What Are The Best Lipstick Finishes For Dry Lips?

Some people deal with dry lips on a seasonal basis, while others are doomed to struggle with this mild but annoying problem year-round. For those in this situation, it's oh-so-important to give as much thought to what you put on your lips as the type of foundation you use for your skin. After all, lips have their own set of parameters, and many products just make the situation look and feel much worse.

People with dry lips simply can't wear certain lipstick textures and finishes without risking cracks, flakes, caking, and otherwise less-than-kissable-looking lips. Certain causes of dry lips can be mitigated to an extent, fortunately. For example, spicy food, sun exposure, and lip-licking are potential triggers for dry lips, per Houston Methodist, so minimize those risk factors when possible to improve lip health. Cold, dry weather is another common culprit, as are some medications and product allergies. In short, just about anything can cause dry lips, so when the situation strikes, it's helpful to know which lipstick finishes will fail and which will literally shine.

Obviously, the problem with dry lips has to do with hydration. Anything without enough moisture is going to look all kinds of shriveled (just look at the average raisin). So, it only makes sense that lipsticks that are ultra-matte (read: dry) in appearance wind up looking caked-on when applied to a dehydrated kisser. Is there anything that ruins a full face quite like cracked lipstick? We think not.

Instead, select lipsticks that have a gloss factor worked right into their formulation. Many, like Maybelline's Sensational Shine Compulsion Lipstick, have identifying adjectives worked right into the title, so check for labels that include words such as "shine," "moisturizing," and "hydrating." Although quality lipsticks are available at all price points, Shop Today talked to makeup artists Cara Lovello and Neil Scibelli, who both said that the ingredients list is critical to selecting the best hydrating lipstick. Specifically, they say to select brands that include hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and some type of moisturizing oil (like coconut oil or other fruit/flower-based options).

Or, if you absolutely must keep your favorite matte in rotation, apply a thin layer of sheer gloss or petroleum jelly as a top coat. This will add a hint of shine and some much-needed moisture into the mix. 

It's not always the time to shine, however. Fortunately, many lipstick formulations out there are ultra-hydrating but creamy, rather than shiny, in appearance and texture. These are often described as "creamy matte" or some variation and are just as hydrating as the high-gloss options. 

From their extensive catalog, Sephora suggests My Dream Lipstick – Creamy Lip Color by Natasha Denona, which has a 4.5 star rating. One reviewer says, "It's definitely more creamy than other lipsticks I've tried, so if that's the formula you like you will love this!" A couple of highlighted ingredients in this lipstick are aloe vera and papaya fruit, which the brand says has soothing and calming properties. Or, Artist Couture's Silk Cream Lipstick is available at a slightly lower price point and overall rating. Again, there are about a million options to choose from, so it might be best to hit the local cosmetics store to sample a few for texture before committing.

A lipstick in a semi-matte finish is a great way to split the difference between full matte and totally glossy, all while maintaining the integrity of the lips themselves. Semi-matte formulas are made to glide on smoothly and offer more coverage than a shiny gloss but aren't so heavy that they'll further dry out the lips, per Brides. This trend is likely to keep picking up speed, as Sephora says it's been steadily becoming more popular with customers in recent years. 

For this and other types of lipsticks to go on smoothly, regular lip exfoliation is recommended, per Medical News Today. Exfoliation can help lips look smoother and eliminate any dark spots, rid the lips of dead skin, and add hydration. Plenty of great lip scrubs are available for purchase, or you can make one at home using a mixture of honey, sugar, and petroleum jelly, gently applied with a soft-bristled toothbrush, Medical News Today suggests. 

All the special formulations in the world won't make a truly dry lip look its very best. In addition to exfoliating regularly, treat or prevent dry, flaky lips with a lip balm or jelly multiple times per day and definitely before bedtime, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association. This will help keep them from drying out and stop the spiral before it begins. The group also says to wear SPF lip balm anytime you go outside, as the skin on the lips is just as susceptible to harmful ultraviolet rays as the rest of the body.

Many people with dry lips have them because they're allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients, says the Cleveland Clinic. If a particular lipstick causes a breakout, discontinue use and check the ingredients list. If this happens repeatedly with the same ingredient, you'll know what you need to avoid. Other people are fine with active ingredients but can't handle certain dyes or fragrances. If this sounds like you, select products that are fragrance-free and/or intended for sensitive skin. If the dry lip situation gets really out of control and no home remedies (using healing balms or a humidifier, avoiding triggers) have helped, the Cleveland Clinic says it's time to see a dermatologist, as a bigger issue might be the root of the problem.