3 Best Lip Scrubs for Perfect Lipstick Prep You Need to Try
Preparing your lips properly can make a significant difference in how your lipstick looks and lasts. Choosing the right lip scrub helps remove dry, flaky skin and creates a smooth surface, enhancing color application and longevity. Several options stand out for their effectiveness and nourishing ingredients, but understanding what factors to evaluate guarantees you select a product suited to your needs. Here’s a detailed look at three top contenders and what sets them apart.
Sara Happ The Lip Scrub (Pink Grapefruit Sugar Scrub, 0.5 oz.)
- GENTLY EXFOLIATES: Fine sugar crystals exfoliate lips while Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E moisturize. Eliminates dry, flaky skin, immediately leaving...
- REFRESH: Grapefruit scent revitalizes and exfoliates lips day or night. All of our lip scrubs are created in lickable yummy flavors, an added treat...
- PERFECTION: Lip scrubs are the first step to smooth, healthy lips. As creator of the original Lip Scrub, Sara Happ has perfected a luxurious line of...
If you want your lipstick to look perfect and stay on longer, try the Sara Happ Pink Grapefruit Sugar Scrub. It helps prep your lips by gently removing dry, flaky skin. The tiny sugar crystals scrub away the rough patches, leaving your lips smooth, soft, and fresh right away.
This scrub is made with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Grape Oils. These ingredients hydrate your lips and keep them feeling healthy and comfortable while you scrub. The sweet Pink Grapefruit scent makes the process pleasant and energizing.
Using this scrub before putting on lipstick helps remove old lip gloss or lipstick. This makes sure your lips are clean and ready. It also helps your lipstick go on more evenly and last longer. For best results, use it regularly to keep your lips smooth and prepared.
Who is it for? Anyone who wants soft, hydrated lips that are ready for makeup or a fresh look.
Pros:
- Removes dry skin gently and quickly
- Contains natural oils and Vitamin E to hydrate and soothe
- Has a nice Pink Grapefruit smell that makes exfoliating fun
Cons:
- Small size, so you might need to buy it often
- Sugar crystals can be messy if not used carefully
- People with sensitive skin should use it carefully to avoid irritation
Enjoy smooth, healthy lips with this easy-to-use scrub!
Handmade Heroes Natural Lip Scrub (Coconut Sorbet)
- SMOOTH SOFT LIPS: The Original Handmade Heroes Coconut Sorbet Sugar Lip Scrub buffs away dry flaky lips and nourishes to reveal softer, smoother lips....
- 100% CLEAN NATURAL INGREDIENTS: We're passionate about what we don’t include No Synthetic Fragrances, No Parabens, No Sulphates, No Phthalates
- DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED IN THE USA: Exfoliate with our gentle formulas. Use with Handmade Heroes Lip Butter and Lip Sleeping Mask for best results....
The Handmade Heroes Natural Lip Scrub in Coconut Sorbet is a gentle way to take care of your lips. It helps remove dry, flaky skin and makes your lips soft and smooth. This scrub is good for normal, dry, and sensitive lips. It can also help repair chapped lips and lighten dark lips. Using it before lipstick can help your makeup look better.
This lip scrub is made with 100% natural ingredients. It doesn’t have harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. That makes it safe and good for the environment. It is tested by dermatologists and is vegan and cruelty-free. With regular use, it helps keep your lips soft and healthy. You can even use it with a lip balm for extra nourishment.
This product is best for people with dry, chapped, or sensitive lips. It works well as a gentle exfoliant to prepare your lips for makeup or daily care.
Pros:
- Made with only natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Removes dead skin, leaving lips smooth, soft, and nourishing.
- Safe for normal, dry, and sensitive lips. Can be used often.
Cons:
- It may not fix very severely cracked lips right away.
- The texture may be a bit sticky, so you might need to rinse it off well.
- Comes in a small 1oz jar, so you may need to buy more if you use it often.
Use this lip scrub regularly to keep your lips soft and healthy. It’s a natural way to make your lips feel great every day!
Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm in 3 Shades (Black Honey, Pink, Nude Honey)
- SHEER, BUILDABLE COLOR: Looks dark in the tube but glides on a glossy slip of lightweight color. Swipe on one coat for a sheer tint. Keep building it...
