DIY lip scrub recipe

What you’ll need:

• Brown sugar: Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant. The grainy texture of brown sugar will help with exfoliation and removing dead skin cells. In homemade lip scrubs (and storebought ones), you'll likely see granulated sugar used. This works too, but we prefer brown sugar as it's a little bit finer and therefore gentler on the lips. If your lips are super sensitive, you can also try using caster sugar (powdered sugar) instead as those granules are even more gentle.

• Coconut oil: This super hydrating oil will not only help the brown sugar go on smoothly, but it's also packed with fatty acids to deeply hydrate the lips and prevent dry skin. 

• Honey: Like coconut oil, honey is also a natural moisturizer. Additionally, it's antimicrobial and has healing properties, meaning it can help prevent cracked lips from infection and help them to heal faster.

How to make a DIY sugar lip scrub

1. Mix together one part coconut oil and one part honey (for example, one tablespoon each).

Make sure your coconut oil is at room temperature. It should be in a solid state but soft to the touch. Honey should also be cool but runny. If you're using raw honey you may need to heat it up for just a few seconds so that it softens up a bit. If this mixture is too warm, the brown sugar may dissolve once you add it in. Mix these two ingredients together until well combined.

2. Add in two parts brown sugar to the mixture.

If you used one tablespoon of coconut oil and one tablespoon of honey, you'll want to use two packed tablespoons of brown sugar. Use a small spoon and mix until it forms a thick, grainy paste.

3. Transfer.

Transfer the mixture into a small, airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

The best lip scrubs to try now

Not one for DIYs? No sweat. There are plenty of great lip scrubs available on IPSY that you can easily incorporate into your beauty routine. Here are three of our favorites–all of which have already received an Ipster stamp of approval.

1. KISMET Buff All Natural Sugar Scrub in Bright & Bubbly

This pink sugar scrub tastes like champagne and is formulated with moisturizing shea butter and brightening vitamin C. Use this twice weekly to keep that precious pout supple and smooth.

"I'm used to using sugar lip scrub that dissolves pretty quickly, but the granules this stay intact while you're scrubbing," one Ipster says. "It made a huge difference because I didn't need to reapply, and it didn't leave too heavy of a finish when I wiped it off."

2. NAKED COSMETICS Lip Scrub in Vanilla Creme

This decadent, vanilla-flavored scrub packed with vitamin E, healing beeswax, and fatty acid-filled avocado oil will help you easily exfoliate your way to healthy, soft lips.

"This was amazing," one Ipster writes. "I typically like lip scrubs that are more abrasive, but this got the job done without being so rough. Smelled great and had a pleasant flavor. Left my lips very soft."

3. ECO LIPS Lip Scrub in Brown Sugar

If you don't want to make your own but still want something that features the soft granules of brown sugar, lather on this lips scrub. In addition to our favorite sweet, sticky, exfoliator, this formula includes coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect the lips.

"Not only does it work, but it tastes so good. If any gets in your mouth, the ingredients are all natural," one Ipster writes. "Also, it doesn't leave your lips and the skin around them feeling greasy, which is a plus!"

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