How to Look After Your Lipstick in Hot Weather (So It Doesn’t Melt)

Anyone who has opened their bag on a warm afternoon to find a leaning, slightly melted lipstick bullet knows the frustration. Lipstick — especially natural formulas — is sensitive to heat, and British summers (brief as they may be!) can easily be warm enough to cause problems. The good news is that a few simple habits will keep your lippie looking perfect all season long.

Here is everything you need to know about looking after your lipstick in hot weather.

Why Does Lipstick Melt?

Most lipsticks begin to soften at around 35–40°C. The inside of a car parked in direct sunlight can reach well above 60°C on a warm day, and a windowsill in full sun is not far behind. Even a bag left in a warm room can get toasty enough to start warping the texture.

Natural and mineral-based formulas tend to use fewer synthetic stabilisers, which means they can be slightly more temperature-sensitive than heavily processed alternatives — but that is a trade-off well worth making for the skin-loving benefits they offer.

6 Ways to Stop Your Lipstick Melting This Summer

1. Store it somewhere cool

This one sounds obvious, but it is the single most important habit to build. At home, keep your lipsticks in a drawer, a cool cosmetics bag, or even in the fridge on very hot days — this keeps the texture firm and helps the colour stay true. A spare shelf in an air-conditioned room works beautifully too.

Where NOT to store your lipstick:

·         On a sunny windowsill

·         In the car (especially on the dashboard or in a cupholder)

·         In a gym bag left in direct sunlight

2. Keep it upright in your bag

A lipstick rolling around on its side is more likely to warp under its own weight when it softens slightly in the heat. Standing it upright — or keeping it in a small pouch — maintains the shape and means the cap seals properly.

3. Pop it in the fridge if it softens

If your lipstick does feel a little soft or starts to lean, do not panic. Simply pop it in the fridge for around 10 minutes with the cap on. This firms the formula back up quickly and usually restores it to its original shape. Do not put it in the freezer, as extreme cold can cause the formula to crack or separate.

4. Choose a darker inner bag pocket for outings

When you are out and about, keep your lipstick in an inner pocket of your bag rather than a front or outer compartment. The centre of your bag is naturally more insulated and stays cooler than pockets exposed to direct sun. A small zipped cosmetics pouch adds another layer of protection.

5. Apply with a lip brush rather than directly from the bullet

On very warm days, applying directly from the bullet can transfer heat from your hand and lips into the product repeatedly, which slowly softens it. A lip brush means less direct contact with the formula and a more precise, even application to boot.

6. Blot, then reapply for longer wear

Heat makes lips perspire slightly, which can shorten wear time. Blotting gently with a tissue after your first application — then adding a second thin layer — removes excess moisture and helps the colour set more firmly. This also reduces the risk of transfer and feathering in the heat.

A Quick Note on Travelling

If you are heading on holiday or even just commuting during a heatwave, pack your lipsticks in a small insulated pouch or a cool bag pocket alongside a cool pack. Airport lounges, train carriages, and hire cars can all get extremely warm, and checked luggage holds can reach high temperatures too.

Which Lipstick Finish Holds Up Best in Summer?

Matte formulas generally wear longer in warm weather because they contain less moisture and are less prone to sliding. Satin finishes offer more comfort and hydration, but may need a touch-up mid-afternoon on the hottest days.

BareFaced Beauty’s Lipstick Range

Looking for a lipstick that feels as good on your lips as it does on your conscience? At BareFaced Beauty, our lipstick range is certified 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and is made with ethically sourced ingredients that are kind to sensitive skin.

Our BareSatin lipstick is a gorgeous satin finish for everyday wear, with a natural, effortless glow that is kind to sensitive lips and made with ethically sourced ingredients.

Browse the full collection at www.barefacedbeauty.co.uk and find your perfect shade. Whatever the weather, your lips deserve to look and feel their best.