Red wine is a delightful drink, but it can leave unsightly stains on your lips.
In this article, you will learn how to deal with red wine lip stains effectively, understand why they occur, and how to prevent them.
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How to remove red wine stains from lips
There are a number of ways you can remove red wine stains from lips, but the following is my tried and trusted favorite way that works every time:
- Apply a layer of lip balm or coconut oil to your lips before cleaning. This softens the skin and makes the stain easier to remove.
- Take a cotton bud and gently twist it between your fingers as you clean your lips. This motion helps exfoliate without causing irritation.
- Reapply a moisturizer to keep lips soft.
If you don’t have cotton buds handy, you can also use a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub your lips in circular motions.
This removes stains while improving circulation.
Rinse your lips with warm water and reapply a moisturizer to keep them soft.
More ways to remove red wine lip stains
There are lots of great ways to remove red wine lip stains.
Here are some of my other favorites:
Lip scrubs to remove red wine stains
Use a sugar-based lip scrub to gently exfoliate your lips.
The scrub will remove dead skin cells and lift stains and leave your lips feeling soft and smooth.
Look for scrubs with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.
Makeup remover wipes
Alcohol-free makeup remover wipes can dissolve and lift stains without causing irritation.
Choose a gentle formula to protect the delicate skin of your lips.
Microfibre cloth
Apply a hydrating balm such as coconut oil or shea butter.
Then, gently wipe lips with a damp microfibre cloth to remove any stains.
Natural remedies for red wine lip stains
Natural remedies are an effective and gentle way to address red wine stains.
The following methods use ingredients commonly found at home:
Baking Soda Paste
Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a thick paste.
Gently rub this paste on your lips using your fingertip or a soft cloth.
The mild abrasiveness of baking soda helps lift stains while also exfoliating.
Rinse your lips thoroughly with warm water and follow up with a hydrating balm to prevent dryness.
Honey and sugar scrub
Combine equal parts honey and granulated sugar to make a natural exfoliant.
Apply this mixture to your lips and gently massage in circular motions.
Honey moisturizes while the sugar removes dead skin and stains.
Leave the mixture on for a minute before rinsing off with warm water.
Lemon juice
Dip a cotton swab into fresh lemon juice and lightly dab it onto your lips.
The acidity of the lemon breaks down the pigments causing the stain.
Be cautious not to overuse lemon juice, as it can dry out your lips.
Avoid this method if you have broken skin on your lips as it will sting!
Rinse thoroughly and moisturize immediately to restore hydration.
Why red wine stains your lips
Red wine contains three key components that cause staining:
- Tannins: These compounds bind to proteins in your lips, creating a noticeable stain.
- Pigments (Anthocyanins): Found in grape skins, these are responsible for red wine’s rich color and its ability to stain.
- Acidity: The acidity of red wine can dry out your lips, making them more prone to absorbing stains.
When you drink red wine, the pigments in the wine adhere to the surface of your lips.
When lips are dry or chapped, they absorb more of the wine’s tannins and pigments, leading to a more noticeable stain.
How to avoid red wine lip stains
- Drink Water: Alternate sips of water with wine to rinse your lips and prevent stains from setting. This also helps keep you hydrated.
- Blot Your Lips: Periodically dab your lips with a napkin while drinking. This removes excess wine and minimizes staining.
- Apply Lipstick: A layer of lipstick or gloss can act as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between your lips and the wine.
Long-term lip care to minimize and prevent lip stains
A little bit of lip care goes a long way!
Try the following tips will help keep your lips stain free:
Exfoliate lips regularly
Use a gentle lip scrub 2-3 times a week to keep your lips smooth and free from buildup.
Consistent exfoliation reduces the likelihood of stains adhering to your lips.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain healthy, hydrated lips.
Well-moisturized lips are less prone to staining.
Use SPF lip balm
Protect your lips from environmental damage, including sun exposure, by using a lip balm with SPF.
Healthy lips are better equipped to resist staining.
Read with confidence: I am a certified wine expert (WSET L3).
