The skin of your lips is exactly that — skin [1]. Like that of the rest of your body, they need to be exfoliated and cared for. Lip scrubs are the perfect way to give them some R and R.
"A lip scrub not only removes dead skin cells and helps exfoliate but it also allows for better penetration of hydrating products," said dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, M.D. (the equivalent of a consultant dermatologist in the UK). "By removing the outer layer of dead cells, emollients can penetrate better and work more effectively." Mariwalla suggests using a lip scrub [2] at least once a week.
These exfoliators not only introduce hydrating ingredients your lips, they help prime the area for makeup application by creating a smooth canvas for lipstick. Check out some of our favourite scrubs, ahead.
Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrubstick
Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss'r Lip-Loving Scrubstick [3] (£15) exfoliates lips with finely ground apricot seeds before hydrating them using its long list of oils (like coconut, jojoba, and soybean, and castor).
Lush Mint Julips
Lush Mint Julips [4] (£6.50) sloughs off dead skin to leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. The only thing that will linger is a slight taste of refreshing peppermint.
Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby
The Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby [5] (£15) is housed in a tube that allows you to apply the exfoliating treatment straight onto your lips.
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
A heavy-duty option that makeup artist Irwin said she loves is Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish [6] (£19.50), which is made with shea butter, jojoba oil, and brown sugar crystals. "Apply it, let it sit for a while, and then massage it off," she advised.
Dior Lip Sugar Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm
One or two swipes of the Dior's Lip Sugar Scrub Sweet Exfoliating Balm [7] (£28) across your lips is all you need before applying your go-to lipstick — no rinsing necessary!
Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub
You'll love the feeling of having the Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub [8] (£14) on your lips as your smack and rub them together. As its sugar crystals gently exfoliate lips, they melt down, mixing into the shea butter that ultimately leaves lips moisturised and soft.