Overnight vs daytime lip balms: why your lips need both in 2025

You collect them like Pokémon, but here's everything you need to know about its usage!

04 July, 2025

Overnight vs daytime lip balms: why your lips need both in 2025

Remember lip balms back in 2008? Those roll-on tubes that smelled like artificial candy and were more about sparkles than actual moisture. They didn’t do much for your lips, but they definitely added some charm to your school pouch. Fast forward to 2025, and lip balms have totally leveled up. Now they’re packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and peptides — this is skincare, not just a cute accessory.

These days, lip balms aren’t just a one-and-done deal. Many of us stash one in our bag, one by the bedside, and maybe even a sneaky tube tucked away in our jeans, ready for any lip emergency. But here’s the dilemma: do you really need a daytime balm and a separate overnight lip mask? Different formulas, different textures, different promises. Or is this just another clever marketing trick to keep your vanity crowded and your wallet lighter?

Let’s get into it.

So, what exactly should a lip balm do?

Your lips are high-maintenance—they don’t have oil glands, which means they can’t stay moisturised on their own. That’s where lip balm steps in: to hydrate and lock that moisture in. Whether it’s a balm, a mask, or a glossy hybrid, the goal is simple: soft, healthy lips that won’t peel the moment you swipe on lipstick.

What makes a daytime lip balm different?

Daytime balms are built for action—yours and the environment’s. They’re lightweight, absorb quickly, and often come with perks like SPF, a tint, or a finish that plays nice under lipstick. They’re designed for constant reapplication without getting gloopy, packing in humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus comfort-boosters like shea butter, beeswax, or squalane to keep your lips smooth without the stickiness. Think of your daytime balm as your functional BFF: protecting you at work, brunch, those endless Slack meetings, and in dry, air-conditioned rooms when your lips start sending out an SOS.

And the overnight lip care?

Night balms don’t care about looking pretty or staying put while you chat or sip your drinks. They’re thicker, richer, and all about repairing your lips while you sleep. Your nighttime routine should include a gentle lip scrub to sweep away flakes, followed by a nourishing lip oil or a thick sleeping mask that seals in all the good stuff. It’s less balm, more a mini lip spa ritual. Basically, it’s skincare for your lips—the ultimate fix for damage caused by iced coffee, forgetting to drink water, and those stress-bites you didn’t even realise you were doing.

Can you use one balm for both?

Technically? Sure. If you find a formula that’s rich but not too sticky, you could use the same balm round the clock. But chances are, what works perfectly at night might feel too heavy for the day, and what glides on like a dream at 9 am won’t do much repair while you sleep. Think of it like a moisturiser. You wouldn’t wear a heavy overnight face cream under your foundation, right? Same logic. Having one for the day and one for night isn’t extra. It’s functional. Especially if you deal with chronic dryness, live in extreme climates, or just want lips that feel smooth even when you’ve forgotten to drink water all day.

Looking to build the perfect AM–PM lip care routine? Start here.

AM lip care routine

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