out the damp lips trick
I’m prone to dry lips in winter. I’ll be trying out the damp lips trick
Thanks for the information. Now I know to put lip balm on wet lips.
Running 🏃🏻♀️ to try this hack now…
Ha Ha ! Good one Saffy86
same here
Interesting, informative article, thank you.
Yes these are the type of articles that are so helpful
This is really interesting, I’ll have to try it.
I don’t really think this is necessary
First time I’m reading about this beauty hack but good to know.
I have always dried my lips prior to using lip balm -I will certainly try this tip now -Thanks
Great tip! Hadn’t heard of this one before.
Haven’t tried it but will give it a go!
No. I just use a good quality lip balm that works and does not be applied but once per 8-12 hours.
wow mine rubs off in like 20min
I will give it a try, some lip balms may not adhere very well to damp lips though
I will be applying some lip balm shortly and will try this hack.
I’d never thought it! Love this hack!!
Is that lady gaga in the photo at the top?
It’s Scarlett Johansson
they’re all same to me
honestly same
I always put lip balm before bed.
So do I. It leaves my lips in the perfect condition for wearing lipstick to work the next morning.
Somehow applying lip balm to damp lips won’t work for me as the balm seems to just slide off. I’ll try it with another lip balm once I have purchased a different brand
I buy a jar of pure lanolin from the chemist, great for the lips, around the nose in allergy season and for using as a night time under eye cream to get rid of wrinkles. It cost $8 and lasts months.
Now that’s good value JL
same
News to me. I’m using a Du’it lip balm at the moment. It’s ok but others would be better I think.
same
Really love using Bert’s Bee’s Lip Products but I would really like to try the Natio Shea Butter Lip Balm sounds really good.
same here
My lips are always dry even though I keep applying lip balm. Must try dampening my lips first to see if this makes a difference.
I did not know that – thank you!
!!!!
I love Blistex lip balm they are such good quality and really saved my lips. I’ll try this trick out too
rightt
This is a good idea and makes sense. I apply skincare to damp skin so lips should start doing the same for my lips.
I have tried this and it is good -Thank you for the information
I must try applying lip balm to damp lips! Anything to help my dry lips
I didn’t know this, going to try it out.
Some people are addicted to applying lip balm. Maybe they need to use this hack.
This won’t work with all lip balms.
Great hack. I just think that lip balms are a bit of a gimmick
This is one of those simple ideas you can’t believe hasn’t already occured to you.
Oh I didn’t know about this.
Yes. I have a rosewater facial mist and I always make sure my lips get some too whilst I spray so I can seal in the moisture.
good tips! this was all new to me. Will give it a go
I never knew this, but it does make sense.
I had not heard of this, but it makes complete sense!!!
I’ll stick with Carmex and never have any issues. Blistex was horrible and did nothing for me.
Great tip, as sounds logical, however never new about the saliva. In future will wet my lips with water then apply lip balm, rather than licking my lips.
It makes sense come to think of it
Never heard of this before