- SOCIAL MEDIA STAR: Influencers and fans post about it, celebs wear it. 7 are sold every minute globally.* *Based on the internal Clinique data for...
- CLINICAL EXPERTISE: Allergy tested. 100% fragrance free.
Clinique Almost Lipstick Tinted Lip Balm comes in three shades: Black Honey, Pink, and Nude Honey. These balms are good for people who want a natural, polished look without the heaviness of regular lipstick. Each shade gives a sheer, lightweight color that brings out your natural lip tone.
Black Honey looks darker in the tube but offers a subtle tint that works well for all skin tones. Pink can be built up for a brighter look or worn lightly for a soft touch. Nude Honey gives a neutral, warm color perfect for everyday wear.
The balm is made with plant-based waxes. This makes it gentle and safe for sensitive lips. It feels moisturizing and glides on smoothly. It doesn’t get sticky or heavy, so it’s easy to wear all day. The subtle color and hydrating feel make it perfect for quick touch-ups or daily use.
Who should try it? People who want a simple lip color that looks natural and feels comfortable. It’s great if you want something low-maintenance.
Pros:
- Light, sheer color that you can build up if you want more
- Made with plant-based waxes, safe for sensitive lips
- Flattering for all skin tones, especially Black Honey
Cons:
- The color doesn’t last long, so you need to reapply after eating or drinking
- Colors might look a little different on different skin tones, especially Nude Honey
- Not for those who want bold, bright lips
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lip Scrub for Lipstick Prep
When choosing a lip scrub for lipstick prep, it’s important to evaluate its gentle exfoliation power to avoid irritation while effectively removing dead skin. You should also look for hydrating ingredients that will keep your lips moisturized and smooth, especially for long-lasting lipstick application. Additionally, factors such as natural versus synthetic ingredients, flavor and scent appeal, and ease of application can influence how well the product fits your specific needs and preferences.
Gentle Exfoliation Power
Choosing a lip scrub with gentle exfoliation is important. It helps remove dead skin without hurting your lips. Gentle scrubbing leaves your lips smooth and healthy. It also helps creams and balms work better.
Look for natural exfoliants like fine sugar grains. These are gentle but work well. Avoid harsh scrubs that are too rough. Scrubbing too hard can cause redness, chapping, and long healing time.
The best lip scrubs do enough to smooth rough patches. They also keep your lips moist and healthy. Regular, light exfoliation makes your lips look better. It helps your lipstick go on smoothly and stay on longer.
Choose a lip scrub that balances exfoliating and caring for your lips. Be gentle and don’t scrub too much. This way, your lips stay soft, smooth, and healthy.
Hydrating Ingredients Focus
Hydrating ingredients are very important when choosing a lip scrub for lipstick prep. These ingredients help keep your lips moist and healthy, even after you scrub. Things like Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil, and Jojoba Oil add moisture back into your lips while you exfoliate. They help prevent dryness and chapping that can happen after scrubbing. These ingredients also protect the lips’ natural barrier, which keeps them from getting irritated. Using a lip scrub with nourishing ingredients makes your lips smooth and well-moisturized. This makes your lipstick go on better and last longer. Hydrating ingredients also give your lips the nutrients they need to stay balanced and soft. They stop dryness that can make your lipstick look less good or feel uncomfortable. In summary, nourishing and hydrating ingredients are key to preparing your lips properly for makeup.
Natural vs. Synthetic
Natural and synthetic lip scrubs each have their own pros and cons, which can help you pick the right one for preparing your lips. Natural scrubs usually have gentle ingredients like sugar, honey, or coconut oil. These ingredients hydrate your lips and are soft enough to use every day. They are less likely to cause tiny tears or irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive.
On the other hand, synthetic scrubs often contain chemical exfoliants like AHA or tiny plastic beads called microbeads. These can be rougher on your lips and might cause irritation or allergic reactions for some people. Synthetic scrubs may also have artificial fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. These can sometimes bother your skin or are not eco-friendly.
Choosing a natural scrub matches with cruelty-free, vegan, and green living ideas. Synthetic options may last longer in the shelf and can have interesting textures, but they might not be as gentle. Think about what suits your skin and your values when picking between natural and synthetic lip scrubs.
