Lip balm is a soft wax-like substance you apply to your lips to saturate them and ease the pain and chapping that can happen when the skin on your lips gets too dry. As a rule, your lips are more sensitive to the elements than the rest of your face, which can make them susceptible to cold temperatures, harsh winds, and dry winter air. That’s why, when selecting a lip product, you should go for a formula that is lightweight and easy to use. It’s also a good idea to look for one with added sunscreen, as you want to protect your pout from the sun’s damaging UV rays all year round.
Whether you prefer a glossy sheen or a tinted moisturizer, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can even get a product that doubles as a lip stain and provides subtle color to your lips at the same time. Regardless of which option you choose, the best lip products will be free from harmful ingredients and should offer high-quality moisturization. They should also be formulated with natural ingredients and will not feel greasy or sticky.
Here are a few of our favorites:
A staple in everyone’s medicine cabinet, this simple and effective lip treatment is a true classic. It’s made with shea butter, cocoa butter, and a number of different oils (coconut, olive, and chamomile), which helps the product soak in for maximum lip nourishment. It’s also free of parabens and other toxins, making it an ideal choice for those with dry or sensitive lips.
This tinted lip balm nourishes, plumps, and provides a subtle color at the same time. It’s infused with a blend of organic hemp seed and sunflower seed oil, which makes it incredibly hydrating. And it’s formulated without phthalates, propylene glycol, petrolatum, paraffin, and synthetic fragrance. Plus, it’s also enriched with pomegranate sterols and avocado oil to help fight signs of aging on the lips.
The cult-favorite from Glossier has been refreshed with new packaging and some key changes to the formulation. It’s still free of petrolatum, lanolin, and beeswax, but it has replaced them with castor jelly, which gives the same occlusive barrier with a light finish, as well as nourishing shea butter, emollients, and a soothing vitamin E blend. It comes in nine different flavors, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Founded by Jessica Alba, this brand isn’t just cruelty-free but also surprisingly affordable. It’s a tinted lip balm with SPF that adds a touch of color to your pout while providing a good amount of moisture. It’s infused with white meadowfoam and blackcurrant oil to protect your lips from the sun, and it doesn’t contain any petroleum or mineral oils, so it’s an ideal choice for those who have sensitive skin. It also comes with a built-in mirror and a locking lid, so you can use it on the go without worrying about your lipstick getting lost or spilling in your purse.