Lip balm goes by many names. Some know it as lip ice, others know it as chapstick. However, whether you refer to it as lip butter, lip magic, lip love potion, or the ultimate pout perfecter, one thing is certain, it is a classic beauty staple for keeping lips soft!
But did you know it is also great for other things, like taming unruly brows and even controlling frizzy baby hairs around your hairline, or at the nape of the neck? Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London (a skin treatment clinic situated in the world-renowned Harley Street), uses emollient-based lip balms to keep stray brow hairs in place and to deal with those annoying frizzy bits at the front of her hair.
The bottom line? Lip balm is a super simple yet very effective trick that has now also become one of my go-to hacks for keeping things neat. Plus, some celebrities like Lady Gaga, Julia Fox, and Zendaya have also been known to try this trick to help make their eyebrows look smooth and neat. So, let’s talk about it.
Using Lip Balm To Tame Brows & Frizz
Just like you, I never in a million years thought of reaching for my lip balm to manage my brows until I read an article where Dr Mahto mentions it. Curious, I decided to give it a try, and the results have been amazing!
Grab a pen and your balm, because here is how I do it (and I promise, it is as easy as one, two, three):
- Choose The Right Balm: The key is to use an emollient-based lip balm (petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone are common emollients). These emollients work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin. I personally use Lanolips, but any thick emollient-based balm will do the trick.
- Taming Brows: Using my fingertip, I take a teensy-weensy amount of balm and apply it lightly over my brows. It is absolutely amazing how it smooths out every little stray and keeps my brows in place all day. Unlike brow gels, it does not harden, which means I can touch it up easily throughout the day if needed.
- Controlling Frizz: For those baby hairs at the front of my head that always seem to stick up, I rub a little balm between my fingers and smooth it over the frizzy areas. It works like magic as it adds just enough weight and moisture to keep the frizz at bay without making my hair look greasy.
Why Lip Balm Works So Well
The secret behind this hack lies in the moisturising power of lip balm (especially balms packed with emollient ingredients). They provide a soft hold, meaning the hairs stay put without feeling stiff or crunchy like they do with hairspray or gels. Plus, the moisture boost helps prevent your brows and hair from looking dry or unruly.
Other Benefits Of Using Lip Balm As A Beauty Product
- A Little Goes A Long Way: You really do not need a lot of product. A simple and small dab will do just fine. Remember the saying “too much of a good thing is a bad thing?” Similarly, too much balm can make your brows look oily. And nobody wants that.
- Safe: Since lip balm is designed for your lips, it is generally safe to use around delicate eye areas, making it a great versatile product. However, steer clear of lip balms that contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, and phenol, as these ingredients can trigger dehydration, irritation, or both.
- Easy To Carry: Lip balm is so compact that it is the perfect beauty sidekick for quick touch-ups on the go (whether it is for dry lips, wild brows, or frizzy and rebellious baby hair).
- Natural Hold: Lip balm act as a gentle brow gel that provides a more natural finish than some traditional brow gels (and without the stiffness).
- Ease Of Use: Using and applying lip balm does not require special tools, and it works well when you are short on time or in a pinch.
- Affordable: Many lip balms are inexpensive compared to specific brow products, making them a cost-effective alternative, especially for those who do not want to spend a lot on separate beauty items.
A Versatile Beauty Staple
This hack has completely transformed how I use lip balm.
Instead of carrying separate products for brows, frizz, and lips around with me, I have got it all covered with just one balm in my bag. It is simple, convenient, effective, and has become my all-in-one beauty solution.
If you are like me and love discovering new ways to simplify your beauty routine, this is a must-try. Take it for a spin and see how this small but mighty product can do so much more than you ever imagined. Whether it is taming those brows, adding a little shine, or keeping frizz under control, lip balm might just be your next favourite beauty secret.
Have you given lip balm for your brows a try? Let us know in the comments below! And if beauty hacks are your thing, check out our article on using Vaseline as a makeup remover here.