Flavor & Scent Appeal
The scent and flavor of a lip scrub can make your experience better. When a lip scrub smells or tastes good, it feels more fun to use. Fragrances like citrus or coconut can make you feel happy or refreshed. These scents can also calm or energize you while you apply the scrub. Some flavored lip scrubs taste nice after use, making the whole experience more enjoyable. If you are sensitive to smells or prefer natural products, you can choose scent-free options. Picking a flavor or scent you like can make exfoliating your lips more fun. This can help you stick to your routine and keep your lips healthy and ready for lipstick.
Application Ease & Method
Choosing a lip scrub that is easy to use can help make your exfoliation routine simple and effective. Pick a scrub with small grains that gently peel away dead skin without hurting your lips. The way you apply it should let you spread the product evenly. You can use your fingers, a small brush, or a cloth—whatever works best for you. The scrub should be easy to scoop or squeeze out, so you don’t make a mess. It should also feel light and smooth so it glides on easily. After scrubbing, rinsing or wiping your lips should be quick and simple. When finished, your lips will be clean, soft, and ready for lipstick or balm.
Compatibility With Lip Types
When choosing a lip scrub, it’s important to pick one that works well for your lip type. This helps prevent irritation and gets the best results.
If you have sensitive or dry lips, look for scrubs with tiny sugar crystals. These are gentle and won’t hurt your delicate skin. Natural ingredients like coconut oil or soft sugars usually work well for most lips. But if your skin is sensitive, check for any allergens.
For chapped lips, find scrubs with nourishing oils. These help restore moisture and remove dry skin. They also prevent your lips from getting even drier.
If your lips are oily or a bit mixed, choose lighter scrubs that aren’t too rough. These clean away excess oil but keep your lips from getting too dry.
Picking a scrub that matches your lips keeps them healthy. It makes exfoliating effective without causing pain or dryness.
Long-lasting Moisture
Long-lasting moisture is key for healthy, smooth lips. When you use a lip scrub with hydrating ingredients, your lips stay moisturized even after you scrub. Ingredients like oils and butters go deep into your lips and help keep them soft for hours. Vitamin E and plant-based oils create a barrier that stops moisture from escaping. Using a lip scrub regularly helps your lips hold onto their moisture better. This makes your lips look fuller, feel softer, and stay hydrated longer. When you pick a lip scrub with these hydrating ingredients, your lips will stay smooth and moist, even in cold or dry weather.
Ethical & Cruelty-Free
Choosing a cruelty-free and ethical lip scrub means picking products made without testing on animals. These products do not cause harm to animals during their making. Many cruelty-free scrubs use natural ingredients from plants. These ingredients are gentle and less likely to cause irritation. They also avoid harsh chemicals that some regular products have. Look for brands with labels from groups like Leaping Bunny or PETA. These labels show the product truly follows cruelty-free rules. Supporting these brands helps stop animal testing and promotes kindness. Many of these brands also focus on protecting the environment. They use eco-friendly packaging and sustainable ingredients. Picking an ethical lip scrub helps you care for your skin and the world at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Exfoliate My Lips With a Lip Scrub?
You should exfoliate your lips 2-3 times a week with a lip scrub. This frequency removes dead skin without causing irritation, keeping your lips smooth and ready for lipstick application, while avoiding over-exfoliating that can cause dryness.
Can Lip Scrubs Be Used on Sensitive or Chapped Lips Safely?
Yes, you can safely use lip scrubs on sensitive or chapped lips if you choose gentle formulas with natural ingredients, avoid over-exfoliating, and apply a nourishing balm afterward to soothe and hydrate your lips.
Are Homemade Lip Scrubs as Effective as Store-Bought Ones?
Homemade lip scrubs can be just as effective as store-bought ones when made with proper ingredients like sugar and natural oils. You have control over ingredients, ensuring they’re gentle and suited to your lips’ needs.
Do Lip Scrubs Improve Lipstick Longevity or Appearance?
Yes, lip scrubs improve lipstick longevity and appearance by exfoliating dead skin, creating a smooth surface. This helps your lipstick apply evenly, stay put longer, and look more vibrant, giving you a polished, well-maintained pout.
Which Ingredients Should I Avoid in Lip Scrubs?
You should avoid lip scrubs with harsh ingredients like excessive fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and added sugars, as these can irritate or dry out your lips, leading to damage or discomfort instead of a smooth, healthy pout.