Sporting a flaky-dry pout can be just as distracting as a bad fashion choice. Here are a few ways you can help nourish your lips, keep them flake-free, and show off envy-worthy lip colors while you’re at it.
Figure Out The Real Culprit
You shouldn’t always blame your lipstick formula whenever your lips get dry. There are many reasons why they get parched, and sometimes, it’s more than skin deep. Read our list below to see if you can relate and banish flaky lips once and for all.
Reason #1: You’re not drinking enough water.
When you have dry lips, this is your body’s way of letting you know that you’re dehydrated and in dire need of H20. Experts usually recommend eight to 10 glasses a day, but this can vary depending on how sporty you are or how hot it is outside. To help you stay hydrated, always keep a jug of water beside you and use an app (try WaterMinder or Plant Nanny) to keep track of how much water you drink each day.
Reason #2: You pick on your pout.
Removing the dry skin on your lips by force can lead to cracking, bleeding, and sometimes, even infections. Resist the urge and reach for your lip balm whenever want to pick or lick. P.S. Licking your lips can be just as bad also! Whenever you do it, your pout dries out even more because the natural moisture on your lips usually evaporates with your saliva.
Reason #3: You’re allergic to something.
Do your lips tend to feel dry and itchy or swollen? Then you could be allergic to the fragrance on your lip balm, a certain ingredient in your lipstick, or even food. Try to narrow down your triggers by taking note of when your lips tend to dry out the most or consult with a derma to see if you need to take more action.
Reason #4: You’re fighting the flu.
It’s a side-effect of the flu—probably because your nose is so stuffed and you’ve been breathing out of your mouth more. While drinking lots of liquids is still key, try to keep your lips moisturized with a balm as well. Tip: If you have the energy, chop or squirt a bit off your regular lip balm and put it in a smaller container (just use a cottonbud or washable lip brush to apply it). This way, you won’t spread the germs and have to throw away the main tube after you’re sick.
Reason #5: You got too much sun.
Yes, UV rays affect your lips also. If you’ve been hitting the beach a lot over the summer, your pout may be peeling because it got a little sunburnt as well. Remember to apply a balm with SPF whenever you’re under the sun and to reverse the damage at night by applying a soothing, au naturel treatment like aloe vera before bed.
Choose A Non-Drying Lipstick
Now the fun part! After you’ve hopefully figured out what’s causing this beauty dilemma, you can start shopping for a lippie that won’t make your current condition even worse. From mattes to glosses, full coverage to barely-there tints, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
If You’re Looking For Something Balm-ish
These lip finds work on treating cracks and getting rid of flakes while leaving your pout with lovely hints of color.
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Hydrabloom Lip Balm, P1200, SM Megamall
It gives your lips hydration that can last for up to 24 hours. The magic lies in the hyaluronic acid spheres which smoothen your lips and keeps them hydrated for up to 24 hours. We love that the balm can adapt to any skin tone and leaves your pout with a fresh and gorgeous flush of color.
HOURGLASS No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil, P3015, Sephora.ph
Number 28 means that it contains 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and four nourishing vitamins—all ingredients working to condition your delicate lips, boost moisture levels, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and boost volume. They have five shades you can choose from and it comes with a luxe 24-karat gold-plated tip.
PILI Lip Balm Tint, P340, SM Kultura
Love homegrown products? Try this all-natural balm nourishes, softens, and hydrates your lips with pili and elemi oil.
If You’re Looking For Something Matte
Not a glossy lip kinda girl? You won’t have to ditch this formula entirely (or suffer with cracked, painful lips) with these picks!
SLEEK MAKEUP Matte Me, P450, Zalora
Surprisingly, this high pigment liquid lipstick won’t dry your pout or leave it parched. Just make sure to have a very good makeup remover on-hand because the long-lasting formula can be difficult to remove.
THE BALM Meet Matt(e) Hughes 6 Mini Long-Lasting Liquid Lipsticks, P1195, Beauty Bar
You can’t go wrong with this set of minis. Aside from the super wearable range of colors, the minty formula feels comfortable on your lips and will fit perfectly in any clutch you have.
LAURA MERCIER Velour Lip Powder in New York, price upon request, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
It’s a creamy matte lip powder trio (yes, powder!) that has an ultra-cool metallic sheen. It comes with a base balm to prep your lips for extra comfort and you can use your fingers or a lip brush to apply it.
If You’re Looking For Something That Glides On Easily
Need something quick that you can swipe on when you’re on the go? We got you.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick, P2200, Calyxta.com
It has a secret ingredient called the Lipstick Tree, an anti-oxidant to protect lips from UV rays and keep them as soft as cashmere. It’s a splurge, but the the light-diffusing pigments and Pinay-friendly rosy hues make it worth it.
BURT'S BEES Glossy Crayon, P695, Beauty Bar
These sheer, glossy crayons are spiked with Shea Butter and Jojoba oil to keep lips hydrated for eight hours. Get this if your skin is sensitive or if you don’t want a lot of chemicals in your lippie formula, since it’s formulated without parabens, petrolatum, SLS, and fragrances.
BURBERRY Burberry Kisses, P1508, Sephora.ph
You’ll fall in love with the buildable color, the weightless feel, and TBH, the chic packaging. The satin finish is classy (not tacky like gloss) and we love that it’s infused with lip nourishing ingredients like rosehip, tea, and lavender.
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