9 handy lip balm hacks

As a bh writer, I’m well aware there’s a product to address just about every beauty concern under the sun. Often, that’s a part of the fun. Other times, I just want one great multi-tasker.
Cue the lip balm, a multi-use wonder that can solve a whole host of beauty dilemmas. Yep, it ain’t just for chapped lips…
#1: To prolong your perfume
Does your favourite perfume wear off a little quicker than you’d like? Well, that handy balm could be the answer: simply dab a little on your wrists or wherever else you like your perfume before spraying. The fragrance will stick to these areas and keep you smelling beautiful all day long.
#2: As a pseudo eyeshadow
To add a subtle, no make-up makeup-esque sheen to your lids, pop on a small amount of your lip balm with your finger. If you want to up the ante, apply your favourite eyeshadow over the top – the balm will give it a luminous look. Just be sure not to apply it too thick, otherwise, your lids will just look greasy.
Image credit: @kat_mua Instagram
#3: As an illuminator
For a fresh, dewy make-up look on the go, apply a tiny bit of balm to the very tops of your cheekbones. You can also use it just above and underneath the outer edges of your brows. The best part? It’ll work with any skin tone!
#4: As a cheek tint
A tinted lip balm will give you a glowy complexion in a pinch. For a subtly stained result, dab it on to the apples of your cheeks lightly until it's completely blended. Remember, less is more!
RELATED: Paw paw ointment: the humble skin saviour
RELATED: 12 lipstick tricks every woman should know
#5: In place of an eyebrow gel
It may not have quite the same staying power as your regular eyebrow gel, but a simple balm can be used to groom your brows to a pretty high standard in a pinch. You can also use it to set colour created by pencils or powders.
#6: For extra luscious lips
Ok, this one sounds a bit obvious, but I’m not talking about slathering it on just to combat dryness. You can also use a lip balm for a more sophisticated lip look: simply apply your favourite lip colour, followed by a teeny bit of lip balm right on your cupid’s bow as well as the very centre of your lower lip. This will help to give the illusion of a fuller pout (without the need for fillers)!
#7: To soothe rough hands and cracked cuticles
If you suffer from very dry hands, you should probably consider investing in a heavy-duty hand cream. In the meantime, rub some balm on rougher areas during the day. This will help create a barrier against the elements and prevent further drying. You may like to slather some on your cracked cuticles as well.
#8: To protect against hair dye
The first time I dyed my hair at home, I ended up with a purplish streak across my forehead, which stayed put for days. As my good friend comforted me in my time of need, she told me this nifty trick: a thin layer of lip balm around the hairline is all that’s required to prevent the colour from bleeding onto your skin. Genius.
#9: For a mess-free mani
You can also use lip balm as a barrier against nail polish. Just apply it evenly to your cuticles before painting, then wait for your nails to dry before gently wiping it – and any polish residue – off.
Image credit: intothegloss.com/
Lip balms we love:
Vaseline Intensive Care Petroleum Jelly
Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm
Uriage Bariederm Reconstructive Barrier Lip Balm
Nature’s Care Paw Paw Lip Balm
Natralus Natural Paw Paw Lip Balm
Dr. LeWinn's Multi-Moisture Multi-Use Balm
Paula’s Choice Lip & Body Treatment Balm
Have you ever tried any of these handy lip balm hacks? What other lip balm uses can you think of?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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185 Member Comments
Thanks for the article. Lip balm has a lot of uses.
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thank you for sharing Lip balm boxes at wholesale that's great job.
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I use vaseline regularly, it is a great product with a lot of different beauty uses, beneficial for skin and lips.
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Thanks for the advice
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I will definitely start implementing the perfume trick, if I remember!
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These are all such good tips!
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The mess free mani is a new one to me!
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I use unscented lip balm to prolong my perfume at wrists, neck and behind ears...
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Wow what a great trick to make perfume last longer. I always find this a problem and will definitely try this one. Thanks
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I wonder if the perfume trick will change the scent of your perfume? Will have to give this a try!
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Yes you would have to be careful what lip balm you used.
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some really tips here !!
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I've never heard the perfume tip! Will definitely be trying that out
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So many uses, love our lip balms
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Lip balm is the best. love it.
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cheek tint trick didn't work for me. But my nails, perfect
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Also you can use it on your nipples hehe
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I'm certainly going to try #1 when next I wear scent. I'm so tired of a nice smelling fragrance fading. I like the #8 tip. It will be more precise than using a moisturising cream.
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I haven't tried lip balm as a nail polish protector, must try that out!
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1 & #9 are awesome suggestions! I already do #5 & #7.. Some great tips here!
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I didn't realise lip balm could be so multi-purpose. The only one I've been doing is using it on my hands in a pinch but these are all fantastic ideas.
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really interesting and creative uses of balms!! I've been told the lipstick can be used as a cream blush but I do find it a little thick. For highlight/cuticles etc. I like to use a multipurpose balm like the EA 8 hour cream.
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I didn't know you could use it for a manicure! I will try that out, thanks bh
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I like the cheeks & perfume ones the best.
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Can't say I'll be putting any lip balm on my eyelids any time soon, but that's an interesting idea about using it to prolong perfume!
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