As well as a can of hairspray or tube of mascara, we’d wager a pretty safe bet that a lip balm is never far from your side. Whether you use it to regularly hydrate your lips or you just like the sheen it gives your pout, it’s one of those must-have handbag items that you can’t be without.
But why are lip balms so essential? The skin on your lips is super-sensitive; and from winter chapping to summer sunburn, lips are often the first area to be affected by extreme weather conditions. As such, it’s important to top up moisture for minimal flake, maximum comfort, not to mention creating a smooth and flawless base for your lipstick.
Choosing the right formula for your skin and convenience is key, as well as making sure it leaves your ideal finish and a pleasing scent. Some lip balms actively treat the skin (usually the ones that “tingle” on application) whilst others contain an abundance of healthy, hydrating ingredients to nourish lips for the hours ahead.
So from glossy pots to creamy sticks, read on to find a lip balm that will become your new everyday go-to.
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How to buy the best lip balm for you
Which applicator technique is best?
This is totally down to personal preference. If you like to keep application mess-free, or you’re wanting a balm for on the go, a stick that you apply directly to the lips would be the better choice. A pot usually has a fiddly lid and requires you to dip to apply the balm, often leaving you with a sticky finger to clean up. Tinted lip balms usually come in both stick or pot form, but with either you’re likely to need a mirror for precise application – as you would a normal lipstick – so think about that when you’re making your decision. There are squeezy tubes of balm available, too, which are relatively mess-free – although remember that, with these, a little goes a long way.
Lip balm, tinted lip balm or lipstick: what’s the difference?
A non-tinted balm is as it sounds – a clear formula, packed with skincare benefits that adds either a subtle sheen or gloss to the lips. A lipstick is all about the high pigmented colour and doesn’t necessarily contain the skincare goodness of an actual lip balm. A tinted balm offers a bit of both: it leaves a hint of colour whilst giving your lips a healthy slick of moisture. Look out for tinted balms that adapt to the natural pH of your lips, the colour in these can vary from one person to the next.
How much should you spend?
Since this is a product that’s used so frequently, it definitely isn’t an item to spend a fortune on. This is especially true when you consider that most high-street brands pack their products with all the skincare goodness your lips need to stay in tip-top condition. However, treating yourself once in a while is no biggie – just don’t go spending over £40; it just doesn’t make sense on an item so small that’s used so frequently.
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The best lip balm you can buy
1. Maybelline Baby Lips SPF 20: The best lip balm for under £4
Price:£3.99 | Buy now from Boots
You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned lip balm in a stick, complete with twisty applicator and click-on lid – and that’s exactly what you get here, only less of the ‘old-fashioned’. For a start, Baby Lips contains sun protection, which should be guaranteed in all lip balms these days. Each one of the flavours (there are many; tinted ones too) leave a subtle, inoffensive scent and taste that won’t put you off your morning coffee. The balm itself is super-smooth – imagine velvet on your lips – and the really amazing bit is that it rarely needs topping up, thanks to the formula being super long-lasting; you’ll only feel bare-lipped after eating a three course meal. It does a great job of injecting moisture into dry lips, too, all for just £3.99.
2. By Terry Baume De Rose SPF15: The best lip balm for under £40
Price:£39 | Buy now from Space NK
Attention all luxury beauty lovers, this lip balm is a real treat. The packaging alone will make you feel spoilt: its heavy glass pot and elegant chrome lid will ensure it takes pride of place on your bathroom shelf. But it’s what’s inside that counts – and the Baume De Rose doesn’t disappoint.
The first thing you’ll notice is the heavenly scent of roses. That will be the floral oils and essential rose wax, which not only smell divine but help to soothe and nourish the lips too. Its texture of the balm is super-glossy with a hint of pink, so not only will your lips feel supple and smooth, they’ll also be slightly, err, rosy-looking (see what we did there?). With protective UV filters and bio-ceramides to help smooth, hydrate and fight against ageing, you can’t go wrong with this pot of joy.
3. Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Hydrating Lip Cream SPF 10: The best treatment for lips
Price:£2.69 | Buy now from Boots
If you’re suffering from chapped lips then this pocket-sized tube needs to be your new best friend. You squeeze it as you apply – but go easy, or you’ll end up with white, creamy lips! You’ll instantly notice the tingly, minty smell and taste – all good signs that this is going to start working on the problem immediately. It feels super-smooth on the lips and will last through a good few hours, between meal times. Within hours you’ll feel the Blistex cream working its magic, with your lips back to their soft and supple best in only a few days.
4. Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint: The best tinted lip balm
Price when reviewed:£25.50 | Buy now from John Lewis
Another classic twist up and apply lip balm, only this one leaves a natural colour on the lips as well as tackling any dryness super quickly. Choose from four pinky-corally shades – whichever one you choose will adapt to your natural lip colour on application, giving your pout a bit of a boost. Don’t be fooled by the colour of the balm in the packaging, however: it takes a while to show its true colour on the lips. Layering on the “Bare Pink” didn’t result in a pale, candy floss pink; it was much darker. The super-soft balm itself is thicker than it looks and provides ample hydration – and, since it was created by one of the world’s top makeup artists, we’re convinced it’s worth every single penny.
5. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm: The best lip balm under £20
Price:£19.50 | Buy now from Debenhams
Perfect for those pouts in need of some tender loving care, this balm is almost like a facial for the lips, courtesy of some clever skincare ingredients and a melt-on-contact texture. It’s another squeezy tube, so remember a little goes a long way. But once in place, lips are left plumped, slightly glossy and super-smooth – and with a very subtle pink tinge. Its scent is pleasing – no sign of any mint here – and it isn’t overbearing, affecting the taste of food or drink. Apply it regularly and you’ll notice much softer, less irritated lips within the space of a week. It makes a great primer for lipstick too – apply a very thin layer and your lipstick will go on over the top seamlessly.
