It’s that time of year again: we’re midway through winter and your skin is tightening, your hands getting rough, and your lips? They go into full SOS mode. Chapped, flaky, sore, and somehow always dry no matter how much balm you apply—winter lips can feel like an unsolvable mystery. But there’s more to lip care than reapplying a stick and hoping for the best.
Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips lack oil glands, making them especially vulnerable to cold, dry air and indoor heating. My dermatologist has always told me that lips are one of the most sensitive and exposed parts of your face because they’re thinner, more permeable, and prone to moisture loss. That means they need a little extra love—and the right kind of product—to stay smooth and healthy.
Here’s how to care for your lips this winter with the right mix of prevention, treatment, and juicy hydration.
Prevention vs. healing: When to protect and when to repair
Preventative care is all about keeping the delicate skin of your lips protected before damage sets in. Think of this as your daily ritual: a lightweight balm with SPF, a nourishing oil to stop dehydration, or a glossy shield that keeps the cold air out.
But once your lips are cracked, peeling or painfully dry, you need to shift into treatment mode. That means reaching for thick, occlusive formulas that not only hydrate, but seal and repair the skin barrier to stop further moisture loss.
Pro tip: Try using a balm or oil throughout the day to maintain hydration, then switch to a heavier-duty treatment product overnight when your skin does its deepest healing.
Glossary: balms, salves, oils and more… What they actually do
Lip balm
This is your everyday staple. It’s a mix of waxes, butters and oils designed to moisturise and protect. Balms tend to stay put, making them ideal for layering under lipsticks or wearing out in the elements. Bonus points if they include SPF or antioxidants.
Lip salve or ointment
These are thicker, more intensive, and better suited to treating already-damaged lips. Salves often contain occlusives like lanolin, shea butter or petrolatum that form a barrier to lock in moisture and promote healing. Many also have anti-inflammatory or soothing ingredients like calendula or vitamin E.
Lip oil
Hydrating, glossy and often infused with nourishing plant oils or squalane, lip oils are a great in-between product. They offer more shine and slip than balms but also provide lightweight hydration. Ideal for those who want a bit of glow with their lip care (and especially good for daytime).
Gloss-balm hybrids
These newer formulas combine the high-shine finish of gloss with the nourishing benefits of a balm. Perfect if you want to treat your lips while still looking polished.
So what ingredients are you looking for?
- Hyaluronic acid: Draws moisture into the skin and plumps. Best in hydrating treatments.
- Lanolin: A natural, ultra-effective occlusive that locks in moisture. Found in salves like Lanolips.
- Squalane: A lightweight hydrator that mimics skin’s natural oils. Perfect in lip oils.
- Petrolatum: A classic skin protectant that creates a barrier against moisture loss. Found in CeraVe and many overnight products.
- Ceramides: Essential for rebuilding the skin barrier—especially helpful when lips are already cracked.
- SPF: A non-negotiable if you’re outside, even in winter. Lips are highly prone to sun damage.
Editor’s Picks: The best lip products for every winter need
Whether you need serious overnight repair or a glossy daytime treat, these are our go-to lip saviours—tried, tested and actually effective.
Lightweight shine and deep hydration
Revlon Super Lustrous Glimmer Lip Oil, $21.95
A new addition we’re obsessed with. This gloss-meets-oil hybrid glides on smooth and gives lips a juicy, glassy finish with just the right amount of pigment. Bonus: squalane and emollients that hydrate while you shine.
Luxe balm and high strength SPF combo
MECCA COSMETICA Lip De-Luscious SPF20 Lip Protectant, $32
Don’t sleep on sun protection in winter. This lush balm blends broad-spectrum SPF with nourishing ingredients and a hint of rosy colour. A top-tier lip multitasker.
Overnight recovery treatment
Dermal Therapy Overnight Lip Repair, $11.99
This viral favourite is packed with over 30 actives and lives up to the hype. Ideal for serious lip emergencies—apply before bed and wake up with noticeably smoother, softer lips.
Glossy tint, zero stickiness
Milani Fruit Fetish Lip Oils, $24.99
These smell divine, feel weightless, and give a sheer tint plus mega moisture. Perfect for daytime wear or layering over lipstick when your lips need both care and colour.
Best for barrier repair
Lanolips 101 Ointment, $18.95
The ultimate multi-use balm. Made with ultra-pure lanolin, this is your go-to when lips (or elbows, or cuticles) need rescuing. We love it as an overnight lip mask or a base under lipstick.
Luxe plumping and treatment in one
Endota Hyaluronic Lip Treatment, $35.00
Part gloss, part treatment, this botanical-powered formula visibly plumps and smooths with hyaluronic acid and natural actives. A luxe addition to your skincare routine that actually does more than just sit pretty.
New and noteworthy
Milk Makeup Balmade Electrolyte Tinted Lip Balm, $33
It’s new, it’s hot, and it’s worth the hype. A fresh take on balm with a flush of colour, skin-loving electrolytes and a hydrating finish.
Multi-purpose skin saver
CeraVe Advanced Repair Balm, $14.39
This is the skincare insider’s secret weapon. Petrolatum seals, ceramides heal, and hyaluronic acid hydrates. Use it on lips, dry patches, even windburned cheeks it does it all
Cute and functional
kit: Kissing Balm, $22
A lightweight balm that feels great on and has that perfect buttery texture. We love the subtle shine and the chic little pot. It’s a handbag staple.
Everyday protection with a hint of colour
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint, $35.00
This one’s a classic for a reason. With the legendary Eight Hour formula, it moisturises and soothes while offering SPF 15 and a subtle wash of colour. Great for no-makeup days when you still want a polished look.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
