Why You Should Layer Your Lipstick

With fall in full swing, it’s time to experiment with some fall-inspired lip colors— but, not so fast! Before rocking a bold lip, get your skin care in order and by layering skin-benefiting balms and emollients underneath. From protection to shine, we share four reasons why you should start layering your lipstick, plus how to do it with thelip balms and emollients we deem best for the job, below. 

Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any good skin care routine— which is why hydration is at the top of our list of reasons why you should layer your lipstick. Using an ultra-hydrating lip balm, like Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, can not only provide your pout with a boost of moisture, it can create a smooth base and help prevent them from becoming dry or looking uneven under your favorite matte lipstick, too! Enriched with squalanea, lanolin, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E, Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 can help to soften dried lips and shield your pout from environmental aggressors like free radicals and pollution. To layer your lips with Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, simply apply a small amount of balm to your pout and allow your lips to soak up the hydration. Then, follow up with your favorite lipstick or gloss.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, $7

While there are some lipsticks out there that are formulated with SPF, not all have the necessary sun protection the delicate skin on our pout needs. Protect your lips from the sun’s damaging UV rays with a lip balm formulated with broad-spectrum SPF, like Maybelline’s Baby Lips in Quenched. Formulated with SPF 20 and shea butter, our Skincare.com editors swear by this drugstore lip balm. To layer your lips with Baby Lips, simply apply the lip balm to your pout and follow up with your favorite lipstick or gloss. Don’t forget to reapply lip balm throughout the day to ensure that your lips remain hydrated and protected. 

For more on Maybelline’s Baby Lips ($3.99), check out our full review, here. 

Though we may love the color, lipsticks don’t always have the shine we are looking for. Treat your pout to a boost of shine by applying a hydrating emollient, like The Body Shop’s Honeymania Lip Butter. Formulated with the brand’s Community Trade honey, this Lip Butter can softenand hydrate your pout upon application. To layer, apply your lipstick (added bonus: apply an SPF-formulated lip balm underneath) and follow up with a few dabs of Honeymania Lip Butter.

The Body Shop Honeymania Lip Butter, $7

Another reason why you should layer your lips? For a silky smooth surface, duh! Apply a lip exfoliator, like The Body Shop’s Lip Scuff to your lips to remove any dead skin that might be causing your pout to have an uneven surface. Formulated with macadamia nut oil and peppermint oil, this lip exfoliant can slough off dead skin cells, replenish the skin, and create a smooth surface. Follow up with hydrating lip balm then your favorite shade of red and voilá!

The Body Shop Lip Scuff, $12.50