Beauty Q and A: Should I Use a Lip Scrub Before Applying Lipstick?

Chapped lips can make it difficult to get a flawless lipstick application. For a soft, smooth canvas, a lip scrub is a must-have. To find out just how and why to incorporate lip scrubs into your lip routine, we talked to Sara Happ, lip expert and founder of the eponymous brand. Read on for her tips so you can start swiping on the hottest summer lip colors with ease.

The Benefits of Using a Lip Scrub

 “Using a lip scrub gives you smooth lips that make a great base for lipstick to adhere to,” Happ says. A scrub is especially key if you’re wearing a matte liquid lipstick, like the L’Oréal Infallible Pro-Matte Liquid Lipstick, which can emphasize texture if you don’t exfoliate.  

To ensure safe use, you want to make sure you’re scrubbing your lips with products that are built to smooth and moisturize your pout. “Avoid using scrubs with ingredients that could hurt your lips — such as bits of almonds or other sharp materials,” Happ says. Look for nourishing oils, like jojoba and almond, with sugar to exfoliate, like the Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub in Pink Grapefruit

How to Use a Lip Scrub

To properly use a lip scrub, massage the product onto dry lips with your fingers, then wipe away flakes with a tissue. Follow up with a moisturizing lip balm to prevent lips from drying out.

Happ recommends using a scrub every day to help “maintain healthy, smooth lips even throughout harsh weather or travel.” It’s important to note, however, that you should be mindful of avoiding irritation. “Don’t scrub cracked or bleeding lips,” Happ notes. Instead, use a product like The Lip Slip Gloss to help rehydrate. “Once they’re healthy again, start scrubbing every day,” she explains. Scrubbing cracked lips will make them worse, which is why it’s important to make sure they are moisturized beforehand.

Tarte’s Holiday Cheek Trio Gets You 9 Blushes For $35

Welcome to Extra Gifted, our hub for all of 2019’s superlatively superior presents worthy of a moment in the spotlight. We’ll unveil a new pick every holiday, so watch this space for the best of the best in giftitude to suit every price point and person on your list (even if that person is you).

Calling all blush lovers, we’ve got the ultimate gift for you — and just in time for the last wave of holiday parties on your Google Calendar.

Tarte may be best known for iconic products like Shape Tape concealer and its collection of Tartelette palettes, but the natural beauty brand really did the most this holiday season, with blockbuster palettes and sparkly things galore. However, our top gift pick has to be the 9 Ways To Shine Cheek Wardrobe, which checks all the boxes in our book; the packaging is gorgeous and luxe as can be, the shades are mesmerizingly pretty, and best yet — it’s an amazing value for the price.

Here are the deets: The wardrobe includes three stacked blush trios, for a total of nine cheek shades — a major steal considering the $35 price tag. The packaging features three gorgeous metallic finishes — gold, rose gold, and gunmetal — and each wheel has a curated highlighter, blush, and bronzer shade to make your skin gleam and glow. Shade names like Peppermint Mocha, Frosty, and Mistletoe add a fun, festive element to your beauty stash, and the interlocking design makes them ideal for travel if you’re looking to make the most of an already-crowded makeup bag. However, the best part of this gift is that it’s a beauty choose-your-own-adventure; the trio can either be a hero present for your makeup-obsessed bestie, or you can share the love three ways by splitting them as individual stocking stuffers. (Albeit a great stocking stuffer at that, since the recipient is still getting three complementary shades in one beautiful package.) Who’s ready to get cheeky this season?

At BeautyLeeBar, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by me. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, BeautyLeeBar may earn commission.

Our 2019 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Is it just us or is the month of December flying by at warp speed? One minute we’re tucking away our Harley Quinn Halloween costume, and the next it’s time to dig out the stockings, book a flight home, and … shop for those gifts that you maybe definitely forgot about.

Don’t panic—BeautyLeeBar has found the perfect last-minute gifts for everyone on your list. From timeless toys to comfy soft fashionable lounge wear for the special someone in your life, we’ve done the legwork for you. Sit back, scroll on, and sip some eggnog or wine as you get your holiday shopping done. These presents are true crowd-pleasers. Shop our thoughtful holiday gift guide below.

Warhol on Basquiat.

