Do you wear lip balm underneath lipgloss or lipstick? Do you have a favorite?
Nope, I don’t! I rarely did before blogging, and I definitely don’t do it now since it would affect the outcome of different lip products!
Thanks to CKG for today’s question! Do you have a question idea? Submit yours here.
We're here to help you make better beauty purchases that you'll enjoy and love! We recommend signing up to take advantage of personalized features like tracking products you own, viewing dupes that you already have, and more!
Here are some useful resources for you:
Curious how two shades compare to each other? Type in the shades below to get instant side-by-side swatches!
Comments that do not adhere to our comment policy may be removed. Discussion and debate are highly encouraged but we expect community members to participate respectfully. Please keep discussion on-topic, and if you have general feedback, a product review request, an off-topic question, or need technical support, please contact us!
Please help us streamline the comments' section and be more efficient: double-check the post above for more basic information like pricing, availability, and so on to make sure your question wasn't answered already. Comments alerting us to typos or small errors in the post are appreciated (!) but will typically be removed after errors are fixed (unless a response is needed).
We appreciate enthusiasm for new releases but ask readers to please hold questions regarding if/when a review will be posted as we can't commit to or guarantee product reviews. We don't want to set expectations and then disappoint readers as even products that are swatched don't always end up being reviewed due to time constraints and changes in priorities! Thank you for understanding!
We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!
I always do, unless it’s a very moisturizing formula. If not, my lips look very dry and patchy. Plus it makes application a lot easier. I usually put the balm on before I do the rest of my face so it has time to sink in, and right before I apply my lipstick, I will rub some of the excess off so the lipstick doesn’t go on too sheer.
I’m with you, Brandi. My lips are chronically dry and so I do exactly as you do. By the time I apply my lipstick, my lips are soft and the lipstick glides smoothly and evenly over them. Without a balm treatment first, the lipstick would be patchy.
Agreeeee. Super dry lips. Lip balm is a must.
same i let it sink in, then wipe it off right before lipstick. I only wear matte lipsticks so I can’t have a glossy balm on underneath.
Ditto Brandy! I use lip balm the same way as you for the same reasons!
Definitely! I let it sink about five to ten minutes, wipe off the excess then apply lipstick/gloss. It started when I was trying to make drier products like MAC Ruby Woo work, then just got in the habit of doing it.
Only under satin or matte lipsticks.
I always do under gloss and most smooth lipsticks since my lips are so dry and flaky; they need all the help they can get, otherwise the look of the lipcolor really suffers. Under matte lipsticks, though, I apply a balm a little earlier in the day and allow it to set or dry a bit. Then I just wear primer under the matte color.
Yes! I have such dry lips that if I don’t do a sugar scrub and apply lip balm before I put on my lip liner & lipstick, my lipstick chunks up within an hour. I use yu-be lip therapy because it’s a bit stiffer so it doesn’t make my lipstick slide.
Only under matte lipsticks
If it’s a very drying formula, like MAC mattes or retro mattes (even satins, come to think of it), then yes. If it’s a moisturizing formula, like the Revlon Lip Butters or Nars Sheer Lipsticks, then I don’t find it necessary.
Some lipsticks yes, lipgloss no. Since most of my lipglosses are moisturizing already 🙂
Yes, during the day I apply a lip balm with Broad Spectrum SPF under my lipstick. I noticed a small mole starting on my lip line, so I am determined to protect my lips — not only UVB rays but also UBA rays, which are the rays that contribute to skin wrinkling and sagging.
(Most lip balms do not have broad spectrum SPF — all Softlips, all Maybelline Baby Lips, all Fresh Sugar Lips, and most Blistex — so they do nothing to protect lips from the aging effects of the sun.)
I need to do it because my lips are very dry.
Definitely since I usually wear matte or satin lipsticks. Creamier formulas kinda go on weird when I do though, and I rarely wear gloss. Lately though, I’ve been wearing tinted lip balms.
I do, but I usually blot most of it off before applying my lip color.
Yes,I wear lip balm under my lipgloss/lipstick because my lips are very dry.
I have semi-dry lips so totally I wear lip balm underneath!
I do sometimes – if my lips are especially dry and I’m going to be wearing something like a MAC ProLongwear lipstick or a lip stain – and I don’t really mind if it affects wear negatively since my lips would look dry and gross if I didn’t (so it’s a case of “lesser of 2 evils”) but most of the time, I don’t and for the reason you described, Christine.
