The Lip Balm Rule We Never Break
By MyLondon Beauty
Most people use lip balm wrong.
We know — it seems like the simplest product in your bag. But here’s the truth: if you’re applying it more than three times a day, it’s not helping. It’s compensating.
Flaky lips, peeling, that tight, shiny feeling? They’re not just a winter thing. They’re usually a barrier thing. And lip skin — thinner, drier, with no oil glands — has no backup plan. That balm? It is the plan.
The Rule
We don’t use lip balm reactively. We use it preventively.
The best time to apply balm is not when your lips are already chapped. It’s before bed, and immediately after brushing your teeth. Two key moments when the barrier is compromised — and needs help the most.
Why Brushing Makes It Worse
Toothpaste contains surfactants and foaming agents that dry out the surrounding skin. Most people don't even think about it. But over time, that daily contact is what triggers micro-irritation and flaking — not cold weather.
That’s why our editors always reapply balm after brushing, not just when lips feel dry.
And At Night?
While you sleep, your lips lose moisture just like your skin does. Applying a rich, non-fragranced balm at bedtime gives your lips a protective seal — so they stay soft, heal faster, and don’t wake up tight.
Our Favourites That Actually Work
- LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask — thick, buttery, and long-lasting.
- NUXE Rêve de Miel Balm — matte finish, ultra-soothing.
- CeraVe Healing Ointment — yes, technically not a balm. Yes, it works better than most.
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm — if you want hydration and gloss in one.
Final Word
Hydrated lips aren’t about constant reapplication. They’re about strategy. And just like with skincare — prevention always wins.
Want more beauty rules that actually work? New episodes of London Beauty Talks drop every week — and full stories live in the magazine. Tap the bio to explore.
