Beauty

I Tried a DIY Lip Scrub of the Version Kendall Jenner Swears By

It's ridiculously easy.

April 9, 2020

Kendall Jenner attends the Tiffany Co. Flagship Store Launch on April 04 2019 in Sydney Australia.

These days, the little things have been keeping me going. I didn’t expect one of them to be a DIY lip scrub, but listen, that's where we're at!

I already have super-dry lips (fueled by a stint of Accutane), and in addition to my usual dryness, I've been anxiety-chewing and licking my lips more than usual, creating a dry, flaky mess. After trying all of my usual lip balms (I have at least 50 on my bedside table), I knew it was time to bring out the big guns: a moisturizing lip scrub.

I usually reserve lip scrubs for when I'm wearing dark lipstick, but every now and again they come in clutch when I'm suffering from flakes and dry patches. I won't be wearing lipstick anytime soon thanks to self-isolation, but it's the perfect time to give my lips a little extra attention so by the time I'm wearing makeup again, they'll look brand-new.

The only problem? I'm currently staying at my parents' house until who knows when, and I left my trusty lip scrub at home. Luckily, I was able to call up lip-care queen Sara Happ, whose lip scrubs have been a favorite among celebrities (and shoppers, considering her products are nearly always top-sellers) for the past 15 years. Kendall Jenner, Lana Condor, and Kate Hudson are just a few of her fans. Happ shared a simple recipe for a homemade lip scrub I could make with things already in my mom's kitchen that's almost as good as her signature product.

Not only did it take minutes to make, but it turned my crusty lips into pretty little pillows in one pass. My lips feel softer and smoother, and are totally flake-free. Read on for the lip scrub recipe, but first…

What makes a good lip scrub?

"A lip scrub sloughs away dead skin cells, revealing your lip’s natural color and fullness," says Happ. It can also increase blood circulation, so you get that pretty flushed look, and increase cell turnover and collagen production for smooth, supple lips right after use and down the line. And of course, it preps your lips for your favorite lipsticks. "Exfoliated lips hold lip balms, primers, and colors better than dry lips ever could."

A good DIY lip scrub should have a base of nourishing oils to hydrate chapped lips while scrubbing and an added humectant like honey helps keep moisture in. Of course, the actual exfoliation is key. Sugar is a popular ingredient since it's a great natural exfoliator. It's gritty enough to buff away dry skin without causing damage, plus you can lick away excess without worry. Below, Happ breaks down how to make the perfect DIY sugar lip scrub at home.

Instagram content

Sara Happ’s DIY lip scrub with coconut oil

"Our lip scrubs are made with an insane blend of the richest oils and super-finely ground sugar crystals that we ensure are extra gentle for that delicate lip area," says Happ. "But, in these DIY times, you can get an at-home effect with sugar and edible oils that's a good pinch hitter." The following recipe is as close as you can get to her signature scrub, using ingredients you probably already have at home. "Just be sure to scrub lightly with a home blend, because it’s not made in a lab, where we design the entire process and down to mixing, temperature, and pouring of ingredients to specifically care for your lips," she warns. In other words: Be gentle and use soft circular motions when you rub this DIY lip scrub on.

Step 1: Gather your materials.

You'll need organic coconut oil, white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and jojoba oil.

Step 2: Mix it up.

In a small bowl, mix equal parts of coconut oil, honey, and half part of each sugar, with a splash jojoba oil. You can use the scrub only once, so keep measurements small—a spoonful as your "one part" measurement should be plenty—unless you plan on sharing it between a few people. Happ notes you can add more or less of the sugars depending on your scrubbiness preference.

Step 3: Refrigerate.

Toss the mixture in the fridge for an hour so the oil can set. Make sure to use it right after you take it out of the fridge before the sugar crystals dissolve, and toss the extras. To seal in the smoothness, hydrate with a thick balm like Sara Happ Lip Slip. "Smooth lips are only as good as what you hydrate them with," says Happ.