Yes but after I let it settle in my lips I remove the excess lip balm with a napkin and put on lipstick or lip gloss
I only do if I know the lipstick is a drying formula. Most matte lipsticks require some kind of balm underneath, just for the sake of comfort!
Usually. My lips feel better all day if I do, and I cannot stand the feeling of dry lips.
Yes I do, makes lipstick application smoother. I let it sink for ten minutes, then I apply lipstick.
I typically do actually. I like to keep my lips always moisturizer I’m kind of really into skin care.
I always wear a lip moisturizing cream by Sisley which I apply first thing in the morning. I have fairly dry lips, especially in winter months, and I can’t stand the feel of dry skin on my lips. I will also wear a lip balm if I am wearing a nude, sheerer, or more natural lip. If I am wearing a bright or dark lip, I do not wear lip balm as it can interfere with the product. That being said, I’m finding some success with OCC’s new clear anti-feather pencil and can keep my lips balmier using this pencil.
Always! I have dry mouth (ew) which also makes my lips dry, so I have to have lip balm on at all times. I like eos because it’s smooth without being goopy so my lipstick still adheres.
I used to but now I put lip balm on while I do my makeup and then once I’m done, I blot it off. I then use a lip primer by Mac, wait a bit then put on my lipstick. It really hold onto the color and it is long lasting! The first time I used it I was surprised how well it works.
I put on something like Laura Mercier lip silk first then MAC lip primer. The primer really holds in the moisture for the day and prevents the lip silk’s texture from interfering with the lipstick/gloss etc.
Yes. I know it affects the longevity specially on long wearing products, and also affects pigmentation, but I can help it. I get used to wearing lip balm underneath everything. My lips are not too dry, but it’s much more comfortable with lip balm. I only don’t wear lip balm with lip glosses or really mosturizing formulas, such as Clinique Chubby Stick, Dior Addict, etc.
I almost always do under satin/matte lipsticks. I like using eos lip balm because it’s not too thick or slippery on the lips but it gives just a little bit of added moisture.
I don’t. I always feel like it negatively affects the wear time of the lipstick. Maybe I’m doing it wrong.
Yes, only for my retro mattes or personally drying lipsticks OR when it’s Winter and my lips get really chapped.
I never did until recently. My lips have become a touch more dry, so I find it less frustrating to apply a balm beforehand.
Always! I have such dry lips. I’d be silly not to.
I don’t specifically apply it under lipstick but I always put some on after I shower in the morning and let it kinda sink in while I’m drying my hair.
It hadn’t occurred to me to apply it each time I put on my lipstick. I might try it with some of the mattes that make my lips look kinda flakey.
I always do. My lips are dry and ALL the time so I have to. Even if the formula is moisturizing I still do.
i usually put la mer lip balm on right after my moisturizer, then do the rest of my makeup and save lipstick for last so the balm has time to sink in. if i remember, i also use a lip primer like trish mcevoy or bite. if i forget to put the balm on in the first place, i’ll reach for a rouge d’armani because those are the only ones that still look/feel ok when my lips are dry.
I only wear lip balm prior to going to bed and if my lips feel dry. I use prep+prime lip primer underneath lipstick only. If I’m not applying lipgloss on top of my lipstick, I wear it alone.
I have to wear a smidgen of lip balm under my lipstick or I would not be able to wear lipstick at all due to very dry lips. I use Lanisol and I wipe almost all of it off just before I put on my lipstick, leaving behind just a very light coat. It may affect the color of the lip product a bit but it is the only way I can use lipstick comfortably.
Unless I’m testing for my blog I always prep my lips first with balm. I apply a thin layer and wait for it to absorb a bit then blot off any excess before applying my lippies. Like other ladies mentioned I have really dry lips so balm is a must! I also have to thank you for introducing me to Jack Black. It’s the best balm I’ve ever tried and has become my holy grail. I don’t think I would have ever paid any attention to it without you mentioning it lol
Lipstick, yes. Lipgloss, usually not. I’m always balm-ing up out of habit, anyway, since I work in an environment with a lot of recycled air, so it tends to be pretty drying to the sinuses and face. If my lips are really dry and damaged, I’ll just skip lip products all together and throw on tinted balm.
About one third of the time!
I find that using balm under my lipsticks and glosses give the full effect of the product. I HATE having cracks or flakes come through my lipstick and balm makes it soooooo much easier and prettier when applied. I usually use EOS or the walgreens dupe of EOS (better than the original). Perfect lip!
