How to Exfoliate Your Lips Before Applying Lipstick

Gently buff away dead skin with a lip scrub or soft toothbrush, then moisturize for smooth lipstick application.

Smooth lips are non-negotiable for clean lipstick application, but daily scrubbing is performance theater that damages more than it helps.

1. Start with clean lips. Remove any existing lip products with a gentle cleanser or micellar water. Dry skin shows every flaw, so you need a clean canvas to see what you're working with.
2. Choose your exfoliation method. Use a lip scrub with fine granules, or make one with sugar and honey. If you have nothing, a clean, soft toothbrush works perfectly for gentle buffing.
3. Exfoliate in small circles. Apply gentle pressure and move in small circular motions for 30 seconds maximum. Your lips are delicate tissue, not concrete that needs sandblasting.
4. Remove and moisturize immediately. Rinse or wipe away all scrub residue, then apply a thin layer of lip balm. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to absorb before applying lipstick.