We may have been overlooking one of the simplest beauty tricks hiding in plain sight.
According to Melbourne-based dermal therapist, James Vivian, the humble lip balm sitting in your handbag could be doing far more than just soothing dry lips.
It may even help soften the early signs of ageing around your eyes.
In a recent video shared with his 21,000 followers, the 42-year-old revealed the small, almost effortless habit he swears by that could save you hundreds of dollars per year.
‘As a 42-year-old man who hasn’t spent much time in the sun, really, the area of ageing that I’m seeing most on my face is around my eye area,’ he explained.
‘So one of the little things that I do whenever I put my lip balm on, I always put some around my eye area as well.
He added that lip balms containing skin-plumping and hydrating ingredients are ideal, where those same benefits can help support the delicate skin.
While it might sound unconventional, his reasoning is surprisingly simple.
According to Melbourne-based dermal therapist, James Vivian (pictured), the humble lip balm sitting in your handbag could be doing far more than just soothing dry lips
In a recent video, he explained that lip balms with skin-soothing and plumping ingredients can also be used around the eye area, where those same benefits help support the delicate skin.
Most lip balms are designed to deeply hydrate and condition delicate skin, making them well-suited to other fragile areas of the face too.
Even without active ingredients, he said the added moisture alone can make a visible difference.
‘It’s still that level of hydration I really like around my eye area,’ he said.
‘It can help to soften the look of little fine lines and dehydration lines, but also it can brighten up the area and help keep it hydrated and protected.’
The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest on the body, making it particularly prone to dryness, creasing and early signs of ageing.
Lip balms, on the other hand, are typically packed with occlusive and emollient ingredients designed to lock in moisture, which is why James believes they can double as a quick, budget-friendly eye treatment.
However, while the hack might be tempting, James stressed that not all lip balms are suitable for use around the eyes, so read labels carefully.
‘I think that this works really, really well, but maybe just don’t do this if you’re using those ones that fire up the lips,’ he added.
Even without active ingredients in the lip balm, he said the added moisture alone can make a visible difference to a dehydrated eye area. Pictured: James’ go-to Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster from PCA Skin ($88)
Most lip balms are designed to deeply hydrate and condition delicate skin, making them well-suited to other fragile areas of the face too, according to James. Pictured: Esmi Hyluronic Hydrating Lip Balm ($25) and Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster ($40)
‘The really spicy ones with stimulating ingredients for circulation and plumping… the kind of bee sting products.’
‘I’d keep that away from the eye area.’
He also noted it’s not the best trick to try under makeup, as the texture of lip balm can disrupt concealer and cause creasing.
‘But, if you are concerned with an area, you should be proactive and treat it.’
It’s a low-effort addition to an existing routine, and one that could potentially save beauty lovers from splurging on multiple targeted products.
With a typical eye cream or serum with skincare actives starting anywhere from $50 and above, this trick could very well save shoppers hundreds per year.
In a previous post, the dermal therapist shared other savvy beauty advice – warning that spraying perfume directly onto the neck could have long-term consequences for the skin
James explained that fragrances can trigger a condition known as poikiloderma of Civatte – a sun-induced issue that causes patchy pigmentation, redness and visible blood vessels
The culprit, he noted, is photosensitising ingredients in fragrances, which can make the skin more vulnerable to UV damage when exposed to the sun. Instead, he advised spraying perfume on clothing, hair or areas not directly exposed to sunlight
This isn’t the first time James has prompted Aussies to rethink everyday beauty habits.
In a previous post, the dermal therapist warned that spraying perfume directly onto the neck could have long-term consequences for the skin.
He explained that fragrances can trigger a condition known as poikiloderma of Civatte – a sun-induced issue that causes patchy pigmentation, redness and visible blood vessels.
‘Where you spray your perfume really can impact the quality and appearance of the skin on your neck,’ he said at the time.
The culprit, he noted, is photosensitising ingredients in fragrances, which can make the skin more vulnerable to UV damage when exposed to the sun.
Instead, he advised spraying perfume on clothing, hair or areas not directly exposed to sunlight – a simple switch that could help prevent stubborn pigmentation later on.
