If you wake up with dry lips, try this important step before bed

September 20, 2026 — 5:00amLips are a focal point of the face, expressing so many emotions – happiness, sadness, lust, surprise, and so on. They are also quite sensitive, with a tendency to lose moisture overnight because they have very little sebum (oil) and a thinner protective barrier. The abundance of blood vessels close to the lip surface and high concentration of nerve endings also make them sensitive.Great summer staples include lush lip oils and hydrating lip serums containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane and antioxidantsGetty ImagesIf your lips feel dehydrated when you wake up, apply a balm liberally before bed to lock in moisture and protect the delicate skin barrier. Great summer staples include lush lip oils and hydrating lip serums containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane and antioxidants. Brands that combine the high shine of a gloss without stickiness include Clarins, Dior, Gisou and Guerlain, with many formulations boosted by conditioning ingredients such as jojoba and argan oil.To boost your lip-colour density, apply a lip oil on top of your favourite lipstick to give it a slick kick. For UV protection, apply SPF 50+ lip products as an essential part of your daily routine.Looking for more beauty tips? Read more here:After your face, this is the next body part to see the sun. Here’s how to get it readyPrince William accepted his baldness at 35. Here’s how to make the transition smoothBreak out of an aftershave rut by adding these scents to some familiar basesTry this hairdresser’s hack in your next hair mask for added bang for buckIf you’re flying long haul, look after your eyes with these toiletry bag essentialsGet the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up for our newsletter.From our partners