“Vi here. Ever wanted the 411 on keeping your lip filler fresh from someone who’s trialled every beauty product ever? Meet Beauty Editor and friend-of-the-blog Kate Lancaster. She writes for the likes of Vogue, GRAZIA, Harper’s BAZAAR and for her very own Substack, The Vanity.”
If you’ve taken the plunge into the world of lip filler, you’ll know that annoyingly, it’s not just a one-off treatment. I’ve been getting subtle lip filler for a few years now – nothing wild, just enough to define the shape and add some volume where genetics didn’t quite deliver (damn).
While lip fillers do fade over time, after a few dozen rounds with my fave injector I noticed that my pout stayed plumper for longer after I tweaked a few things in my routine. Lip filler can be exxy, so I want my lips to stay looking fresh and full for as long as possible, and of course – who doesn’t want to delay their next date with a needle?
Here’s how I keep my pout protected and plump between appointments.
I treat my lips like skin, because they are
For so long I treated my lips like an entirely separate entity. No exfoliation. No serum. No real effort or attention beyond a swipe of balm and honestly, that’s on a good day. Now my lips are an essential part of my skincare routine. I exfoliate gently (sugar scrubs are great, but be! gentle!) every few days, reapply lip balm throughout the day and slick on a hydrating lip mask at night.
Hydration is a must
Filler lasts longer in well-hydrated tissue. Translation? Dry lips = the fast-track to filler fade. I drink water as often as I can, try to avoid licking my lips (salty hot chip residue is an exception, obvi) and I opt for lip products with proven conditioning ingredients like lanolin.
I wear an SPF lip balm every single day
We know that sun damage is the devil, but did you also know that sun exposure is one of the fastest ways to break down filler? Yeah, coz I certainly didn’t! UV rays actually degrade the hyaluronic acid in your lips, meaning that plump pout can disappear faster than it should. And let’s not even think about all that cash you spent!
Wearing an SPF lip balm is crucial for obvious reasons – the skin on your lips is super thin, which means it’s the most susceptible to sunburn and ageing – but it’s also helped me to stretch out the time between my filler top-ups.
Enter: Sheen Screen SPF50, aka my ride-or-die lip balm. It’s glossy, hydrating, and – crucially – loaded with broad-spectrum SPF. I love that it comes in sheer shades (Bejewelled is my current obsession) so I can reapply constantly without a mirror and still get a juicy wash of colour.
It gives me that juicy, just-done look even when it’s been an entire year since my last appointment. Plus it protects against UVA and UVB rays and it’s packed with Vitamin E for antioxidant backup. See? It’s not just lip protection – it’s lip insurance.
I skip intense heat for a few days post-treatment
That post-injectable phase is critical, as heat can increase swelling and in some cases interfere with how the product settles. Ever had some filler migrate? I have, and it wasn’t cute, so I avoid saunas, steam rooms and even super hot showers for at least 48 hours after getting fresh filler.
I go to a great injector
Okay, this one isn’t a product but it’s just as important. In my job as a beauty editor I’ve had treatments performed by a lot of different cosmetic practitioners, but maintenance becomes easier when the filler’s been placed properly from the start (see previously stated migration). The best results come from seeing someone reputable and experienced who doesn’t just inject, but actually works holistically with the existing shape and movement of my face. Trust me, you (and your lips) will be far better off in the long run.
You can find more from Kate on her Substack, The Vanity, on Instagram, and TikTok.