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Night routine
How to remove lip and cheek tint gently, without scrubbing
The gentle way to take off long-wear colour at night: oil first, micellar water second, no scrubbing, and what to do if a little stain is left behind.
The short version
- Hold a cotton pad soaked in an oil or oil cleanser on your lips for 20 to 30 seconds, then wipe gently.
- Follow with micellar water or a gentle face wash.
- Don't scrub. A faint stain left on your lips is harmless and fades overnight.
- Finish with balm or petroleum jelly, especially in winter.
Why gentle matters
Tints and stains are made to stay put, which is the point during the day. At night, the temptation is to rub until every trace is gone. Dermatologists say not to: the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises using your fingertips and lukewarm water rather than scrubbing, and warns that washcloths and rough sponges can irritate skin. Your lips are even thinner and drier than your face, so they need the gentlest version of that advice.
Step by step
- Oil first. Soak a cotton pad in an oil-based cleanser or a few drops of a plain oil, hold it against your lips for 20 to 30 seconds, then wipe gently in one direction. WebMD notes that micellar water alone may not fully remove long-wear products, and suggests starting with an oil-based cleanser.
- Cheeks the same way. Press, wait a few seconds, then sweep gently. No rubbing back and forth.
- Then micellar water or your usual gentle, non-abrasive face wash to remove any oily film. Use lukewarm water and your fingertips.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
- Balm or petroleum jelly on your lips before bed. The AAD recommends a thick ointment at night for dry lips.
A little colour left? That's normal with a tint, and it fades overnight. Repeat the oil step once if you like, but don't scrub to get it off.
What about lip scrubs?
We didn't find dermatology guidance recommending regular lip scrubs, and the AAD's exfoliation advice is to never exfoliate skin that is cut, cracked or sunburned, and to stop if you see redness or irritation. The AAD also notes that darker skin tones can develop dark patches from harsh exfoliation. So:
- If your lips are chapped or cracked, skip scrubs completely. Balm will let the flakes come away on their own.
- If your lips are healthy but have a few dry flakes, a very light buff with a soft, damp cloth after balm is plenty.
- Never peel or bite flakes off. Cleveland Clinic warns this opens cracks and sores.
What not to do
- Don't use make-up wipes hard on your lips or rub back and forth.
- Don't use alcohol-based toners on your lips.
- Don't sleep with heavy layers of colour on if your lips are already dry.
- Don't lick your lips to "clean" them; saliva dries them further.
A two-minute night routine
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Oil pad on lips and cheeks | 30 seconds |
| Gentle wipe | 15 seconds |
| Micellar water or gentle face wash | 45 seconds |
| Pat dry, then moisturiser and lip ointment | 30 seconds |
One bottle for lips and cheeks
oli is an olive-infused, fragrance-free lip & cheek tint in Red, Dark Pink and Light Pink. Build it from a sheer flush to a bold colour in one to three layers. Rs 790, cash on delivery across Pakistan.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to safely exfoliate at home
- American Academy of Dermatology: Tips for healing dry, chapped lips
- Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials: How to get rid of chapped lips
- WebMD (medically reviewed): Micellar water, benefits and how to use it
This article is general information, not medical advice. If your lips or skin stay sore, cracked or irritated for more than two to three weeks, or you have swelling or a rash, see a doctor or dermatologist.