So, you want to give your lips a good scrub-down, huh? Welp, don't hate me, but scrubbing the hell out of your already cracked, flaking, or bleeding skin will only make your lips worse, since what they really need is a good lip balm. Still, if you're looking to smooth out your lips before, say, applying a drying matte lipstick, or before macking on your next ~hot~ date, I get it—and I'm (begrudgingly) here to help with the cheapest, easiest, DIY solution.
Since you shouldn't be exfoliating all that often (keep it to once a week, max), there's no need to shell out a bunch of cash on an expensive product. Instead, try my favorite at-home scrub that uses just a few ingredients from your pantry: honey (known for its antibacterial and skin-soothing properties), brown sugar (for gentle, natural exfoliation), and coconut oil (for moisture and hydration).
It takes just a few minutes to mash it all together and gently buff it over your lips, so you can try it right now for funsies, or save it for when you frantically need smooth lips, fast.
What You'll Need:
- 1/4 tsp brown sugar (or, like, a pinch, if you're like me and don't cook)
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp coconut oil
- lip balm
The How-To:
Step 1: Prep.
Have you ever tried to scrub dry skin before? Yeah, it doesn't feel good. Hydrate and soften your lips first with a hydrating lip balm, like the multipurpose Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
Step 2: Mix and Apply.
Combine all three ingredients together until evenly blended. Then, gently spread a thick layer over your top and bottom lips. Despite the name, don't actually scrub. The goal here is to help your lips, not hurt them, and rubbing too hard can create micro-tears.
Step 3: Remove.
Leave the mixture on your lips for a few minutes (enough time for a quick scroll through Instagram), then gently wipe off with a wet washcloth. Again, no need to scrub. Immediately afterward, follow up with a hydrating lip balm or a nourishing lip mask to replenish your skin's moisture.
4 Best-Selling Lip Masks and Balms
And there you have it. A very important note, though: Since DIY cosmetics don't have preservatives that allow them to last, bacteria-free, for months, make sure to refrigerate the leftovers and toss within 48 hours. Now go forth and get scrubbing gently exfoliating.
