How To Prevent Chapped Lips If You Wear Matte Lipstick In Winter

Matte lipstick and winter air are notoriously at odds because matte formulas contain more wax and pigment than oil, making them thirsty for moisture. When the cold air strips your lips' natural oils, the lipstick clings to dry patches and causes painful cracking.

How To Prevent Chapped Lips If You Wear Matte Lipstick In Winter

1. The 10-Minute Buffer Rule

The biggest mistake is applying lip balm and lipstick at the same time.

• The Routine: Apply a thick, hydrating lip balm as the very first step of your makeup routine.

• The Wait: Let it sink in for at least 10 minutes while you do your eyes and base.

• The Blot: Right before applying your lipstick, blot the excess balm with a tissue. This leaves the lips hydrated but removes the slip that causes matte lipstick to slide or feather.

2. Physical Exfoliation 

Matte lipstick acts like a highlighter for dead skin.

• DIY Scrub: Mix a bit of sugar with honey or coconut oil and gently massage your lips for 30 seconds.

• The Toothbrush Hack: If you’re in a rush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to very gently buff away flakes after your morning shower.

• Note: Do not exfoliate if your lips are already cracked or bleeding; stick to heavy balms until they heal.

3. Use a Lip Primer or Liner

A lip primer acts as a velcro-like barrier between your skin and the drying pigments.

• Barrier Method: If you don't have a specific lip primer, fill in your entire lip with a creamy lip liner first. This provides a waxier, more flexible base than the liquid matte formula itself, preventing the lipstick from settling into fine lines.

ALSO READ- 5 Best Lip Oils For Winter To Get Moisturised Lips

4. Upgrade Your Formula

Not all mattes are created equal in 2025.

• Look for Creamy Mattes: Many modern formulas are comfort matte infused with vitamin E or macadamia oil.

• Avoid Liquid-to-Matte: Traditional liquid-to-matte lipsticks that dry down completely are the most dehydrating. In winter, try a matte bullet lipstick, which typically has a slightly higher oil content.

5. The Overnight Mask Treatment

Prevention starts while you sleep.

• The Slug: Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or a dedicated lip sleeping mask before bed.

• Humidifier: Since indoor heaters zap moisture, running a humidifier in your bedroom can significantly reduce how dry your lips feel when you wake up.

Image credits: Freepik

ALSO READ- Top 7 Lip Masks For Overnight Lip Repair In Winters

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