How to Remove Liquid Lipstick

Co-authored by Charina Redugerio and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Liquid lipstick is a great way to keep your makeup lasting all night long. It goes on as a liquid, but once it dries on your lips, it is nearly impossible to take off. That’s great when you’re on a date or at a bar, but what about when you want to come home and fall into bed? If you are having trouble removing your liquid lipstick, try out some petroleum jelly or lip balm, swipe on some coconut oil, or use a lip scrub to wipe off your liquid lipstick easily.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wiping Away Stubborn Lip Color

1
Wipe your lips with micellar water for an oil-free option. Micellar water has tiny balls of oil suspended in it that help to break down makeup. Shake your bottle of micellar water and saturate a cotton pad with it. Then, hold the cotton pad on your lips for about 10 seconds before swiping it across your lips. Repeat this as needed until your lipstick is gone.^{[1]
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- Because micellar water isn't oil-based, it is far less likely to clog your pores than traditional makeup removers. If you have oily skin, this is a great option.
- If you get liquid lipstick on the skin around your lips, you may need to use an oil-based remover to remove it completely.
2
Use an oil-based makeup remover to wipe away liquid lipstick. Saturate a cotton pad with the oil-based makeup remover of your choice. Wipe your lips with the pad until your lipstick comes off. Depending on how much lipstick you're wearing, you may need to use the back of the pad or grab a fresh one to completely remove the lipstick.^{[2]
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- You can also buy pre-moistened makeup remover wipes for a portable option.
- Eye makeup remover may be better at removing stubborn liquid lipstick since it's formulated to break down waterproof makeup.
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3
Dab petroleum jelly on your lips and rub it off to remove the lipstick. If your lips are chapped or flaky, use a pea-sized amount of petroleum jelly on both of your lips. Spread it all over your lipstick with your finger and let it sit for 1 minute. Use a dry cloth to wipe away the petroleum jelly and your lipstick.^{[3]
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- Liquid lipstick can be very drying! Petroleum jelly's moisturizing properties makes it a great option if you have chapped lips.
4
Spread lip balm on your lips and wipe it away for a less-greasy alternative. If you want to take off your liquid lipstick without a greasy feeling, use some lip balm that you have with you to take off your lipstick. Spread a liberal amount of lip balm over both of your lips and let it sit for 1 minute. Use a paper towel to gently wipe it away, leaving your clean lips behind.^{[4]
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Warning: You may get liquid lipstick on your lip balm with this method.
5
Apply coconut oil to your lips for a natural way to remove lipstick. Spread a thin layer of coconut oil on your lips.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist
Expert Interview. 26 May 2020.} Use a clean paper towel or cloth to gently rub your lips in a circular motion. Add more coconut oil if you still have stubborn lipstick that won’t come off.^{[6]
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- If you don’t have coconut oil, use olive oil or baby oil instead.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Exfoliating and Moisturizing Your Lips

1
Exfoliate your lips and remove any remaining lipstick with a lip scrub. Liquid lipstick is stubborn, and it may leave some parts of your lips colored even after you remove it. Apply a lip scrub to your lips and gently rub it around with your fingers in a circular motion for about 30 seconds. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess lip scrub.^{[7]
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Tip: Make your own lip scrub by combining 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of brown sugar.
2
Brush your lips with a toothbrush to remove dead skin. Use a damp toothbrush to gently scrub your lips while they are wet. Focus on areas that have many dry flakes. Do not press so hard that you hurt your lips.^{[8]
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- If you still have lipstick on your lips, apply a thin layer of coconut oil or petroleum jelly to scrub it off with your toothbrush.
3
Apply petroleum jelly or lip balm to add moisture to your lips. Liquid lipstick may leave your lips feeling dry or flaky. Use a moisturizer made for your lips immediately after you take off your lipstick to revive and rejuvenate your lips and prepare them for more lipstick in the future.^{[9]
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- To keep your lips moisturized over time, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly nightly before you go to sleep.
4
Let coconut oil sit on your lips as a moisturizer. Coconut oil can work as a makeup remover as well as a moisturizer. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil onto your lips and leave it on until it soaks in. Try not to eat or wipe your mouth directly after you apply it so that it has time to soak in. Reapply if your lips still feel dry after 2 hours.^{[10]
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Community Q&A
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Question

What should I use if my liquid lipstick dries out?

Charina Redugerio
Makeup Artist
Charina Redugerio is a Makeup Artist based in New York City. With over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry, Charina has worked for Sephora, NARS Cosmetics, L'Oreal, Parfums Christian Dior, Natasha Denona Makeup, and is now a freelance makeup artist. She has conducted makeup for numerous fashion week shows, editorial shoots, and one-on-one client makeovers. She has worked and trained with several global celebrity makeup artists including Dior's Ricky Wilson.

Charina Redugerio

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Apply coconut oil to your lips to help remove dried-on lipstick easily.