The luxe rituals every bride needs for soft, supple lips  

When it comes to beauty prep, skin and hair often take centre stage. But your lips deserve just as much love. They’re one of the most delicate parts of your face, with thinner skin and fewer oil glands, making them more prone to dryness, flaking, and chapping. Regular lip care not only enhances softness and texture but also ensures that a lipstick, gloss, or tint glides on smoothly and stays put throughout the big day. For endless smiles on your big day and beyond, healthy, hydrated lips are the true finishing touch to every bridal look.

As the cooler months set in, the weather changes and long days can lead you to forget about lip care. So, we’ve put together a simple checklist for you that contains everything from lush lip butters and healing balms to glosses that gleam under candlelight. Pick from this mix of beauty and self-care to ensure that your lips stay soft, supple, and absolutely stunning.

Prep with a lip scrub 

Think of a lip scrub as the exfoliating facial your lips didn’t know they needed. It buffs away dead skin cells, improves circulation, and creates the perfect canvas for your lip colour to stay longer and look smoother. Apply a little ghee (it’s the most moisturising ingredient ever), and then use a gentle sugar-based scrub infused with vitamin E, shea butter, or natural oils: the kind that polishes without stripping. You can also mix sugar and honey for an easy at-home treatment.

Lock in the love with some balm 

Once exfoliated, your lips crave moisture, and nothing seals hydration like a generous layer of petroleum jelly. It’s the timeless staple every beauty expert swears by, for good reason. A pot of this magic balm can soothe dryness, prevent flaking, and double as a base under matte lipstick. You can then layer it with another balm for additional protection, think ingredients like SPF or ceramides. Keep one in your purse, another on your nightstand, and a tinted version for daytime errands.

Find a radiant lip oil 

The latest beauty favourite, lip oils, are the perfect fusion of skincare and shine. Lightweight, glossy, and deeply conditioning, they nourish like a balm but deliver that luminous, glassy finish brides adore. Look for blends that feature jojoba oil, argan oil, or rosehip extract, as they heal and hydrate while adding a subtle tint. Lip oils work beautifully for minimal bridal looks, pre-functions, or even haldi and mehendi ceremonies when you want effortless radiance without the weight of lipstick.

The statement lipsticks 

Every girl has her shade story to feel like she can take on the day, whether she likes classic crimson, rosy nude, or a mauve-pink for the cocktail night. But behind each colour lies the real secret: hydration and formula. Matte lipsticks, while striking, can be drying over time. Opt for velvet mattes or cream and satin finishes with nourishing oils and vitamin E that stay put without cracking. For the best results, blend shades, start with a hydrating lipstick and top with a light balm or oil halfway through the day.

Lip gloss for the glow-girl 

Not everyone is fond of lipsticks, and many still swear by their swipe of lip gloss, instead. Modern formulations offer the best of both worlds: mirror-like shine without the stickiness. You can also choose formulations that are hydrating or have plumping peptides to add volume and brilliance. And of course, a glitter-gloss will always be a perennial favourite!

Soft lip butter for nightly repair 

Between pre-wedding stress, air-conditioning, and travel, your lips need deep overnight care, and that’s where lip butters come in. Richer than balms and more indulgent than oils, they cocoon your lips in buttery comfort. Formulations with shea, cocoa, or mango butter provide a restorative boost while you sleep. Petroleum jelly works well for this step, too. Apply a generous layer before bed, and wake up with pillowy-soft lips that feel as good as they look.

Tint on the go 

There’s something effortlessly romantic about lip tints: lightweight, long-lasting, and perfect for a flush of colour that looks natural. Choose rose, peach, coral or cinnamon tones for a naturally radiant finish that enhances your lips’ own pigment. And for extra glow, dab the same tint on your cheeks, making it a minimalist’s dream duo.

Your smile tells your story, and with the right lip care, that story shines even brighter. Take care of your lips for an added burst of confidence and glow this wedding season.

Lead image: Hailey Bieber/Instagram 

Also read: Lean into burgundy: The colour of love, wine, and all things unforgettable

Also read: The ultimate under-eye care edit for bright-eyed brides