Dry, chapped lips can be difficult to manage and regular lipsticks often end up accentuating flakes and dryness. But with the right kind of nourishing and hydrating lipstick formulas, you can treat your flaky pout while still getting gorgeous colors. The key is to find moisturizing ingredients like butters, oils and humectants in lipsticks tailored for dry lips. When chosen correctly, lipsticks can actually improve the texture and suppleness of dry lips while providing a flush of color. In this blog, we have curated the 10 best lipsticks that will moisturize dry lips without drying them out further. We provide an in-depth review of each lipstick along with tips for choosing, applying and caring for dry lips. Read on to find your new favorite lipstick that will treat and beautify your pout at the same time!
The Sugar Tipsy Lip Balm is an ultra-hydrating and nourishing lip balm that heals, repairs and moisturizes dry, chapped lips. It is enriched with shea butter and jojoba oil that provide intense hydration. The balm glides smoothly on the lips and keeps them moisturized for up to 8 hours. It comes in a twist-up tube packaging for mess-free application. With regular use, this lip balm can heal cracked lips and make them appear plump. It has a mild vanilla fragrance and comes in clear and tinted shades. Users love its moisturizing properties and how it healed their flaky lips. It is one of the best lip balms in the market for severely dry lips.
This lip balm from Dot & Key has an intense hydrating formula containing watermelon extract, shea butter, vitamin E and SPF 30. It provides long lasting moisturization to dry, chapped lips for up to 12 hours. The watermelon extract is rich in antioxidants that nourish the lips. Vitamin C brightens dull lips and evens out pigmentation. It also contains zinc oxide that protects the lips from sun damage. The lip balm has a refreshing watermelon scent and tingling sensation. It glides smoothly on the lips without any waxy residue. Regular use fades lip pigmentation and makes the lips appear juicy and glowing. Users rave about its moisturizing properties and sun protection abilities. Overall an ideal lip balm to treat flaky, pigmented lips.
This natural lip balm from Mamaearth is enriched with the goodness of rose oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and vitamin E. It provides intense moisturization for up to 12 hours to heal dry, chapped lips. The rose oil hydrates the lips and improves blood circulation. Cocoa and shea butter create a protective layer that locks in moisture. Vitamin E nourishes the lips. This dermatologically tested balm is free of petroleum, SLS, parabens and other toxins. It comes in a clear gel-based formula that glides smoothly on the lips. The natural rose tint adds a pop of color while treating flaky lips. Users find it extremely effective and see visible results within a week of regular use. Overall an excellent chemical-free lip balm for severely dry lips.
This nourishing lipstick from Biotique has a hydrating formula enriched with the extracts of seaweed, honey, almond oil and aloe vera. It gives an intense matte pigment that lasts for hours without drying out the lips. The seaweed extract is abundant in vitamins and minerals that nourish the lips and make them supple. Honey is a natural humectant that seals in moisture. Almond oil softens flaky skin and aloe vera soothes irritation. This lipstick glides on smoothly like a balm without tugging at the lips. It has a velvety matte finish that retains color vibrancy for long. The shade Dark Romance is a deep berry suitable for dusky skin tones. Users find it extremely moisturizing and report softer lips with continued use. A great matte lipstick for severely dry lips.
This 5-in-1 lipstick from Renee is a multi-tasking product with intense color payoff. It is enriched with Murumuru butter, castor oil and vitamin E that deeply moisturize the lips. The compact lipstick has 5 complementary shades swirled together to create custom lip looks. You can swipe once for a nude shade, twice for pink, thrice for red and so on. The long-wearing formula gives a velvety matte finish that doesn’t crack or smudge. It has a creamy texture that glides smoothly across lips. The lipstick can also be used as a lip balm, blush or eye shadow. Users find it extremely pigmented and moisturizing at the same time. The compact packaging makes it great for traveling. An affordable option for dry lips.
