Get Ready to Pucker Up! Lip Balms for Soft, Supple and Kissable Lips!
by Stefanie Michaels
I’m constantly on the road in different types of weather, on planes that dry my skin, not to mention what it does to my lips! I’m always on the hunt for a lip balm that protects in harsh conditions and also at the same time can give them moisture without that gross waxiness some types can do.
There are a bevy of options on the market from various brands both known and unknown. I typically go with a known brand, and preferably with a friend’s suggestion from what they’ve tried and liked.
I also tend to go with the stick kind of lip balm because I don’t like the idea of sticking my fingers in a pod and potentially leaving bacteria behind in it.
With that, here are eight options I’ve tried and or have been recommended to me by friends who use them religiously.
- Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm: Although this lip balm contains beeswax, it doesn’t feel like old-school lip protectors that have to melt to feel soft when applied. It seals in moisture and feels protective against the elements.
- Bronner’s Magic Lip Balm: Made with organic beeswax, hemp, avocado and coconut oil, this balm is the ultimate in moisturizing and nourishing.
- Badger Balm Lip Tint: This lip protector boasts organic extra virgin olive oil and beeswax to hydrate and soothe dry lips without feeling too oily or waxy.
- Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter: I’m not sure how topical antioxidants work on this type of skin, but my friend swears by it. It has natural oils and contains organic beeswax to protect lips.
- Hurraw! Lip Balm: This balm is similar to others but I like the fact that it’s organic and uses fair trade ingredients. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, and of course formulated to hydrate and nourish lips.
- Eco Lips Mongo Kiss: Another option with organic, fair trade, and non-GMO ingredients, formulated to hydrate and nourish lips with a delish twist blending mango, coconut, and vanilla oils.
- Kari Gran Lip Whip: Vegan and organic and made with ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and beeswax, it’s deeply moisturising and protects lips
- Blissful Miss Lip Balm: This balm is made with 100% pure and natural ingredients. Coconut oil, beeswax, and sunflower oil, really work together in the best possible way.
TIP: I just purchased Earth’s Daughter Organic Lip Balm to try yet another nourishing lip option. I’m so far liking it and their natural flavours of citrus, vanilla and coconut— comes in a 6 pack and is USDA certified organic.
UPDATE: I liked every flavor except creamy coconut, which I use now on my cuticles before bed.
Did you know?
Some lip balms contain ingredients that can actually make your lips more dry in the long run.
One of these ingredients is petroleum jelly, which is commonly found in many lip balms. While petroleum jelly can help to create a protective barrier on your lips and prevent moisture loss in the short term, it can actually create a dependency over time. This is because petroleum jelly can create a seal on your lips that prevents your skin from naturally moisturizing itself.
Another ingredient to watch out for is menthol, which can give your lips a tingling sensation but can also be drying over time. If you find that your lips are getting more chapped than usual, it might be worth checking the ingredients list on your lip balm and switching to a product that doesn’t contain these potentially drying ingredients.
A little history:
Lip balm has a long history dating back to the ancient Egyptians, who used a combination of beeswax, honey, and various oils to protect and moisturise their lips.
In the late 19th century, lip balm as we know it today was invented by Dr. Charles Browne Fleet, who created a lip balm product called “Chapstick.”
Over time, lip balm became more widespread, and today it is a popular cosmetic item used to soothe and protect dry or chapped lips.
It was rumored that earwax was used in lip balm production. This is untrue. It is typically made from waxes, such as beeswax or petroleum jelly, and oils, such as coconut oil or shea butter, to moisturise and protect the lips.
Using earwax for any purpose other than its natural function is not recommended, and it is not a safe or appropriate ingredient.