The Iconic Relationship Told in Andy Warhol’s Words and Pictures

PRICE: $60

TASCHEN

Coffee table books not only add a pop of color to the room, they act as a great conversation starter when guests are over.

Cozy Collection

Introducing the Cozy Collection from SKIMS. Designed for lounging in style, this warm knit collection is made from breathable and stretchy yarn that is ultra comfortable and flattering.

Acacia Wood & Marble Cheese Boards

PRICE: $59.50-$99

POTTERY BARN

Name a better hostess gift for the holiday … we’ll wait.

Fenty Beauty E-Gift Cards

Fenty Beauty E-Gift Cards can be ordered online and sent to a recipient of your choice, as long as she or he has a valid email address. E-Gift Cards can be purchased in increments provided on site at purchase ranging from $25 to $500.

Rose Quartz Crystal Comb

PRICE: $128

BRIOGEO

Made with 100 percent natural rose quartz, this comb stimulates the scalp to promote healthy hair growth and keeps your strands silky smooth.

Safe For: Color treated, keratin treated, chemically-treated, and relaxed hair.

White With Style

Save money and get white teeth at home! The whitening kits are sensitivity free.White with Style teeth whitening gel comes in a variety of exciting flavors and two formulations: regular and peroxide free.

It is vegan, gluten free, cruelty free and BPA Free. Each product are safe and effective, removing stains from the teeth without damaging tooth enamel. Use code: CRYSTALEE to save some money this holiday!

TOGOSPA

ToGoSpa is the ultimate at home spa treat! Perfect for anyone who is all about skin.

Use code: BEAUTYLEEBAR at checkout for a discount.

EYES, FACE, LIPS and NECK are moisture packed collagen gel pads with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Aloe and Amino Acids to nourish, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin.

Vegan Travel Zipper Case, Passport Case, and Luggage Tag Set

PRICE: $119

MARK & GRAHAM

Perfect for the jet-setting friend or family member in your life.

Mini Arcade Game

$29.99

Do you have a gamer on your hands? This mini arcade game just might do the gifting trick.

Bring back your old-school favorites! Officially licensed mini-versions of the classic games give you a fun blast-from-the-past, complete with the red joysticks and game sounds just like the life-size version! Built-in speakers. 

Which gift idea is your favorite?

Let us know below!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM 2019

I did a question and answer on Instagram asking men what they have received as a gift this year. Some seem happy with their gifts. Here are some gift ideas to give to the gentlemen this holiday. Happy holidays and happy shopping babes!

1. BLEU DE CHANEL COLOGNE – Woodsy notes that blend citrus to make it crisp, clean and the perfect cologne for fall and winter.

2. LULULEMON CITY JOGGER – Comfort is key. SO cozy and come in a bunch of color options.

3. JASON MARKK SNEAKER CLEANING KIT – If your man is crazy about his sneakers, he will LOVE this kit. Even I have it and I love it!

4. APPLE AIRPODS – Still obsessed with these. Now they’re noise cancelling, perfect for the gym.

5. MONEY CLIP – Every man needs one of these!

6. THE CARRY ON COCKTAIL KIT – For the cocktail lover who’s also a frequent flyer. Comes with everything you need (minus the alcohol) to make two old-fashioned cocktails. They also have kits for MOSCOW MULESGIN & TONIC and more.

7. S’WELL BOTTLE – Such a no fail gift! So many different colors and size options too.

8. REIGNING CHAMP HOODIE – SO soft! Who doesn’t love a little loungewear?

9. JACK BLACK GROOMING PRODUCTS – Dads and brothers absolutely love this line.

10. MARSHALL PORTABLE SPEAKER – Perfect for the music lover. Plus it’s voice activated with Alexa.

11. HERMÈS APPLE WATCH – This leather band makes the Apple watch so boujee and I’m here for it. Also comes in other classic colors.

12. APL SNEAKERS – My favorite sneakers ever!

13. AVIATION AMERICAN GIN & SUGARFINA BENTO BOX GIFT SET – Booze and candy, yes please.

14. BRO MASKS – Who says face masks aren’t for men too? It’s all about the man glow.

15. TOM FORD BOXER BRIEFS – Ultra-luxe, TYSM.

Need more gift ideas? GLAM GIFT GUIDE FOR HER