This innovative lipstick from Swiss Beauty has a lightweight gel-based formula containing aloe vera and Vitamin E. It provides intense hydration to dry, chapped lips and gives a glossy finish. The lipstick changes color based on your body temperature to give a customized pink shade. It has suspended glitter particles that add a sparkly effect. The gel texture applies smoothly like a balm and keeps the lips moisturized for hours. It does not bleed or feather around the lips. Users love the moisturizing effect and how their lips feel smooth and supple after application. The lipstick is free of parabens, talc and mineral oil. Great for treating flaky lips with its nourishing formula.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick provides an intense matte finish that lasts upto 16 hours without drying out the lips. The Iconic Ruler shade is a classic blue-toned red ideal for most Indian skin tones. The unique arrow applicator allows precise application even on chapped lips. The formula contains honey nectar that hydrates lips and makes them feel comfortable all day long. It gives full opaque coverage in a single swipe and doesn’t smudge or transfer easily. Users love that it survived meals and drinks without budging. The pointed applicator tip allows you to define and fill lips easily. A great liquid lipstick even for severely dry and flaky lips.
This nourishing lipstick from Iba has an intensely pigmented formula enriched with vitamin E. The lipstick hydrates dry, chapped lips while providing vivid color that lasts for hours. Vitamin E conditions the lips making them softer and smoother. The lightweight formula glides on smoothly and gives a glossy finish. It doesn’t settle into fine lines or feel heavy on lips. The shade Pink Nectar is a bright candy pink that flatters most Indian skin tones. Users love the moisturizing effect and report visible improvement in lip texture with regular use. It doesn’t dry out their lips like most matte lipsticks. Great affordable option for intensely pigmented color and nourishment.
This hydrating lipstick from Plum contains pure cocoa butter, kokum butter, mango butter and olive oil. Together they provide intense moisturization that heals dry, flaky lips. The lipstick glides on like a balm leaving a silky matte finish that lasts for hours. The shade Jazzberry is a deep dusty plum that suits dusky Indian complexions. It is highly pigmented giving opaque coverage in a single swipe. The antioxidant-rich formula nourishes lips and prevents drying. It is 100% vegan, cruelty-free and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates etc. Users find it extremely moisturizing without being sticky or heavy. It makes their lips appear smooth and youthful with regular usage. A great nourishing lipstick for dry lips.
This luxe matte lipstick from LoveChild by Masaba has an intensely nourishing formula. It is enriched with plant oils like avocado, jojoba, olive fruit and vitamin E. These replenish lost moisture and create a protective layer on the lips. The ultra-hydrating lipstick provides a creamy matte finish that doesn’t accentuate dry flakes or fine lines. The Meetha shade is a muted mauve that suits fair to medium Indian skin tones. It gives good color payoff in a single swipe and lasts for hours without feathering or bleeding. Users find it extremely moisturizing and report softer, smoother lips with continued usage. A great hydrating bullet lipstick for severely chapped lips.
Product | Key Ingredients | Texture |
---|---|---|
SUGAR Tipsy Lip Balm | Shea butter, jojoba oil | Smooth, creamy |
Dot & Key Watermelon Lip Balm | Watermelon extract, shea butter, vitamin E | Gel-based, glossy |
Mamaearth Lip Balm | Rose oil, cocoa butter, vitamin E | Clear gel, smooth |
Biotique Matte Diva Lipstick | Seaweed, honey, almond oil, aloe vera | Velvety matte |
Renee Fab 5 Lipstick | Murumuru butter, castor oil, vitamin E | Creamy, smooth |
Swiss Beauty Lipstick | Aloe vera, vitamin E | Lightweight gel |
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink | Honey nectar | Intense matte liquid |
Iba Moisturizing Lipstick | Vitamin E | Lightweight, glossy |
Plum Matterrific Lipstick | Cocoa butter, kokum butter, olive oil | Silky matte |
LoveChild Masaba Lipstick | Avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil | Creamy matte |
When choosing a lipstick for dry lips, opt for nourishing, hydrating formulas over drying matte lipsticks. Look for lipsticks containing ingredients like:
Choose creamy, balm-like textures over stiff, tugging formulas. Gel and liquid lipsticks work better than traditional bullet lipsticks. Tinted formulas add color while nourishing lips.