I don’t wear lip balm underneath my lipstick/lipgloss, I use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Original). Keeps my color ALL day. But because I have dry lips, I wear a heavy lip balm at bedtime.
I don’t wear it underneath, but I usually apply lipbalm before doing my make up and then, right before putting lipstick on, I’ll take the lipbalm off with a q-tip and some make-up remover. This way I can moisturize my lips, which are very dry, but the lipbalm won’t affect the wear or finish of the lipstick.
Nope, never do. I don’t like the feel of lip balms and think it’s silly to spend $$ for what’s basically just fancy Chapstick. Like you, don’t want to mess with the texture and color of my lipsticks and glosses. I wear lipstick and lipgloss daily – reapplying many times a day.
i apply carmex (in the balm stick form) before i apply any of my makeup so it has time to sink into my lips & moisturize them .
once it’s time for me to do my lips , i remove it by gently patting a tissue .
I usually have a light smear of balm if I’m wearing a non-moisturising formula as I have very dry lips all year round. If it’s a moisturising one then generally not. Revlon lip butters are some of my favourites for no balm required 🙂
Like many here, only if the lipstick’s formula is a bit dry. Or if the color is too bright, I put some balm on to mute the shade a bit 🙂
I always do! Burt’s Bees! I don’t know what my lips would do without it.
Thanks, Christine 🙂
I only recently started to do this, first with my MAC lip conditioner and then my EOS balm. I do think it affects the pigmentation of certain lipsticks just a bit and causes some slippage with others but I prefer having something under even a hydrating lipstick. Especially now as my lips just suddenly got extremely dry one day last week. Don’t know yet if it’s the EOS balm or an old MAC lipglass I used or what but I still went back to my Burt’s Bees tout de suite!
I do lately since I’m getting older and my lips have started to get that crinkly look. I adore Cle de Peau’s lip balm in stick form. It will gently tint your lips after it’s been on for a few minutes and that alone looks nice but it also makes the lipstick go on smoother and my lips stay moister.
I always do 🙂
This may seem strange, but after a light exfoliation I apply an absorbing mosture balm of singe sort and let it sit to sink in while I do the rest of my face. That way I’ve found application of lip products to be smoother and more exact and long wearing with an even finish. Does that mean I do? Sunscreen is important also so I take that into account. 🙂 @Christine: So many entries of dupes and colors swatches on your lips, how do you keep yours in identical shape for each product? Wow.. I’m jealous.
I primarily just use lip balm at night! 🙂 I also space out products that I know might be more drying by alternating with something more hydrating.
Thanks for the secret! Your lips must rarely be dry. How lovely. 😀 <3
I usually put lip balm on before I do the rest of my makeup/get ready, so that by the time I put my lipstick on (usually the last makeup thing that I do) my lips are in the best shape I can easily get them to be, but there won’t be slippage from the balm under the lipstick!
If the formula is very moisturising/emollient on me (like Estee Lauder, Chanel and Bloom) I might even skip balm altogether.
I wouldn’t bother for lipglosses – if a gloss is dry, I won’t bother with it!
It all depends on my lip condition if they are dry and parched then definitely yes.. but if they are good and I am going for creamy formulation.. I will skip the balm! 🙂
I use Elizabeth Arden Lip Fix ( a cream) and Laura Geller lip primer next. My lipstick lasts forever 🙂
I don’t wear it directly underneath lip product, I let it soak in before applying anything. I find lipbalm messes with the longevity & texture of whatever I’m wearing.
i just put some on right when i get out of the shower… sometimes before i reapply my lip color
I don’t during, but I do an hour or so before I have to wear the lipcolor out. Of note, I am always skeptical mixing lipsticks; I feel like it is cheating even when nobody really cares, or knows. =/ I know… Or maybe it is just my excuse to own more! lol!
Yep I always have to wear lip balm. My lips tend to dryness and because they are very full and big, the dryness becomes obvious.
My favourite is nuxe reve de miel lipbalm. Its very moisturising and long-lasting.
Always!
Not directly under lipstick – I find my lipsticks do not apply as evenly or with as good colour pay off on top of a lip balm. What I do instead is I use my NUXE Reve de Miel lip balm at night and then when I wake up the first step of my routine is to apply a lip balm. By the time I have done the rest of my make up and I come to the last step of the lips, my lips are usually moisturised enough that it is comfortable to wear a lip balm. In the day at work I might apply a lip balm when my colour has worn off.