Long-wear lipsticks are great during busy days because they stay put through meals and meetings. The downside is removing them at night – aggressive rubbing can leave lips sore and flaky.
Instead of harsh scrubbing, start with an oil-based remover, cleansing balm or even a bit of plain oil like olive or coconut (if your skin tolerates it). Apply a thin layer over the lips, let it sit for a minute to break down the pigment, and then gently wipe with a soft cotton pad or cloth.
You may need to repeat once more for very stubborn formulas, but pressure should stay light. If little bits remain around the edges, a cotton bud with a tiny amount of remover can clean the border without irritating skin.
Avoid using very drying soaps or alcohol-heavy products on your lips. After the colour is gone, rinse with lukewarm water and apply a nourishing lip balm. Night is a good time to use richer balms or ointments, since they have hours to soak in.
If you frequently wear long-wear lipstick, treating removal as part of your lip-care routine – not an afterthought – keeps lips soft and comfortable.