Opt for moisturizing lip liners over drying matte liners to define lips. Exfoliate and moisturize lips before application for even finish. Apply lip balm underneath for extra hydration. Choose nude, pink, berry shades over dark, intense pigments.
Tinted Lip Balms: These provide sheer color while moisturizing lips. Great for everyday wear.
Nourishing Lipsticks: These contain butters, oils, vitamins that condition dry lips. Can be creamy, matte or satin finish.
Gel Lipsticks: Lightweight, glossy formulas containing humectants. Glide smoothly without tugging.
Liquid Lipsticks: Thin, pigmented formulas that dry down. Choose moisturizing, non-drying formulas with oils.
Multitasking Lip Crayons: Contain butters and oils for moisture. Can be used on cheeks too. Easy to apply.
Lip Stains: Light, watery formulas that stain lips. Less drying than traditional lipsticks.
A. Opt for creamy, nourishing formulas like satin, creme, jelly and balm lipsticks. Avoid drying matte lipsticks as they can make dry lips appear more chapped and flaky.
A. Exfoliate with a lip scrub, apply lip balm and allow it to soak in. Dab off excess balm and moisturize if needed before lipstick application. Avoid peeling or biting dry skin.
A. Butters like shea, cocoa and oils like jojoba, coconut, vitamin E make lipsticks more moisturizing. They condition dry lips. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid also provide hydration.
A. Yes, use a hydrating lip liner to define lips and prevent feathering. Avoid matte lip liners which can be drying. Opt for creamy, retractable lip liners.
A. Exfoliate and moisturize lips before application. Apply lip balm before the lipstick. Blot off excess lipstick. Apply lip balm on top to rehydrate during the day. Choose transfer-proof formulas.
Liquid lipsticks and lip stains tend to have good staying power without overly drying out the lips. Look for liquid lipstick formulas containing nourishing oils, butters and humectants to keep lips comfortable. Avoid matte liquid lipsticks as they can be extremely drying. Lip stains also last for hours by leaving a wash of color while being lightweight. You can also top your regular lipstick with a clear gloss to refresh moisture and prevent it from drying out your lips.
It is best to avoid matte lipsticks if you have chronically dry or flaky lips as the powdery matte finish can emphasize dryness. If you still want to try matte lipsticks, exfoliate and moisturize lips properly before application. Apply a lip balm underneath the matte lipstick to act as a buffer. Frequently reapply a balm on top to renew moisture. Also opt for hydrating matte lipstick formulas containing plant oils and butters. Stay away from liquid matte lipsticks as they tend to be very drying.
Prep dry lips by gently exfoliating with a damp washcloth and applying lip balm. Allow the balm to soak in for 5-10 minutes then blot off excess. You can also apply petroleum jelly as a base coat before the lipstick. Use a lip brush to apply lipstick if you have prominent flakes or wrinkles. Apply starting from the cupid’s bow working towards the corners. Blot lips with a tissue to set the lipstick. Finish with a swipe of balm on top to prevent drying. Reapply balm whenever lips feel dry.
The best lipstick formulas for dry lips are creamy bullet lipsticks, tinted lip balms, nourishing liquid lipsticks and multitasking lip crayons. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, vitamin E, etc. Gel and lightweight lipstick formulas also work well. Always check that the texture is smooth, creamy and doesn’t tug at flaky skin. Avoid overly matte, satin and metallic finishes.
Lipsticks that provide intense moisturization without drying out lips include:
In general, sheerer formulas like lip stains and tinted balms tend to be less drying than full coverage matte lipsticks. Always check reviews before purchasing.
Lipstick can actually provide nourishment and moisture to dry, chapped lips if chosen correctly. Look for hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, etc. Avoid long-wearing matte and liquid lipsticks as they tend to be very drying. Using a lip balm underneath and blotting technique can also make lipsticks more suitable for dry lips. Ensure you exfoliate and prime lips properly before application.
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