Your Key Lip Balm Questions Answered

Using lip balm every day is something that most women do, almost without giving it a second thought. I am sure that you want to be just like them.

Before you make the decision about whether you want to start using lip balm or not, let’s answer the most common questions that girls have about lip balm.

Does lip balm make lips pink?

Many lip balms do make your lips a little pinker. When the skin of your lips is well hydrated it will look pinker than dry lips. We use lip balm to moisturize our lips so it is natural that they will get slightly pink.

If your lip balm contains vitamin E oil, you can expect your lips to be slightly darker pink.

Does lip balm have calories?

Lip balm does indeed contain calories. Most varieties of lip balm contain about 20 calories per application. To put this into perspective you can burn 20 calories in 2 minutes of running, 3 minutes of cycling, or 5 minutes of walking.

Does lip balm have an expiry date?

Lip balm does have an expiry date. This is usually printed as one year after manufacture for lip balms containing SPF.

Because lip balm is so inexpensive I replace mine twice a year. I get a higher SPF lip balm at the start of Summer and more nourishing lip balm at the start of Winter.

Does lip balm have to go in your liquids bag?

Lip balm is classified under the same makeup rules when it comes to carry-on luggage for air travel. In other words, most US airports state that gel-like lip balm in a tube needs to be in your liquids bag while a “solid” Chapstick doesn’t. The same rule applies to lip gloss vs “solid” lipstick. However, airports in the UK and many other countries require your “solid” lip balm and lipstick to be in your liquids bag.

Because of the lack of consistency across airports I just find it easier to put my lipstick and lip balm in my liquids bag. I have never gotten into trouble for having my lip balm in my liquids bag, so better that than having it confiscated and being without my lip balm in the drying air of a long haul flight.

Is lip balm makeup?

Technically, pigmented lip balms are classified as makeup while high SPF lip balms are classified as sunscreen. However, when it comes to air travel, airlines classify all lip balm under their makeup rules.

From my perspective, I see lip balm as being part of my makeup/ beauty products.

Is lip balm and lip gloss the same?

Lip balm and lip gloss are not the same. Though it is common for them to be used together, each serves a different purpose. Lip gloss adds luster, and shine to your lips, usually with added color. Lip gloss also makes your lips look fuller. The purpose of lip balm is to moisturize, soften, and protect your lips.

Is lip balm vegan?

Most lip balms are made from beeswax or lanolin, neither of which are vegan friendly. Even petroleum lip balms often have non-vegan ingredients. That said, it is possible to find vegan-friendly lip balms but it will require some careful reading of ingredients.

Why has my lip balm gone soft?

Many varieties of lip balms contain shea or cocoa butter. These kinds of butter are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and cause your lip balm to start feeling soft. Even if your lip balm has gone soft it will still be able to moisturize your lips.

Why is my lip balm gritty?

Lip balm becomes gritty when the fats in the plant fats in your lip balm melt and re-crystalize due to temperature fluctuations. So the grittiness that you feel are the little crystals of plant butter fats and nothing to be alarmed about.

Does Lip balm make your lips bigger?

Lip balm does not contain any chemicals or hormones that will physically make your lips bigger. Lip balm hydrates/moisturizes your lips and moist, healthy lips generally look fuller than dehydrated lips.

Can lip balm go in hand luggage?

Lip balm is classified by airlines as part of makeup under their liquids/gels/pastes regulations. Therefore you are permitted to have your lip balm as part of your hand luggage, but keep it in your liquids bag when going through security.

Some airports don’t require you to show lip balm as part of your liquids bag, but many international airports do. So save yourself extra hassle during a stressful time and keep your lip balm in your liquids bag with the rest of your makeup.

Does lip balm hydrate lips?

Lip balm hydrates and moisturizes your lips in two ways. Lip balm absorbs into the skin of your lips, hydrating the outer layer of skin. Lip balm also seals in lip-hydration, preventing deep tissue moisture from escaping.

Just using lip balm will not negate your need for drinking water to maintain your body’s hydration levels as that is what feeds hydration to the deeper tissue of your lips.

Does lip balm plump lips?

Lip balm does not physically plump up your lips. However, healthy, moist lips will appear fuller.

Does lip balm stain clothes?

The fats in lip balm can stain your clothes either when melted by the sun or in the washing machine on a hot cycle. If your lip balm is tinted the stain can be even worse.

Can lip balm be used as lube?

Even though lip balm has hydrating and moisturizing properties, it should not be used as a lube. Lip balm with its key ingredients, perfumes, etc has been formulated for external use only.

If you use lip balm as lube and for its intended purpose on your lips, there is a very real risk of bacterial cross-contamination.

Does lip balm wash out of clothes?

You can wash lip balm out of clothes as long as the fabric is washable. However, lip balm does not wash out of clothes easily and it will likely take several tries to get your clothes clean again.

Pour liquid laundry detergent onto the lip balm stained areas while the clothes are dry and rub it in with your fingers. Set the garment aside for 10 minutes, then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Recommended Lip Balms

I really love EOS lip balms (available on Amazon). The little sphere containers fit easily into my smallest purse and feel super girly when I use them.

When it comes to tinted lip balms I like the Clinique Chubby Stick (available on Amazon). Again, the girliness of the container will leave you in no doubt that you will be adding a hint of pretty color to your lips together with moisturized softness.