1. Keep Lip Products in a Cool, Dry Place

Temperature and humidity can have a significant impact on the texture and longevity of your lip products. To keep them in optimal condition:

• Avoid direct heat: Store your lip products away from heat sources like radiators, windowsills, or hot environments. Excessive heat can cause lip products, especially lipsticks, to melt or become too soft and prone to breaking.
• Keep them cool: Room temperature is generally ideal for most lip products, but avoid extremely hot or cold areas, such as a bathroom cabinet (due to moisture) or your car in summer. Extreme temperatures can cause formulas to separate or harden.

Tip: If you live in a particularly hot climate, you may want to store your lipsticks in the fridge to prevent melting, especially during the summer months.

2. Store Lip Products Upright

Storing your lip products upright, particularly lipsticks and lip glosses, helps maintain their shape and ensures that they don’t get messy or exposed to contaminants. Here’s how to store them:

• Lipsticks: Keep them standing up to avoid accidentally damaging the bullet and to prevent the product from becoming smudged or misshapen. If you’re using lipstick tubes that have a cap, it’s helpful to store them with the cap down to prevent air exposure and drying out.
• Lip Glosses: Store glosses upright to prevent the wand from getting dirty or the gloss from leaking.

Tip: A makeup organizer or a small drawer organizer can help you store your lip products neatly and upright, making it easier to find the one you want to use.

3. Avoid Exposure to Air

Exposure to air can dry out your lip products, particularly lipsticks and glosses. To preserve the texture and consistency of your products:

• Cap it tightly: Always make sure the cap or lid is securely closed to avoid air exposure. This prevents the product from drying out or becoming contaminated by dirt and bacteria.
• Avoid dipping fingers into glosses: If you’re using a lip gloss in a jar, use a clean lip brush or your fingertips to avoid introducing bacteria into the product. This extends its shelf life and prevents contamination.

Tip: If you’re using a lipstick or gloss that has been opened for a while, check for any changes in texture, smell, or color. These may indicate that the product is no longer good to use.

4. Keep Lip Products Clean

Hygiene is essential to ensure your lip products stay free from bacteria and other contaminants:

• Clean applicators: If you’re using lip gloss, lipsticks with a built-in applicator, or lip liners, make sure to clean the applicators regularly. Wipe them down with a tissue or makeup wipe to prevent buildup and avoid the transfer of bacteria.
• Use lip brushes: When applying lipstick or gloss, using a clean lip brush can help prevent contamination, especially if you have sensitive skin or lips prone to breakouts.
• Wipe off excess product: After using your lip product, wipe off the opening of the tube to keep it clean and free of excess product. This prevents the product from clogging the tube or cap.

Tip: You can occasionally sanitize your lipsticks and gloss tubes by gently wiping them with an alcohol wipe (just be cautious with alcohol-based products around the lip product itself).

5. Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

Just like other beauty products, lip products have an expiration date. Keeping track of how long you’ve had them can help ensure you’re not using products that have gone bad:

• Lipsticks: Typically last 1-2 years. If the formula becomes dry or changes in texture, it’s time to toss it.
• Lip Gloss: These usually last 1-1.5 years, but if it starts to separate or develop an off smell, it’s a sign to replace it.
• Lip Balms: Depending on the ingredients, lip balms can last up to 2 years. If you notice a change in scent or texture, it’s a good idea to replace them.
• Lip Liners: These can last around 2 years. If the pencil gets dry or the pigment changes, it may need to be sharpened or replaced.

Tip: Write the date of purchase on the bottom of the tube if you’re unsure when you opened the product. This will help you track its age.

6. Store Lip Products in a Safe, Out-of-Sight Location

Especially if you have little ones around, it’s important to store your lip products in a safe place. Lipsticks, glosses, and lip liners can be tempting for kids to play with, which could lead to broken products or accidents. Store them in a secure drawer or container that is out of reach.

7. Sharpen Lip Liners Regularly

Lip liners need to be sharpened regularly to maintain their precise tip for clean application. Use a sharpener that’s designed for cosmetic pencils to avoid damaging the product. Make sure to clean the sharpener often to prevent bacterial buildup.

8. Repair Broken Lipsticks

If your lipstick breaks, don’t throw it away immediately! You can repair it by following these simple steps:

• Reform the Lipstick: Gently melt the broken pieces of lipstick with a hairdryer or by holding it near a flame for a few seconds, and then press the pieces back together. Place it in the fridge for a few minutes to set.
• Use as a Custom Color: If the lipstick is too broken to fix, consider melting it and placing it into a small pot to use as a custom lip gloss or lip stain.

9. Protect Your Lip Products When Traveling

When traveling, lip products can be at risk of getting damaged or spilled. To prevent this:

• Use a makeup bag: Store lip products in a secure, makeup bag with compartments to keep them from getting crushed or leaking.
• Travel-size containers: For lip balms or glosses, consider transferring a small amount of product into travel-sized containers for easy transport.
• Seal properly: Ensure all caps are tightly sealed to prevent leakage, especially for liquid lipsticks or glosses.

10. Avoid Using Expired Products

Expired lip products can cause irritation or even lead to infections, so it’s important to regularly check the condition of your lip products. If you notice any changes in texture, smell, or color, it’s time to dispose of them.

Final Thoughts

Taking proper care of your lip products ensures they remain effective, hygienic, and long-lasting. By storing them in a cool, dry place, cleaning the applicators, and keeping track of their expiration dates, you can keep your lip products in the best condition possible. Whether it’s a bold lipstick or a nourishing balm, proper care allows you to enjoy your favorite lip products for longer, ensuring your lips stay soft, smooth, and beautiful.